Federal Initiative Expands Access to Plant-Based Wellness Products for Medicare Beneficiaries

Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order introducing a pilot program that allows Medicare to cover certain plant-derived wellness products for older adults.

Why This Matters

This decision could mark an important shift for seniors seeking alternative options to manage common conditions such as chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.

Use of Plant-Based Alternatives Is Rising Among Older Americans

The use of plant-based wellness products among adults aged 65 and older is increasing rapidly in the United States.

According to a 2023 study published by New York University, 7% of adults in this age group reported using these types of products in the past month—up from 4.8% in 2021 and 5.2% in 2022. This represents an increase of nearly 46% in just two years.

What the Executive Order Changes

The order reclassifies certain plant-derived compounds as Schedule III substances, placing them in the same category as medications like Tylenol with codeine, rather than alongside Schedule I substances such as heroin or LSD.

It also authorizes Medicare to cover non-intoxicating plant-based extracts under a new pilot program. Trump stated that growing scientific evidence supports the need for federal recognition of their potential therapeutic value when used responsibly—particularly as an alternative to more addictive or high-risk medications.

Key Details of the Medicare Pilot Program

• Medicare coverage will apply only to non-intoxicating plant-based extracts, not formulations designed to produce mind-altering effects
• Coverage could begin as early as April next year and would be provided at no cost to patients if recommended by a physician
• Officials from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services indicated that Medicare Advantage plans may also begin evaluating coverage, with potential expansion to Medicaid in the future

The Department of Health and Human Services has recently shown increased openness to easing restrictions on certain plant-derived products. Current leadership has previously expressed support for broader policy reform in this area.

Potential Wellness Applications of Non-Intoxicating Extracts

Medical professionals note that while further research is still needed, non-intoxicating plant-based compounds are increasingly viewed as low-toxicity options that may support wellness in areas such as stress management, sleep quality, and chronic discomfort.

However, studies supported by the Food and Drug Administration caution that long-term use may carry risks, including potential liver concerns and interactions with certain medications.

Support and Caution From Experts

Patient advocacy groups view the pilot program as a promising step toward healthcare policies that better reflect current scientific understanding.

At the same time, some clinicians urge caution, noting that focusing exclusively on non-intoxicating compounds excludes other active components that have been more extensively studied in clinical settings, including research conducted at institutions such as Harvard Medical School.

Bottom Line

This initiative signals growing acceptance of non-intoxicating plant-based compounds within the U.S. healthcare system, particularly for older adults. If the pilot program yields positive results, it could open the door to broader, more regulated access to these products as part of public healthcare coverage.