Trump Administration Lowering Prices and Increasing Access of Obesity Medications Consistent with Ways & Means Committee Action to Improve Seniors’ Health Care, Address[...]

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Americans will have more affordable access to anti-obesity medications (AOMs) under the Trump Administration's new plan following work by the Ways and Means Committee last Congress to expand Medicare coverage of AOMs to improve the quality of care for Americans and reduce long-term health care costs. President Trump and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that the Administration reached agreement with pharmaceutical manufacturers to reduce the monthly cost of their AOMs and for the first time, make these drugs available to individuals on Medicare and Medicaid - some of our country's most vulnerable patients.

Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) issued the following statement:

"The Trump Administration is delivering on Republicans' promise to lower drug prices and increase health care access for the American people. The Ways and Means Committee has been fighting to address chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes with better prevention and innovative, affordable treatments. From holding hearings to approving legislation like the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, we understand the importance of improving access to more affordable treatments for obesity and other chronic diseases. This will vastly improve the quality of life for the American people and help address key drivers in the nation's long-term health care costs. In fact, according to a report from the Joint Economic Committee, obesity is projected to cost taxpayers more than $4 trillion over the coming decade and lead to an additional $9 trillion in medical expenses. We stand ready to work alongside the Trump Administration to tackle the rising cost of care in this country on behalf of patients and taxpayers."

In June 2024, by a bipartisan vote of 36 to 4, the Ways and Means Committee approved the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (H.R. 4818) - legislation introduced by then-Ways and Means member Dr. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI). The legislation has been reintroduced this congress by Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee Chairman Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Representative Moore (D-WI). Without action, an estimated 1.25 million patients are projected to lose coverage of AOMs over the next decade as they transition into Medicare, driving up long-term health costs. The new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) coverage model, like the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, provides Medicare coverage of AOMs to patients in need for the first time.

Read a fact sheet on the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act here.

READ: Seniors on Path to Access New Medication and Treatments Thanks to Ways and Means-Passed Legislation

READ: What They Are Saying: Treating Obesity Saves Lives and Saves Dollars

READ: Four Key Moments: Hearing on Chronic Disease Prevention and Treatment