Sen. John Fetterman, D-P.A., has publicly revealed his use of the diabetes medication — and called on President Donald Trump’s administration to reverse its decision to block expanded Medicare and Medicaid coverage for similar drugs.
In an April 8 New York Times op-ed, the Pennsylvania Democrat disclosed that he began taking Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in July 2024 after it was prescribed to reduce his risk of cardiac events following his 2022 stroke.
“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,” Fetterman wrote. “Aches, pains and stiffness have vanished. Physically, I feel a decade younger, as well as clearer-headed and more optimistic than I’d been in years. As far as side effects, I’ve also lost around 20 pounds.”
Fetterman’s public advocacy comes after the Trump administration recently rescinded a rule proposed by former President Joe Biden that would have expanded Medicare and Medicaid coverage for GLP-1 medications to an estimated 7.4 million Americans. Without insurance, these drugs can cost up to $1,000 per month.
“Currently, Medicare covers these drugs only under specific circumstances, such as for diabetes or heightened heart risk,” Fetterman explained. “And Medicaid coverage is even more limited.”
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications include Mounjaro and Zepbound from Eli Lilly, along with Ozempic, Wegovy, Victoza, and Saxenda from Novo Nordisk. Originally developed for diabetes treatment, these drugs have since gained widespread popularity for their effectiveness in weight management.
“I’m just a guy who has benefited from these medications and wants to make sure that anyone else who could benefit from them can have access to them, too,” he wrote.
In his op-ed, Fetterman attacked arguments against expanded coverage, including those from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
RFK, Jr. has advocated prioritizing nutrition and lifestyle changes over pumping the public full of medication.
“I fully agree that diet and lifestyle matter — a lot. But diet alone isn’t enough,” Fetterman wrote. “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.”
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News medical analyst, told Fox News that while lifestyle changes should be the first approach to obesity, “these weight-loss drugs are also good tools when lifestyle is not enough.”
“They help prevent down-the-line diseases such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and sleep apnea, which tend to come from obesity,” Siegel said. “Overall, we are saving the healthcare system money, so I would like to see Medicare and Medicaid approve them for diabetes and weight loss.”
Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist who has prescribed GLP-1 medications since 2019, suggested the Trump administration’s decision might be a negotiation tactic rather than a rejection of the drugs’ effectiveness.
“Trump knows these medications work,” Osborn told Fox News. “I believe this is a signal aimed squarely at Big Pharma: ‘Lower the price, or Medicare, the biggest buyer on the block, is out.'”
Fetterman framed the issue as one that can transcend partisan politics.
“I’ve always believed that no political party holds a monopoly on good ideas,” he wrote, noting that he has met with Trump and voted for some of his cabinet nominees.
“It should be simple: Our government should be in the business of making lifesaving medication accessible and affordable,” Fetterman concluded. “I ask the Trump administration and Mr. Kennedy to reverse course and put this rule into place.”
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced the decision not to implement the expanded coverage late Friday.