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Older Americans Want Medicare Weight-Loss Drugs, But Not Higher Costs

3/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A recent University of Michigan study shows a strong desire among older Americans for Medicare to include prescription weight-loss medications, with 83.2% in favor. Yet, only 30.2% are ready to shoulder higher premiums for this benefit. As it stands, Medicare excludes these drugs, but upcoming legislation could reshape this landscape, potentially adding $35 billion to federal spending over the next eight years.

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Story summary

A recent University of Michigan study shows a strong desire among older Americans for Medicare to include prescription weight-loss medications, with 83.2% in favor. Yet, only 30.2% are ready to shoulder higher premiums for this benefit. As it stands, Medicare excludes these drugs, but upcoming legislation could reshape this landscape, potentially adding $35 billion to federal spending over the next eight years.