Does Medicare cover weight loss drugs? I’ve heard it might.
Medicare does not, at this time, cover medications used only for weight loss. But confusion has grown with newer glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs, which help with weight loss but are approved for other conditions too. Some of these drugs may be covered under your Medicare Part D plan—but only if prescribed for an approved medical reason, such as treating type 2 diabetes, heart disease or sleep apnea, not just for losing weight.

Instead of relying solely on the list of covered drugs, you’ll want to call your drug plan to see if the one you’re looking for is covered and for what conditions. They can also tell you if the drug requires prior authorization or has other restrictions.

I just lost my job but was offered COBRA coverage from my old employer. Should I take it? I’m 67 years old and already have Medicare Part A.
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA, is a federal law that lets you temporarily keep your work health insurance after you leave your job. However, COBRA can be expensive because you usually must pay the full price for the coverage, plus an administrative fee.

Since you already have Part A, you can enroll in the COBRA plan, but keep in mind that Medicare will be your main insurance and COBRA will provide secondary coverage. You have an eight-month window to sign up for Part B. It’s a good idea to enroll right away to make sure you are fully insured and to avoid late penalties and gaps in coverage.

Be sure to check with your former employer to see if its COBRA drug coverage is as good as a Medicare Part D plan. If it is, you do not need to enroll in a Medicare drug plan. It would be wise to speak with a State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselor to determine if COBRA is the best choice for you and your family.