Senators grilled Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on if and how he would reform Medicaid and Medicare during his first confirmation hearing to become the next secretary of Health and Human Services.

President Donald Trump’s Day One executive order rescinding Biden-era Medicare and Medicaid price innovation programs signals sweeping changes to the drug and treatment pricing agency within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and perhaps a substantive shake-up in two of the largest federal social welfare programs.

The Biden administration announced Friday that Ozempic, Wegovy and 13 additional drugs will now be covered under Medicare Part-D for price negotiations, the next round of negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act passed by President Joe Biden in 2022.

Ozempic and Wegovy, the blockbuster but costly GLP-1 drugs often used for weight loss, are among the 15 medications that will be subject to the next round of Medicare price negotiations, the Biden administration announced Friday.

Drugs used to treat cancer, diabetes and other chronic conditions are among 15 picked for negotiations that could result in lower prices for patients, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed Friday.

Federal officials are targeting the blockbuster drugs as part of their ongoing initiative to lower drug costs.

Because it is still awaiting approval, Medicare does not typically cover the use of ketamine infusion for treating mental health conditions. However, they may cover the FDA-approved nasal spray, Spravato, which contains a derivative of ketamine called esketamine.

RFK Jr has long expressed views that conflict with scientific evidence, especially on vaccines, and his nomination has provoked opposition from public health experts. But he has also adopted positions with popular support, scrutinising the use of food additives and urging that the power of big pharma be curbed.

Of the scores of day-one executive orders (EOs) issued by President Trump, the order rescinding a Biden administration executive order on

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has included Ozempic among the next 15 drugs chosen for Medicare negotiation. The CMS listed Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy — all forms of

Medicare spent $14.4 billion on Ozempic ... Ozempic, which the US Food and Drug Administration has approved to treat diabetes, and Wegovy, which is approved for weight loss and the prevention ...

Medicare Part D prescription drug plans may cover estradiol cream. A person can check with their plan to confirm coverage.