local
Medicare will start covering weight-loss drugs on July 1 for the first time
By Tami Luhby at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· June 29, 2026
· 11 min read
Millions of Medicare enrollees will gain their first-ever coverage for drugs for weight loss under a temporary pilot program that launches July 1.Mary Abrahamson hopes to be one of them.The rural Washington resident was tired of carrying extra weight on her 5-foot-3-inch frame. It made it harder ...
Key takeaway The couple, who live off of Social Security, savings and a small pension, may soon be able to get Zepbound for $50 a month each through the Medicare pilot program.
Why this matters in The Waco
For Waco 's Medicare enrollees, the upcoming pilot program could bring significant relief, particularly for those struggling with obesity and related health issues. As the program launches on July 1, local seniors may finally have access to affordable weight-loss medications, which could lead to improved overall health and quality of life. The financial burden of purchasing these medications out-of-pocket has been a significant hurdle for many, and the discounted rate of $50 a month could be a game-changer. With a substantial portion of McLennan County's population relying on Medicare, the impact of this program could be substantial, potentially leading to reduced healthcare costs and improved health outcomes in the long run. As the program unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor its effectiveness and advocate for permanent coverage of weight-loss medications, ensuring that Waco's seniors can continue to benefit from these life-changing treatments.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 11 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Millions of Medicare enrollees will gain their first-ever coverage for drugs for weight loss under a temporary pilot program that launches July 1.Mary Abrahamson hopes to be one of them.The rural Washington resident was tired of carrying extra weight on her 5-foot-3-inch frame. It made it harder ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Tami Luhby at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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