The Oval Office became the stage for a surprising announcement as President Trump unveiled agreements with pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. The core of the deal: a concerted effort to dramatically lower the cost of obesity medications, bringing them within reach for millions.
For the first time, Medicare will begin covering obesity drugs starting in mid-2026, a landmark decision poised to reshape the landscape of healthcare. This move isn’t just about expanding access; it’s expected to encourage private insurers to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of affordability.
The plan centers around a capped co-pay of $50 per month for Medicare patients accessing both injectable and oral GLP-1 drugs, covering treatments for both diabetes and obesity. New, upcoming oral medications from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will begin at $145 a month through Medicare, Medicaid, or a new government website, TrumpRx.gov.
TrumpRx.gov, slated to launch in January 2026, will offer discounted medications directly to consumers. Existing injectable medications, like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Lilly’s Zepbound, will initially be priced at $350 per month through the platform, with a planned reduction to $245 over two years.
The Food and Drug Administration is expediting the review process for these potential new drugs, awarding priority review vouchers to accelerate their approval. Novo Nordisk anticipates an oral version of Wegovy by year's end, while Eli Lilly’s orforglipron is projected to launch in 2026.
The need for affordable obesity treatments is starkly illustrated by statistics from Canada, where nearly 33% of the population – over 10.6 million people – were classified as obese in 2023. While Canada currently has limited coverage, the potential arrival of generic versions offers a glimmer of hope for reduced costs.
The announcement itself was unexpectedly interrupted by a medical emergency. During the live news conference, a pharmaceutical executive suddenly fainted, prompting a brief but concerning pause. White House officials quickly assured the public that the individual received immediate medical attention and was recovering.
The event resumed shortly after, but the incident served as a dramatic underscore to the gravity of the health issues at the heart of the discussion. The focus quickly returned to the potential impact of these agreements on the lives of countless individuals struggling with obesity and related health concerns.
