With the controversial appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the incoming president鈥檚 planned sweeping changes to health policy, the Biden-Harris administration is addressing a critical issue: obesity.
A new proposal aims to expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage for anti-obesity medications (AOMs), potentially providing millions of Americans access to life-saving treatments.
Obesity, which affects an estimated 42% of the U.S. population, is a chronic disease linked to increased mortality and serious conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. Despite recent advancements in obesity treatment, including medications that can reduce heart attack risk and Type 2 diabetes, these drugs remain prohibitively expensive, often costing up to $1,000 per month without insurance.
The Biden-Harris proposal seeks to broaden Medicare and Medicaid coverage for these medications, reducing out-of-pocket costs by up to 95% for some enrollees. The expanded coverage could benefit an estimated 3.4 million Medicare beneficiaries and 4 million Medicaid enrollees.
鈥淭his proposal ensures that Americans can access treatments they need to lead healthier lives without financial burden,鈥 a senior administration official said.
Kennedy’s Controversial Appointment Raises Questions 最新麻豆影音视频 the Future of Healthcare
The proposal comes as President-elect Donald Trump鈥檚 decision to appoint Kennedy as HHS Secretary has drawn widespread criticism. Kennedy, known for his distrust of pharmaceuticals and promotion of healthcare-related conspiracy theories, has repeatedly criticized the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for what he calls its 鈥渁ggressive suppression of psychedelics.鈥
On his podcast, Kennedy described the United States as 鈥渢he sickest country in the world,鈥 blaming a healthcare system focused on 鈥減ills and potions鈥 rather than building immune systems and promoting holistic health.
Kennedy has also advanced the debunked theory that vaccines cause autism, a stance that has alarmed public health officials. Even the New York Post, which has previously praised Kennedy, warned that his confirmation could be disastrous for public health.
In a 2023 editorial, the Post highlighted Kennedy鈥檚 claim that 鈥渁ll America鈥檚 chronic health problems began in one year in the 1980s,鈥 calling his views both unscientific and dangerous.
If confirmed, Kennedy would wield significant power to reshape the healthcare system, with much of his rhetoric on psychedelics and the pharmaceutical industry mirroring that of Elon Musk, who Trump has also tapped for a cabinet position.
Biden-Harris Administration Focuses on Affordable Healthcare
In contrast, the Biden-Harris administration continues to prioritize accessible healthcare.
Since taking office, President Joe Biden has strengthened Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act through measures like the American Rescue Plan Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. These efforts have already delivered significant savings for millions of Americans, including insulin price caps, free vaccines, and a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap for prescription drugs starting in 2025.
The proposal to expand AOM coverage builds on this record, aiming to address obesity comprehensively through prevention, treatment, and systemic change. The administration鈥檚 National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health has already integrated nutrition and obesity counseling into Medicare and Medicaid, targeting diet-related diseases such as obesity.
Looking Ahead
As the U.S. prepares for a dramatic shift in health policy under Trump, the Biden-Harris administration鈥檚 final actions emphasize reducing costs and expanding access to life-saving treatments.
By broadening AOM coverage, millions of Americans could soon have the support they need to address obesity and its related health challenges.
The Biden-Harris administration鈥檚 efforts starkly contrast the incoming leadership at HHS, whose unorthodox views and conspiracy theories have sparked significant public concern.
鈥淲e can lower drug prices and improve health outcomes for Americans,” Biden said.