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Drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic would be covered by Medicare, Medicaid under Biden proposal
Washington — Millions of Americans with obesity would be eligible to have popular weight-loss drugs like Wegovy or Ozempic covered by Medicare and Medicaid under a new rule the Biden administration proposed Tuesday morning.
The costly proposal from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sets the stage for a potential showdown between the powerful pharmaceutical industry and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an outspoken opponent of the weight-loss drugs who, as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the agency, could try to block the measure.
While the rule would give millions of people access to weekly injectables that have helped people shed pounds so quickly that some have labeled them miracle drugs, it would cost taxpayers as much as $35 billion over the next decade.
“It’s a good day for anyone who suffers from obesity,” U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra told The Associated Press in an interview. “It’s a game changer for Americans who can’t afford these drugs otherwise.”
“This proposal would allow Americans and their doctors to determine the best path forward so they can lead healthier lives, without worrying about their ability to cover these drugs out-of-pocket, and ultimately reduce health care costs to our nation,” the White House said in a statement.
A bipartisan coalition of congressional members have lobbied for the drugs to be covered by Medicare, saying it could save the government from spending billions of dollars on treating chronic ailments that stem from obesity.
While it’s unclear where Trump himself stands on coverage of the weight-loss drugs, his allies and Cabinet picks who have vowed to cut government spending could balk at the upfront price tag.
Under the proposal, only those who are considered obese – someone who has a body mass index of 30 or higher – would qualify for coverage.
Some people may already get coverage of the drugs through Medicare or Medicaid if they have diabetes or are at risk for stroke or heart disease.
Becerra estimated that an additional 3.5 million people on Medicare and 4 million on Medicaid could qualify for coverage of the drugs. But research suggests far more people might qualify, with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimating roughly 28 million people on Medicaid are considered obese.
“These anti-obesity medications can help prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes,” the White House said in the statement. “Furthermore, these drugs reduce deaths and sickness from heart attack and other cardiovascular outcomes by up to 20%.”
Medicare has been barred from offering the drugs under a decades-old law that prohibits the government-backed insurance program from covering weight-loss products. The rule proposed by the Biden administration, however, would recognize obesity as a disease that can be treated with the help of the drugs.
The anti-obesity drug market has expanded significantly in recent years, with the Food and Drug Administration approving a new class of weekly injectables like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound to treat obesity.
People can lose as much as 15% to 25% of their body weight on the drugs, which imitate the hormones that regulate appetites by communicating fullness between the gut and brain when people eat.
The cost of the drugs has largely limited them to the wealthy, including celebrities who boast of their benefits. A monthly supply of Wegovy rings up at $1,300 and Zepbound will put you out $1,000. Shortages of the drugs have also limited the supplies.
Kennedy, who as Trump’s nominee for HHS secretary is subject to Senate confirmation, has railed against the drugs’ popularity. In speeches and on social media, he’s said the U.S. shouldn’t cover the drugs through Medicaid or Medicare. Instead, he supports a broad expansion of coverage for healthier foods and gym memberships.
“For half the price of Ozempic, we could purchase regeneratively raised, organic food for every American, three meals a day and a gym membership, for every obese American,” Kennedy said to a group of federal lawmakers during a roundtable earlier this year.
CBS News
Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner says DEI policy changes will “ensure every customer” feels welcome
Walmart’s decision to roll back some of its diversity, equity and inclusion policies nationwide are designed to “ensure every customer, every associate” feels welcome and like they belong, according to John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S.
“Like many companies all across the United States, we’ve been on a journey and we continue to be on a journey. And what we’re trying to do is to ensure that every customer, every associate feels welcome here to shop. And to feel like they belong,” Furner said in response to questions about the DEI policy decision in an exclusive interview Tuesday with “CBS Mornings.”
The changes, confirmed by Walmart on Monday after Wall Street Journal earlier reported on them, represent the end of a five-year commitment for an equity racial center set up after the police killing of George Floyd, as well as the retailer’s decision to phase out the term DEI. Walmart will also no longer give priority treatment to suppliers based on race or gender diversity, and will halt sellers from listing some transgender-related or themed items on the website.
Furner said Walmart is undergoing the changes to help foster inclusion.
“We’re going to continue to make the best decisions we can that makes everyone – our customers, our associates – feel like this is an environment they can shop in and thrive in,” he said.
Even so, Walmart’s decision comes amid growing pressure from conservatives to halt corporate DEI policies, which ramped up after the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2023 ending affirmative action in college admissions. Some conservative groups have filed lawsuits making similar arguments about corporations, targeting workplace DEI initiatives as well as hiring practices that give boosts to historically marginalized groups.
Other corporations that have recently backed away from DEI policies include Ford, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply and Harley-Davidson.
When asked if diversity among suppliers remains important to Walmart, Furner turned the focus to small businesses and small suppliers.
“We’ll continue to do the things we can do to ensure small suppliers have a path to be successful,” he said, noting that Walmart started in 1962 as a single store in Rogers, Arkansas.
Walmart is also committed to selling American-made goods, which make up about two-thirds of what the company sells, Furner said, adding, “We’re going to continue to lean into ensuring that we provide the very best pathways for small businesses, our supplies to be successful here in the store.”
How Walmart’s preparing for Trump’s proposed tariffs
Walmart will be ready for President-elect Donald Trump’s new trade policies, as the retailer’s products are mostly made within the U.S., Furner said. Even so, he acknowledged customers may see some impact on prices.
On Monday, President-elect Donald Trump doubled down on his campaign promise, threatening to impose sweeping new tariffs on imported goods from Mexico, Canada and China – America’s top three suppliers, according to the most recent Census data – as one of his “many first Executive Orders.”
Trump said he plans to add a 25% tariff on all Mexican and Canadian goods, as well as an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports, which he described as part of his crackdown on drugs and immigration. He said the tariffs would stand “until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country! “
“We’ll adjust to any environment. We’ve been in an environment with tariffs now for the last seven years now,” Furner said, adding that they have a team of people who are responsible for managing changes in trade policy.
Furner said Walmart will do everything possible – between the suppliers and supply chain – to keep prices low and help people save money.
“We’re going to focus on products and values,” Furner said, noting the company continues to monitor and evaluate the incoming Trump administration’s potential plans.
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The allure of credit cards is undeniable. With just a quick swipe or tap, you can purchase everything from necessities to luxury items. This convenience, combined with perks like reward points and cash back, has made credit cards an integral part of modern financial life. However, if you aren’t careful, what starts as a useful financial tool can quickly spiral into a debt trap that feels impossible to escape.
After all, the average American carries about $8,000 in credit card debt currently, and they’re doing so at a time when credit card interest rates exceed 23% on average. That combination can derail even the most carefully planned financial goals. And, when you add in bad spending habits, such as impulse purchases, carrying balances month-to-month or relying on credit for essentials, things can spiral out of control even faster.
Breaking free from destructive credit card habits is an important part of managing your credit responsibly, but it may require more than just willpower. In many cases, it demands a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the practical and psychological aspects of spending.
Find out what your credit card debt relief options are here.
6 ways to break your bad credit card spending habits
If you want to put an end to bad credit card habits and pave the way to a healthier financial future, these strategies could help:
Implement the 24-hour rule for non-essential purchases
Bad habit: One of the common bad credit card habits people have is making instant purchases without consideration, especially during flash sales or when encountering “limited time” offers. This often leads to buyer’s remorse and unnecessary debt accumulation.
Solution: Create a mandatory waiting period between wanting something and buying it. For any non-essential purchase over $50, wait at least 24 hours before making the transaction. This cooling-off period helps distinguish between genuine needs and impulsive desires.
Learn how to get rid of your credit card debt today.
Stop the high-rate debt cycle with strategic balance transfers
Bad habit: It may seem easy to make just the minimum payments while continuing to use credit cards, but that can lead to mounting interest charges. Many cardholders pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interest annually while barely touching their principal balance, creating a seemingly endless cycle of debt.
Solution: If you’ve already racked up high-rate credit card debt and are struggling to pay it off quickly, consider transferring your balance to a card offering a 0% introductory APR. Many cards offer these promotional rates for 12 to 21 months, giving you a valuable window to pay down your principal without accruing additional interest.
Break the debt cycle with a debt management program
Bad habit: You may have a habit of juggling multiple credit cards with different due dates, interest rates and payment amounts, which can lead to missed payments and late fees.
Solution: Enroll in a debt management program through a credit counseling agency. These programs can help you better manage your credit card spending and will typically negotiate lower interest rates with creditors, consolidate your payments and provide educational resources and support.
Combat “invisible money” syndrome with cash
Bad habit: Many cardholders treat credit cards as “free money” because you don’t physically see the money leaving your wallet. This disconnect often leads to overspending and shock when the monthly statement arrives.
Solution: Implement the “cash diet” method for categories where you tend to overspend. Create separate envelopes for different spending categories like dining out, entertainment and shopping. Once the cash is gone, stop spending in that category until the next month. This tangible approach to money management creates a stronger emotional connection to spending and helps prevent overspending.
Overcome statement avoidance with visualization tools
Bad habit: It can be tempting to continually avoid looking at credit card statements or only glancing at the minimum payment due. This “out of sight, out of mind” approach allows debt to grow unchecked and prevents you from understanding your spending patterns.
Solution: Make your credit card debt visible and track your progress using visual tools. To do this:
- Create a debt payoff thermometer and color it in as you make progress
- Use a spreadsheet or budgeting app to graph your declining balance
- Set up weekly reminders to review your credit card statements
- Take screenshots of your declining balance to celebrate milestones
Replace negative spending habits with positive reinforcement
Bad habit: Viewing credit card management as punishment or deprivation can lead to resistance and eventual abandonment of good financial habits. This mindset often results in binge spending followed by strict budgeting, creating an unhealthy financial cycle.
Solution: Develop positive reinforcement mechanisms for responsible credit card use. For example:
- Set specific debt reduction goals and reward yourself when you reach them
- Track your monthly spending and celebrate when you stay under budget
- Share your progress with an accountability partner or support group
- Use apps that gamify saving and debt repayment
The bottom line
The journey to breaking bad credit card habits isn’t always linear and setbacks are normal. The key is to remain committed to your goals and remember that small, consistent changes in behavior can lead to significant financial improvements over time. By implementing these strategies and staying focused on your financial health, you can transform your relationship with credit cards and build a stronger financial future.