The Trump administration is no stranger to opposition when it comes to Washington’s bureaucracy. Trump officials are now looking at modernizing Medicare by implementing a “pro-active” approach as opposed to a “reactive” approach to healthcare. The White House wants the FDA to classify “obesity” as a chronic disease. This would in turn, allow the administration to reduce costs in weight loss drugs such as, Wegovy and Ozempic, at the pharmacy.
If used correctly, GLP 1 receptor antagonists can not only help prevent diseases such as: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, it can help someone temporarily on their health journey. General Practice Doctor, Cliff Porter, says the drug must be monitored by a physician. “The medications dramatically reduce the urge to eat which is called gluconeogenesis which is the development of new sugar. Some people need them for a brief period; other people need them long term. If you grow up in a certain way, have a certain diet, and have a certain eating pattern, culturally it is hard to change, and this medication stops those cravings. People can also use this to reduce alcohol cravings.” Porter explained.
A recent JAMA fiscal study of Medicare Beneficiaries showed that 5 percent of weight reduction is associated with about $1,262.00 less in annual health care spending per person with larger losses linked to even greater savings.
In Mid-October, President Trump said he would make the cost of Ozempic “much lower” to make life changing medicines much lower for Americans.
“There are all these different ways to cover major medical- like health share plans and crowd health funding. We can offer primary care and urgent care at just a fraction of the cost. We are just making other people wealthy. So, it is possible to get all these things done. Reforming healthcare at the national level will really help.” Dr. Porter said.