06 Nov Trump Announces Major Deal to Lower Cost of Popular Weight Loss Drugs: What This Means for Patients

In a groundbreaking move, President Donald Trump has announced new agreements with pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to reduce the cost of highly sought-after GLP-1 weight loss medications, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound. These drugs have often been called “fat drugs” by Trump himself, who has long criticized their high prices in the U.S. compared to other countries.

Key Points of the Deal

• Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will offer their weight loss medications to Medicare for as low as $149/month for the lowest dose and $245/month for higher doses.
• These prices are set to take effect in mid-2026 and are significantly lower than the typical $500/month direct-to-consumer cost.
• The new TrumpRx.gov site (launching next year) will allow consumers to buy these drugs directly for $350/month or less, with further discounts down to $245/month over two years.
• Medicare patients who meet eligibility—those with certain BMI and conditions like prediabetes or cardiovascular disease—will pay a $50/month co-pay. About 10% of Medicare beneficiaries may qualify.
• Medicaid patients in select states will also gain access to lower prices starting in 2027 through a pilot program.
• In exchange for price reductions, drug manufacturers will get expedited FDA reviews and new access to the Medicare market.

Impact on Weight Loss Patients

This deal could be a game-changer for Americans struggling with obesity, especially those on Medicare and Medicaid—groups with higher obesity rates than those with private insurance. Nearly 40 million Americans living with obesity on government insurance programs may see improved access to treatment, with millions more who pay out-of-pocket also set to benefit.

Industry experts estimate that GLP-1 drugs can dramatically improve quality of life, reducing obesity-related health complications and costs. For example, a Medicare official cited that widespread use could mean $60+ billion per year in health benefits across millions of patients.

Cautions and Considerations

While public health leaders have generally welcomed the price cuts, some experts warn that simply expanding access to weight loss drugs isn’t enough. There’s concern about becoming too reliant on medication for obesity rather than addressing root causes like diet and exercise.

President Trump also remains a skeptic in some respects, often sharing anecdotes of friends struggling to lose weight despite these medications. Nonetheless, the administration’s move is widely seen as an ambitious step toward making life-changing treatments more affordable for millions.

What’s Next

• The changes for Medicare will begin in mid-2026, with Medicaid pilot access rolling out in 2027.
• Look for more updates on TrumpRx.gov as it launches in the coming year.
• Patients and providers should watch for new eligibility guidelines and expanded access as regulatory approvals continue.

Bottom Line for getskinnyjax.com Readers

If you or a loved one is considering weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound, relief could finally be on the horizon with these new cost-saving measures. Keep following getskinnyjax.com for updates and advice on accessing these treatments affordably and safely.