智通财经网·2025-12-24 13:05Core Insights - The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a voluntary program to include GLP-1 weight loss and diabetes treatment drugs in Medicaid and Medicare Part D coverage following a price reduction agreement reached by the Trump administration with Eli Lilly (LLY.US) and Novo Nordisk (NVO.US) [1][2] Group 1: Program Details - The new program, based on the "BALANCE Initiative," aims to negotiate drug prices directly, establish standardized coverage terms, and set caps on out-of-pocket costs for patients [1] - Eligible Medicare beneficiaries will only need to pay $50 per month for GLP-1 drugs, including Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (semaglutide) and Eli Lilly's Zepbound (tirzepatide) [1] Group 2: Implementation Timeline - CMS plans to launch a pilot project for GLP-1 drug payments under Medicare in July 2026, allowing beneficiaries to purchase drugs at government-negotiated prices [2] - The program is expected to start for Medicaid in May 2026 and expand to Medicare in January 2027 [1][2] Group 3: Drug Pricing and Development - The Trump administration's agreement revealed that two anticipated oral weight loss drugs being developed by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will be priced at $149 per month for Medicare, Medicaid beneficiaries, and self-paying patients [2] - Novo Nordisk's oral weight loss drug was approved for market release recently, while Eli Lilly's similar drug is still under review [2]