DEAL with Obesity Act of 2024

This bill would expand Medicare Part D coverage to include FDA-approved weight loss medications for dual-eligible beneficiaries (those enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid), directly affecting approximately 12.5 million low-income Americans. It removes current coverage barriers by amending Medicare rules to require Part D plans to cover these medications for obesity treatment or weight loss management starting in 2026. This change would significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries - from $900-$1,350 per month to as little as $25 monthly - based on existing cost data. The policy aims to address high obesity-related healthcare costs ($173 billion annually) while targeting a population where 38% of Medicaid and 48% of Medicare beneficiaries are affected by obesity.