Medicare's New Policy Expands Access to Obesity Drugs
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 day ago
0mins
Source: CNBC
- Medicare Coverage Breakthrough: Starting July 1, eligible seniors can access obesity drugs through Medicare's Bridge program for a monthly copay of $50, marking a significant victory for patients and advocates, which is expected to greatly enhance the accessibility of obesity treatments.
- Public Awareness Gap: A survey indicates that 82% of older Americans are unaware of Medicare's upcoming coverage for obesity drugs, which may delay many eligible patients from taking advantage of the new policy, potentially impacting treatment outcomes and health improvements.
- Marketing Strategy Concerns: Despite Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly's substantial advertising expenditures on obesity drugs, their limited outreach to seniors may hinder awareness and uptake of the new coverage, especially during the initial rollout phase.
- Complex Eligibility Process: Unlike traditional Medicare drug coverage, the Bridge program requires patients to meet specific eligibility criteria and obtain prior authorization, which could create barriers for some patients in accessing timely treatment.
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Analyst Views on NVO
Wall Street analysts forecast NVO stock price to rise
8 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
3 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 48.070
Low
42.00
Averages
54.67
High
70.00
Current: 48.070
Low
42.00
Averages
54.67
High
70.00
About NVO
Novo Nordisk A/S is a global healthcare company engaged in diabetes care. The Company is also engaged in the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products. The Company operates through two business segments: diabetes and obesity care, and biopharmaceuticals. The Company's diabetes and obesity care segment covers insulin, GLP-1, other protein-related products, such as glucagon, protein-related delivery systems and needles, and oral anti-diabetic drugs. The Company's biopharmaceuticals segment covers the therapy areas of hemophilia care, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy. The Company also offers Saxenda product to treat obesity. It offers a range of products, including NovoLog/NovoRapid; NovoLog Mix/NovoMix; Prandin/NovoNorm; NovoSeven; Norditropin, and Vagifem. As of December 31, 2016, it marketed its products in over 180 countries. Its regional structure consists of two commercial units: North America and International Operations.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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