Most-Favored-Nation Pricing Initiative Significantly Improves Affordability and Access to Obesity Treatments for Communities Disproportionately Impacted by Chronic Diseases like Obesity

November 6, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Health Equity Coalition for Chronic Disease (HECCD) today applauds the Trump administration’s announcement to lower prices and expand access to medication for chronic disease patients living with obesity. The move is expected to expand access to FDA-approved treatments for communities disproportionately impacted by obesity – a population HECCD has been fighting for over the last three years. 

By securing agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers to reduce the cost of highly used medicines — including GLP-1 treatments for chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease — this announcement marks a meaningful step toward improving access to care for millions of Americans.

Today’s announcement is also bolstered by the efforts of the previous administration, as President Joe Biden paved the way forward for reform by expanding access to obesity care in federal programs and creating the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. HECCD has long worked for Medicare and Medicaid coverage of anti-obesity medications, and is pleased to see the Trump administration delivering an outcome on this critical issue.

The Coalition released the following statement today: 

“As a coalition dedicated to advancing health equity and reducing barriers to care, especially the treatment of obesity, HECCD recognizes the substantial, potential impacts of this policy for communities that have long faced disproportionate burdens from chronic disease — particularly for people of color, older adults, and rural Americans who are disproportionately affected by chronic conditions. Lowering the cost of medications people rely on every day to prevent or manage chronic disease is a critical component of improving long-term health outcomes and addressing inequities in access to care. We applaud the Trump administration for taking action to expand access to potentially lifesaving care.” 

Three aspects of the White House announcement are particularly promising for communities facing barriers to treating chronic disease:

Lowering costs for high-impact drugs 

The announcement includes substantial reductions in list prices for GLP-1 drugs that treat diabetes and obesity such as Ozempic, WeGovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. These changes can help more individuals access and stay on treatment, avoid complications, and reduce the long-term, national burden of chronic disease.

Improving access for Medicare and Medicaid populations 

By extending reduced prices to Medicare and Medicaid, the policy has the potential to benefit populations most affected by chronic conditions — including racial and ethnic minorities, low-income adults and seniors, and those in rural or medically underserved areas.

Aligning incentives with health equity and prevention

The administration’s focus on addressing obesity, which affects roughly 40 percent of U.S. adults, underscores the importance of integrating affordability, access, and prevention in efforts to improve public health. HECCD also urges policymakers to build on this momentum by modernizing outdated coverage restrictions that limit access to the full continuum of obesity care, including FDA-approved anti-obesity medications and counseling services

HECCD emphasizes that these cost reductions must be paired with clear coverage policies, provider education, and patient outreach to ensure that these lower prices translate into meaningful access and treatment. Without such measures, millions of Americans could remain unaware or unable to benefit from these developments. Our work will continue to ensure even access to all communities.   

HECCD commends the administration’s efforts to make medications more affordable and accessible for patients living with chronic diseases and looks forward to continued collaboration with federal leaders, Congress, and healthcare partners to ensure equitable implementation.