Trump Administration Announces Deal to Lower Cost of Wegovy, Zepbound
The Trump administration announced today a deal with pharmaceutical companies to significantly lower the out-of-pocket cost of popular weight loss drugs Wegovy and Zepbound, potentially expanding access to these medications for millions of Americans struggling with obesity.
Under the agreement, monthly costs for the drugs could range from $50 to around $350, depending on dosage and insurance coverage, a substantial reduction from current list prices exceeding $1,000. The initiative includes a plan to offer Wegovy and Zepbound through the TrumpRx discount platform, starting at $350 a month and decreasing to $250 within two years. Drugmakers have also agreed to reduce prices for GLP-1 drugs already approved for diabetes and other conditions to $245 a month, with Medicare beneficiaries paying no more than a $50 copay. This move comes as demand for these drugs surges, straining supply and affordability for many.
The deal’s impact on Medicare coverage remains partially unclear, as current law prohibits covering drugs for weight loss alone. However, President Trump stated during a White House briefing that Medicare and Medicaid “will finally cover the cost of the weight loss drugs for millions of patients suffering from obesity.” Experts caution that details are still emerging. “The details are totally obscure and it’s a little hard to predict: Will it help or won’t it help?” said Art Caplan, head of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City. The administration is also expediting the approval of a weight loss pill, with a priority voucher expected to be approved today. For more information on GLP-1 medications, visit the Food and Drug Administration website.
The agreement is part of President Trump’s “most favored nation” initiative to lower prescription drug prices, and includes tariff relief for the drugmakers over three years. Senior administration officials expect direct-to-consumer pricing to be available by the end of the year and Medicare coverage by the middle of next year. The administration is expected to unveil new prices for 15 drugs, including Wegovy and Zepbound, by November 30, as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.
