Props to John Fetterman, if Dems want to regain popularity support stuff like this not

trannies, illegal immigration, defund the police, etc.

John Fetterman: This Drug Changed My Life. More Americans Need Access.

The Trump administration recently nixed a rule proposed by President Joe Biden that would have made it easier for 7.4 million Americans to afford antiobesity medications called GLP-1s. This was a mistake. These drugs, like Ozempic and Wegovy, can be a game changer. I know firsthand. In July, I was prescribed a drug called Mounjaro. As a stroke survivor, I was interested in studies showing it could significantly reduce the risk of major cardiac events. Mounjaro is used to treat Type 2 diabetes, and a version recently received Food and Drug Administration approval for weight loss.

Even though I started taking it for my heart health, I’ve been struck by how much better it has made me feel across the board. It’s made a significant impact on my overall health. Aches, pains and stiffness have vanished. Physically, I feel a decade younger, clearer-headed, and more optimistic than I’ve been in years. As far as a side effects, I’ve also lost around 20 pounds. These drugs lower blood sugar, cholesterol, heart rate and heart inflammation. Some recent studies suggest they might even help curb alcohol addiction and support cognitive function, potentially slowing or preventing conditions like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Without insurance coverage, drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are prohibitively expensive — up to $1,000 every month. Currently, Medicare covers these drugs only under specific circumstances, such as for diabetes or heightened heart risk. And Medicaid coverage is even more limited. In November, President Biden set out to change that with a new rule that would drastically expand access to this type of medication. This rule would have expanded coverage for an estimated 3.4 million Americans who use Medicare and four million more on Medicaid, reducing out-of-pocket costs by as much as 95 percent.

Some people argue we shouldn’t expand coverage because it could increase Medicare spending. It’s true that these drugs are too expensive, but Medicare has the power to negotiate for a better deal. And the reality is that chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease cost the U.S. economy over $1 trillion annually. Investing now means healthier Americans in the future. Others, like Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the health secretary, argue that we should prioritize healthier diets over medication. I fully agree that diet and lifestyle matter — a lot. But diet alone isn’t enough. For the millions of Americans struggling with serious health issues, medication can be a crucial first step to regaining enough control
of their health to begin making meaningful lifestyle changes.

Full editorial is here -
LINK