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Ozempic, Wegovy covered by Medicare and Medicaid under Biden admin proposal for anti-obesity GLP-1 drugs

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Ozempic, Wegovy covered by Medicare and Medicaid under Biden admin proposal for anti-obesity GLP-1 drugs

The Biden administration is expanding coverage of anti-obesity drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy for people with Medicare and Medicaid through a new proposal from the Department of Health and Human Services, a White House official says. 

Medicare currently only covers these drugs for people who are diagnosed with diabetes or cardiovascular disease with obesity, or for people who are overweight, according to the official, who added that while some state Medicaid programs cover the GLP-1 medications for obesity, many do not. 

The new HHS proposal, they said, would require both Medicare and Medicaid to cover the drugs for people with obesity as a treatment for the condition.

“Today’s new proposal would expand access to these innovative medications for obesity, which is widely recognized as a disease and help an estimated 3.4 million Americans with Medicare. Medicare coverage would reduce out-of-pocket costs for these prescription drugs by as much as 95 percent for some enrollees,” the White House said in a statement Tuesday. 

DIABETES AND WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS SHOWN TO REDUCE ALCOHOL-RELATED HOSPITALIZATIONS, STUDY FINDS 

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A new Biden administration proposal will expand coverage of Wegovy for people with Medicare and Medicaid. (Steve Christo – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

“Approximately 4 million adult Medicaid enrollees would also gain new access to these medications. 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 statement added. 

The White House says that “for too many Americans, these critical treatments are too expensive and therefore out of reach,” and, “without insurance coverage, these drugs can cost someone as much as $1,000 a month.”

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) receptor agonists are commonly prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes (to stabilize blood glucose levels) or obesity (to assist with weight loss). 

DIABETES PATIENTS NOW HAVE ACCESS TO FIRST GENERIC GLP-1 MEDICATION 

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Ozempic medication

The anti-obesity medication Ozempic, made by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.  (Getty Images)

“These medications slow down digestion, which means food stays in the stomach longer,” said Dr. Alfred Bonati, the founder of the Bonati Spine Institute in Florida, previously told Fox News Digital. 

The White House says an estimated 42 million Americans today have obesity, “with increased risk of all-cause mortality and multiple related comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, some cancers, and more.” 

Wegovy, Ozempic, Victoza

Three injectable prescription weight loss medicines — Ozempic, Victoza and Wegovy.  (Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

 

“Over the past few years, there have been major scientific advancements in the treatment of obesity, with the introduction of new life-saving drugs. These anti-obesity medications can help prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, these drugs reduce deaths and sickness from heart attack and other cardiovascular outcomes by up to 20%,” the White House added. 

Fox News’ Melissa Rudy contributed to this report. 

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CheekyMD Offers Needle-Free GLP-1s | Woman's World

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CheekyMD Offers Needle-Free GLP-1s | Woman's World


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Martha Stewart, 83, stays fit and flexible with this routine

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Martha Stewart, 83, stays fit and flexible with this routine

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Martha Stewart’s new Netflix documentary “Martha” is giving fans an inside peek into the American businesswoman’s personal life.

Despite her past legal challenges, the 83-year-old author and entrepreneur appears to be healthy and fit as ever.

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In an interview with Women’s Health last year, Stewart shared her fitness routine, which keeps her disciplined and on schedule.

WWII VETERAN, 95, STILL WORKS OUT AT LOCAL GYM EVERY WEEK: ‘I’M IN CONTROL’

Pilates, yoga and more

Stewart is reportedly committed to attending Pilates three mornings per week.

She leaves the house at 6:15 a.m. for her Pilates class, where she and the instructor are the “only people in the [studio] at that time,” according to Women’s Health.

“Nobody else gets up that early,” she told the publication.

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Stewart has also mentioned being a fan of yoga to keep her “muscles long, limber and flexible,” according to a past blog post.

WHAT IS RUCKING? THIS POPULAR FITNESS TREND GOES BACK TO BASICS FOR BIG GAINS

On her property in Bedford, New York, Stewart stays generally active, telling Women’s Health that “just getting around from place to place on the farm and making sure the gardening is being done and the animals are taken care of [is a lot of exercise].”

Snoop Dogg, U.S. rapper and record producer, sits next to Martha Stewart at the equestrian team dressage final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Aug. 3, 2024. (HENRIK MONTGOMERY/TT/TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP via Getty Images)

She also enjoys caring for her horses and horseback riding for exercise, according to various blog posts.

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Stewart also has a home gym – where she has previously worked with a personal trainer – equipped with weight machines, free weights and a treadmill.

‘Keeping things practical’

Celebrity personal trainer Kollins Ezekh, who is based in Los Angeles, applauded Stewart for “keeping things practical and enjoyable” in her approach to fitness.

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“At 83, she’s a great example of how to stay active without pushing yourself to extremes,” he told Fox News Digital in an interview. 

“She mixes Pilates, yoga and weight training, which helps keep her muscle mass and flexibility in check.”

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Martha Stewart behind the bar

Stewart toasted her iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover in May 2023. (Noam Galai)

Ezekh added that Stewart is also a “big fan of walking,” an exercise that is simple yet “so effective for cardiovascular health and mental clarity.”

“What I love about Martha’s approach is that it’s sustainable,” he went on. 

“She’s not going for intense, over-the-top workouts. She focuses on functional fitness — stuff that helps her stay strong, mobile and independent in her day-to-day life.”

martha stewart on the tonight show

Martha Stewart is pictured during an interview on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” in Dec. 2023. (Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images)

For other women in their 80s, Ezekh noted that fitness is all about “staying strong and mobile without overdoing it.”

He recommends trying workouts like chair yoga, which is “super easy on the joints but great for flexibility and balance.”

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“You can do it sitting down, and it helps keep everything loose and limber,” he added.

To build leg strength, the trainer also suggested sit-to-stands, which only require standing up from a chair and sitting back down without using the hands.

Martha Stewart in a lavender jacket soft smiles on the carpet at her documentary premiere

Martha Stewart at Netflix’s “Martha” New York Premiere at The Paris Theater on Oct. 21, 2024, in New York City. (Stephanie Augello/Variety via Getty Images)

Heel-to-toe walks are another simple balance exercise for octogenarians, according to Ezekh.

“Just walk in a straight line, placing your heel right in front of your toe with each step,” he instructed. “It’s great for preventing falls.”

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“These moves are all about keeping you strong, stable and able to move easily through your day.”

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6 ways to prevent holiday illness: Ask a doctor

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6 ways to prevent holiday illness: Ask a doctor

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With the holidays approaching, polls show that 82% of Americans plan to gather for the holidays to share celebrations, gifts, memories — and sometimes, unintentionally, germs.

“Such gatherings pose a higher risk of spreading infections, especially to children, elderly family members, and those with weaker immune systems or multiple medical comorbidities,” said Varvara Probst, M.D., a clinical assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at the University of Florida’s College of Medicine in Gainesville, Florida.

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There are steps you can take, however, to reduce the risk of getting sick when spending time with family and friends.  

4 HOLIDAY NUTRITION TIPS FROM DR. NICOLE SAPHIER: ‘EVERYTHING IN MODERATION’

Fox News Digital spoke with doctors about how to keep gatherings from turning into “super-spreaders.”

1. Get current on vaccinations

Vaccinations play a big role in preventing holiday illness, according to Probst.

82% of Americans plan to gather for the holidays to share celebrations, gifts, memories — and sometimes, unintentionally, germs. (iStock)

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“Staying up-to-date with flu and COVID vaccinations is one of the most helpful strategies to reduce the risk of infection and hospitalization,” she told Fox News Digital. 

Pneumococcal and RSV vaccinations are also recommended for older adults, Probst added.

HOLIDAY GATHERINGS CAN LEAD TO STRESS EATING: TRY THESE 5 TIPS TO CONTROL IT

“While these steps can’t prevent every illness, they greatly lower the chances of serious infections and help keep family gatherings more protected and enjoyable for everyone,” she said.

2. Wash hands frequently

Regular and thorough handwashing is a simple yet powerful method to prevent the spread of germs between people and from contaminated surfaces like door knobs and furniture, doctors agree. 

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“This is especially important when traveling for long distances or if someone at home is feeling unwell,” Probst noted.  

Holiday gathering

There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of getting sick when spending time with family and friends, doctors say. (iStock)

It’s also best to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, as this can introduce microbes directly to areas where they are most likely to cause infection, the doctor cautioned.

3. Limit close contact with sick people

Whenever possible, avoid close contact with those who have colds or stomach bugs, Probst recommended.  

Children, the elderly, and those with existing conditions or weakened immunity are most at risk.

“If you do need to interact with someone who is sick, wearing a mask and washing hands frequently can help minimize exposure to infection,” she advised.

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4. Be mindful about large gatherings

Those who are at higher risk should try to avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces, Probst said, as germs can linger in the air with a higher chance of being inhaled. 

      

“While not always necessary, wearing a mask in crowded areas is especially beneficial for people with weakened immune systems or multiple health conditions, and can reduce the amount of germs you breathe in,” she added.

5. Prioritize nutrition and nutrients

Eating “fresh and properly prepared food” can help to reduce the risk of stomach bugs or food poisoning, according to Probst.

Elegant dining table with lit candles, roast turkey, potatoes, vegetables, and smiling family members.

Eating “fresh and properly prepared food” can help to reduce the risk of stomach bugs or food poisoning, a doctor advised. (iStock)

Jesus Lizarzaburu, MD, a family physician with TPMG Grafton Family Medicine in Yorktown, Virginia, also recommends taking vitamin C a few weeks before the holiday season starts to help prevent sickness.

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Vitamin D can also improve immune responses, he told Fox News Digital, and there is evidence that zinc can decrease the duration of cold symptoms.

6. Focus on healthy behaviors

Maintaining good sleep habits, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise can boost the immune system, which can help you fight off infections and illnesses if you catch something, according to experts.

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How sick is too sick?

In some cases, it may be best to skip a holiday gathering to prevent spreading infections and getting others sick. 

“Symptoms that indicate you may be too sick to attend a family gathering include a fever, muscle aches, persistent and strong coughing, frequent sneezing with large amount of nasal discharge, or frequent vomiting and diarrhea,” Probst said. 

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Woman sick Christmas

Fever, muscle aches, persistent and strong coughing, frequent sneezing with large amount of nasal discharge, or frequent vomiting and diarrhea warrant skipping a holiday gathering, according to medical experts. (iStock)

These symptoms often suggest a high risk of spreading viruses, which can be particularly dangerous for children, the elderly and those with existing medical conditions or weak immune systems, she said. 

“In such cases, it would be safer to recover at home,” the doctor added.

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It may even be possible to spread a virus even after symptoms have abated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Those experiencing persistent symptoms should see a doctor for health guidance.

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