Trump says GLP-1 weight-loss drugs coming at $50 for Medicare patients
A photo illustration of the new Wegovy semaglutide tablets with Ozempic and Wegovy injectable prescription weight loss pens. Its a prescription medicine used with a reduced calorie diet and .and physical activity. (Photo by: Michael Siluk/UCG/Univers
President Donald Trump announced this month that the U.S. government will be expanding coverage of a popular new drug, making it more accessible to millions of Americans.
He said GLP-1 weight loss drugs would soon be available to those on Medicare for a special price.
Medicare weight-loss drugs
Big picture view:
Trump said Medicare patients would soon get coverage for popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Zepbound and Wegovy.
Timeline:
The new pricing would be available beginning July 1, Trump said.
By the numbers:
Trump said the drugs would be available for $50 a month.
What they're saying:
"Now think of that, $50 a month. So, it was $2,300, now it’s $50 – and the $1,300 doesn’t cover a whole month. So it’s really even more than that," Trump said during an event with seniors on Friday called Golden Age for your Golden Years.
What are GLP-1 weight loss drugs?
Big picture view:
GLP-1 medications mainly help manage blood sugar (glucose) levels in people with Type 2 diabetes, and, in some cases, can also help treat obesity.
In short, the drugs trigger insulin release, reduce glucose production in your liver and make you feel full, according to GoodRx.
The drugs have reshaped the treatment of diabetes and obesity, and more Americans than ever are turning to the drugs to lose weight and boost health.
By the numbers:
About 1 in 8 U.S. adults said they were taking a GLP-1 drug, according to a survey conducted last fall by the health research group KFF.
More than 66 million people 65 and older in the U.S. get their health coverage from Medicare.
Trump fighting prescription prices
WATCH: President Trump on prescription drugs
ARCHIVE (December 2025) - President Trump makes announcement on Friday about lowering U.S. drug prices.
The backstory:
President Trump and his administration have fought to lower the cost of several prescription drugs.
They’ve also negotiated lower prices for several prescription drugs for Medicare enrollees, through a direct negotiation program created by a 2022 law.
The Source: Information in this article was taken from President Trump’s public remarks on May 1, 2026. Background information was taken from Cleveland Clinic, GoodRX, the health research group KFF and The Associated Press. This story was reported from Detroit.