The federal government has launched two separate pilot programs to test expanded Medicare coverage for treatments not traditionally covered by the program.

Under the first initiative, some Medicare patients can now receive cannabidiol (CBD) treatments at no cost through a test program authorized by the Trump administration. The program aims to evaluate whether the cannabis compound can effectively ease certain symptoms while reducing overall healthcare costs among older patients.

A separate pilot program offers Medicare coverage for GLP-1 medications specifically for weight loss purposes. These drugs, which include treatments like semaglutide, are being tested to determine their effectiveness and cost-benefit ratio when used solely for weight management rather than diabetes treatment.

Both programs represent significant departures from traditional Medicare coverage policies. CBD treatments have faced regulatory hurdles due to cannabis-related restrictions, while GLP-1 drugs for weight loss have typically not qualified for Medicare reimbursement when prescribed for obesity management alone.

The pilot programs will collect data on patient outcomes, treatment effectiveness, and healthcare cost impacts to inform future coverage decisions. Federal health officials will use the results to determine whether these treatments should receive broader Medicare coverage.

Eligibility criteria and enrollment details for both programs vary, with specific requirements determining which patients can participate in each initiative.