Medicare Coverage Of GLP-1 Medications For Obesity Could Raise Net Spending By $47.7 Billion Over 10 Years

If Medicare policies are updated to cover glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) for obesity treatment, a recent economic evaluation estimated costs at $65.9 billion, to be offset by health care savings of $18.2 billion, for a net spending increase of $47.7 billion.

GLP-1RAs are not covered by Medicare Part D, partly due to high drug costs, the researchers stated. The Biden administration's proposal to expand coverage presents the issue of balancing fiscal costs against the clinical benefits of treating obesity and related complications.

The researchers offered alternative recommendations to address obesity among . . .