Millions of Medicare enrollees can pay only $50 a month for weight loss drugs, starting July 1

Eligible Medicare beneficiaries will be able to obtain super-popular, but pricey GLP-1 medications for $50 a month, starting July 1, Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator, said at a White House briefing on Tuesday.

The deal stems from the “Most Favored Nation” agreements that President Donald Trump inked in November with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, the manufacturers of Zepbound and Wegovy, respectively. The program is part of an 18-month pilot project, known as Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, since Medicare by law is not allowed to cover medications for weight loss.

The drugmakers are reducing the prices Medicare pays to $245, which will help pay for expanded coverage of weight loss medications, under the agreement.

Medicare enrollees who are overweight and have prediabetes or who have had a stroke or other cardiovascular disease will be eligible, as will those who have obesity and diabetes or uncontrolled high blood pressure and severe obesity, according to the criteria announced last year. CMS’ FAQ site on the program does not yet include eligibility information.

About 10% of Medicare enrollees would be eligible for expanded access under the deals, senior administration officials said in November. Medicare already covers certain weight loss drugs if they are also approved to treat certain medical conditions.