WASHINGTON — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz briefed reporters on new policy initiatives aimed at reducing costs and improving access in the Medicare program, according to a White House press briefing on June 2.
Oz outlined several changes, including expanded access to certain GLP-1 medications for weight management for eligible Medicare beneficiaries starting July 1 at a cost of $50 per month, and additions to the TrumpRx.gov drug price transparency tool. The briefing highlighted ongoing efforts to address program costs and beneficiary needs.
The GLP-1 initiative, referred to as the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, targets eligible Part D beneficiaries and is part of broader efforts to support chronic disease management. Oz noted that the list price for these medications exceeds $1,000 per month in many cases, with the new capped cost intended to improve affordability.
In addition, Oz announced that 160 more drugs were added to TrumpRx.gov, bringing the total to more than 750 medications for which the site helps identify lower cash prices. The platform, which does not involve government charges to users, aims to provide price transparency and potential savings for consumers filling prescriptions.
"This is about empowering patients and cracking down on waste," Oz said during the briefing, according to transcripts and video from the event. He referenced coordination with industry on prior authorization reforms and efforts to combat fraud in programs such as hospice care.
The announcements build on previous CMS actions for 2026, including updates to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule and Medicare Advantage policies focused on payment accuracy, chronic care management and reducing inefficiencies. Details on the full scope and implementation of the latest initiatives remain subject to further guidance from the agency.
Stakeholders, including beneficiary advocates and industry groups, have expressed varied views on the changes. Some welcomed efforts to lower out-of-pocket costs for high-value medications, while others have called for more transparency on long-term impacts and eligibility criteria.
As of Tuesday, CMS had not released additional formal guidance on the precise eligibility requirements or timelines beyond the July 1 start for the GLP-1 coverage. The agency continues to implement broader 2026 policy updates affecting millions of Medicare beneficiaries, with open enrollment periods and other program adjustments ongoing. Officials indicated further details would be provided through official channels in coming weeks.
