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States Expand Obesity Drug Coverage Despite Federal Inaction

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Columbia, South Carolina, USA

May 22, 2025 1 Neutral I want health & wellness updates

Columbia, South Carolina, USA: With the Trump administration declining to mandate Medicaid coverage for costly new anti-obesity medications, several states—like South Carolina—are forging ahead on their own. Medicaid enrollees who meet certain clinical criteria can now access Wegovy (semaglutide) and similar GLP-1 drugs for weight management. As obesity rates climb, advocates hail the move, citing long-term health benefits. Critics worry about high initial costs and unknown long-range side effects. The result is a patchwork of coverage: some states embrace these treatments, while others opt out.

What this means for you:

•	If you struggle with obesity and live in a state adding coverage, you could see lower medication costs.
•	Those in states opting out of coverage may face big out-of-pocket expenses or no access at all.
•	Even with coverage, weigh potential side effects; talk to your doctor about a holistic weight management plan.
•	If you relocate for work or family, understand that Medicaid coverage varies widely.

Key Entities

• Medicaid: The U.S. insurance program for low-income individuals, administered at the state level with federal guidance.
• GLP-1 Drugs (Wegovy, Ozempic): Medications that aid weight loss by curbing appetite and regulating blood sugar.
• Trump administration: Declined to enforce nationwide Medicaid coverage for obesity medications, leaving the decision to each state.

Bias Distribution

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Center: 100% (1 source)

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Multi-Perspective Analysis

Left-Leaning View

(No major coverage).

Centrist View

Highlights the state-by-state coverage developments and cost concerns.

Right-Leaning View

(No major coverage).

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