In the Medicare and Medicaid CY 2026 Part D proposed rule, CMS has proposed covering obesity drugs under Medicare and Medicaid, a move that would increase access to treatment for an estimated 3.4 million additional people. To do this, the Biden Administration would reinterpret statutory language so that Part D beneficiaries can get anti-obesity medications if they are considered obese (not overweight). KFF cautions that, while coverage would be available for enrollees with obesity, Medicare Part D plans and states’ Medicaid programs may apply prior authorization or other utilization management tools to limit access. Deputy Administrator Dr. Meena Seshamani assured Healthcare Finance that, by Agency projections, the policy would cause no short-term impact to premiums, although it would increase long-term spending under both programs. Comments on the proposal are due January 27, 2025. Because there will be a change of Administration, the future of this rule is uncertain.