Healthy Returns: Walmart, CVS step in to help seniors navigate Medicare coverage of obesity drugs

July 1, 2026 - 20:17

Medicare has begun covering obesity medications for the first time, and major retailers like Walmart and CVS Health are stepping in to help older adults make sense of the changes. The new coverage applies to drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound, which were previously excluded from Medicare Part D plans due to a longstanding rule that barred coverage of weight-loss treatments. That rule was revised in 2024, opening the door for millions of seniors with obesity to access these prescriptions.

Walmart has launched in-pharmacy counseling sessions and digital tools to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their plan options and out-of-pocket costs. CVS Health, through its pharmacy benefit manager Caremark, is offering personalized support to help patients navigate prior authorization requirements and step therapy protocols that insurers often require before covering these expensive drugs.

The move comes as demand for GLP-1 medications continues to soar, and as policymakers and insurers grapple with the high cost of these treatments. For seniors, the new coverage is a significant shift, but the complexity of Medicare plans can make it difficult to know what is actually covered. Both Walmart and CVS say their goal is to simplify the process and ensure patients do not miss out on therapies that could improve their health. The companies are also training pharmacists to answer questions about potential side effects and drug interactions, which are common concerns among older patients.