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Sen. John Fetterman Advocates for Expanding Access to GLP-1 Medications
On Wednesday, Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) urged the Trump administration to endorse a rule from the Biden administration aimed at broadening access to GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, for millions eligible under Medicare and Medicaid.
In a recent op-ed in The New York Times, Fetterman appealed to President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., sharing his own experience with Mounjaro, which he was prescribed to help reduce cardiac risks following a stroke in 2022.
Fetterman expressed, “While my initial intention was to improve my heart health, I have noticed a remarkable enhancement in my overall well-being. My physical condition feels rejuvenated; aches and stiffness have diminished significantly. I feel not only younger but also more optimistic and mentally clearer. Additionally, I’ve lost around 20 pounds as a positive side effect.”
He emphasized that he is not financially incentivized for discussing his treatment and noted that many Americans have benefited similarly from GLP-1 medications, regardless of their original purpose.
Under a proposal introduced last November by the Biden administration, anti-obesity drugs would gain coverage under Medicare and Medicaid, potentially benefitting approximately 3.4 million Medicare beneficiaries and about 4 million Medicaid recipients.
However, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently announced it would not finalize this rule, providing scant explanation for its decision. Without insurance, these medications can cost individuals up to $1,000 per month.
Currently, Medicare does provide coverage for GLP-1 drugs when prescribed for conditions like diabetes and heart disease, but a ban from 2003 prevents Medicare from covering weight-loss medications. The Biden administration’s plan sought to extend that coverage to older and low-income Americans who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above.
In his op-ed, Fetterman acknowledged the potential rise in Medicare spending from expanding coverage but highlighted the underlying economic burden caused by chronic diseases, which amount to more than $1 trillion annually in the U.S. He argued that Medicare is now positioned to negotiate better pricing for these medications.
He also referenced some of Kennedy’s critical views on anti-obesity drugs, including the notion that Americans should focus more on improving their diets instead of relying on medications.
While appreciating the importance of dietary and lifestyle changes, Fetterman insisted, “For many Americans facing significant health challenges, medication can serve as an essential first step towards regaining health and making sustainable lifestyle changes.”
Citing the troubling statistic that nearly half of American adults face obesity— a major contributor to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes— he declared that expanding medication access is not a matter of aesthetics but rather about empowering millions to lead healthier lives.
Fetterman underscored the importance of bipartisan support, asserting that endorsing this rule transcends political lines. He remarked, “If Mr. Trump and Mr. Kennedy are genuinely committed to enhancing American health, there is a clear need for practical solutions like this.”
He concluded with a call for collaborative action, stating, “The effectiveness of our government should be measured by its ability to make life-saving medications more accessible and affordable. Mr. Biden’s now-abandoned rule represents a pragmatic solution often discussed in Washington, yet seldom enacted. I urge the Trump administration and Mr. Kennedy to reconsider and implement this necessary rule.”
Source
thehill.com