Medicare increase in spending on diabetes drugs could cost subscribers more money
(CNN/WSAW) - A new report shows Medicare has dramatically increased its spending on Ozempic and similar diabetes drugs. The Kaiser Family Foundation study says Medicare spent $5.7 billion on Ozempic and other diabetes drugs in 2022. That’s up from $57 million in 2018.
The medications have become hugely popular for people who want to lose weight and control diabetes, but Medicare is not allowed by law to cover the drugs for weight loss. The government program began covering Ozempic for people with diabetes in 2018, Rybelsus in 2019, And Mounjaro in 2022.
Medicare recently announced it would start covering Wegovy in people fighting their weight and who have heart disease. Researchers warn while these drugs are popular, the federal government and Medicare subscribers might have to foot the bill for the rising costs.
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