Results for: Medicare

Millions of overweight or obese Medicare patients with heart conditions may now be eligible for coverage of the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy under a new indication. The drug, approved by the FDA last month to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack, is already covered by Medicare for people with diabetes. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that 3.6 million Medicare beneficiaries could be eligible for coverage of Wegovy for its new indication, but uptake may be limited by its high cost and potential side effects.

The FDA’s approval of Wegovy for reducing cardiovascular disease risk in Medicare beneficiaries with obesity has the potential to significantly impact healthcare access and costs. An estimated 3.6 million Medicare beneficiaries could gain access to the drug, representing approximately 7% of all Medicare enrollees. The expansion could lead to a significant increase in Part D spending, with estimates suggesting an additional $3 billion if 10% of eligible beneficiaries use Wegovy. However, the coverage expansion could also reduce the cost of proposed legislation to lift the Medicare ban on obesity medication coverage.

Spending on GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, has skyrocketed in recent years, putting a strain on the U.S. healthcare system and the federal government. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports that GLP-1 treatments were a major factor in last year’s rise in overall drug expenses for entities like pharmacies and hospitals. The approval of Wegovy for preventing cardiovascular complications could further increase Medicare spending by $2.8 billion annually.

Medicare and Medicaid are two distinct health insurance programs with different eligibility criteria, coverage options, and income limits. Medicare is primarily intended for individuals aged 65 or older, while Medicaid provides coverage for low-income individuals and families. While both programs are funded by taxpayers, they differ in terms of income eligibility and the scope of benefits provided. This article explores the key differences between Medicare and Medicaid, including eligibility requirements, coverage options, and the impact of income on benefits.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has sparked controversy by calling Social Security the “Biggest Ponzi scheme ever.” The government program provides retirement income and helps millions of Americans qualify for Medicare.

Starting in 2025, Medicare Advantage and Part D plans will undergo significant changes. This article provides a summary of three major changes: the elimination of sales incentives for agents and brokers, the requirement for plans to send personalized notifications about unused supplemental benefits, and the cap on out-of-pocket costs for covered Part D drugs.