Medicare has started covering obesity drugs for the first time – and companies like Walmart and CVS Health are playing an important role for patients.

Millions of Medicare enrollees will gain their first-ever coverage for drugs for weight loss under a temporary pilot program that launches July 1.

The move could unlock millions of new patients for Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and expand access to medications that were previously out of reach for seniors.

Medicare has started covering obesity drugs for the first time – and companies like Walmart and CVS Health are playing an important role for patients.