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Medicare's pilot GLP-1 discount program has a catch. Some sick patients don't qualify

Medicare launched a pilot program that could streamline the process to get GLP-1s, with some seniors paying just $50 a month. But many people with the most serious illnesses won't get that discount.

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Medicare launched a pilot program that could streamline the process to get GLP-1s, with some seniors paying just $50 a month. In January, Jeff La Marca got a prescription for the popular weight loss drug Zepbound. Then Medicare launched an 18-month pilot program that offers GLP-1 medications to some enrollees for only $50 a month. La Marca thought he might finally be able to afford the drug. La Marca has severe obstructive sleep apnea, one of several diagnoses that exclude patients from the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program's $50 monthly price. About 1 in 5 American adults has taken a GLP-1 medication, and most of them, including those with health insurance, say the drugs are difficult to afford. Federal law has long barred Medicare from covering drugs prescribed solely for weight loss, which is why the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program made a big splash when it launched in July. It's a short-term pilot program in which Medicare is offering coverage of three GLP-1s for weight loss and management, to see whether that would save Medicare money later.

ประโยคและวลีที่ใช้ได้จริงจากเรื่องนี้

Useful phrases from this story

launched a pilot program thatCollocation

เปิดโครงการทดลองที่.

From the storyMedicare launched a pilot program that could streamline the process to get GLP-1s, with some seniors paying just $50 a month.

could streamline the process toCollocation

สามารถปรับปรุงกระบวนการได้.

From the storyMedicare launched a pilot program that could streamline the process to get GLP-1s, with some seniors paying just $50 a month.

might finally be able toCollocation

ในที่สุดอาจจะสามารถ.

From the storyLa Marca thought he might finally be able to afford the drug.

has severe obstructive sleep apneaCollocation

มีอุปสรรคการหลับอย่างรุนแรง.

From the storyLa Marca has severe obstructive sleep apnea, one of several diagnoses that exclude patients from the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program's $50 monthly price.

has taken a GLPCollocation

ได้รับ GLP.

From the storyAbout 1 in 5 American adults has taken a GLP-1 medication, and most of them, including those with health insurance, say the drugs are difficult to afford.

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