local
Medicare will start covering weight-loss drugs on July 1 for the first time. Here’s what you need to know
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· June 29, 2026
· 12 min read
By Tami Luhby, CNN
(CNN) — 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-fo...
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 El Paso
For El Paso 's large population of Medicare enrollees, the new pilot program could bring significant relief, particularly given the city's high rates of obesity and related health issues. Many seniors in the area struggle with the financial burden of weight-loss treatments, and the prospect of accessing medications like Wegovy or Zepbound at a discounted rate could be life-changing. The program's launch on July 1 will be closely watched by local healthcare providers and patient advocates, who have long argued that obesity should be treated as a serious medical condition. As the program rolls out, El Paso residents like Mary Abrahamson, who have seen firsthand the benefits of weight-loss medications, will be eager to see how the new coverage affects their daily lives and overall health. The potential impact on the city's senior population could be substantial, and local healthcare providers will play a crucial role in helping patients navigate the new program.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso 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 KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 12 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Tami Luhby, CNN
(CNN) — 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-fo...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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