Eli Lilly's obesity drug Zepbound can now be covered by government-backed Medicare insurance plans for use in sleep apnea, broadening access to the blockbuster weight-loss treatment. The Wednesday statement from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services comes after Zepbound in December became the first drug approved in the U.

The FDA has approved Zepbound (tirzepatide) for the treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.

By aiding weight loss, Zepbound can improve symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in people with obesity — but CPAP machines remain the first-line treatment.

FDA approves Zepbound for obstructive sleep apnea in obese individuals Discover how this weight-loss drug reduces symptoms promotes health and transforms OSA treatment

Zepbound is not covered by Medicare or many other insurance plans as a treatment for weight loss. The injectable treatment costs about $1,000 a month without insurance.

Eli Lilly's (NYSE:LLY) weight-loss drug Zepbound is now reportedly covered by Medicare for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in people with obesity. CNBC said Wednesday that the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services confirmed that Medicare drug plans can now cover Zepbound,