"Rising Costs of Diabetes and Weight-Loss Drugs Impacting Medicare and Patients"

Medicare spending on Ozempic and similar diabetes drugs has skyrocketed to $5.7 billion in 2022, up from $57 million in 2018, leading to concerns about potential costs for both the federal government and Medicare enrollees. The pricey medications, including Mounjaro and Rybelsus, have gained popularity for treating diabetes and weight loss, but Medicare is not allowed to cover drugs for weight loss. The KFF analysis found that the combination of high demand and prices for these treatments is likely to place significant pressure on Medicare spending, Part D plan costs, and premiums for Part D coverage. While coverage of these drugs could reduce other healthcare spending, their current prices would likely cost the federal government more than they would save, according to a Congressional Budget Office analysis.