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Newsom's Medi-Cal Cuts: Weight Loss Drugs Face Ax

5/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In a bold move to tackle California's staggering $12 billion budget deficit, Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed cutting Medi-Cal coverage for popular weight loss medications, Ozempic and Wegovy. This decision could save the state $85 million in 2025-26 and a staggering $680 million by 2028-29, but it risks leaving low-income patients facing monthly costs exceeding $1,000.

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Story summary

In a bold move to tackle California's staggering $12 billion budget deficit, Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed cutting Medi-Cal coverage for popular weight loss medications, Ozempic and Wegovy. This decision could save the state $85 million in 2025-26 and a staggering $680 million by 2028-29, but it risks leaving low-income patients facing monthly costs exceeding $1,000.