The stories about Ozempic, and other diabetes drugs that can also be used for weight loss, seem to be everywhere. The demand for the drugs has led to their shortage for the original purpose of treating diabetes. If they haven't already, employers may soon have to make difficult decisions about whether or how their plans will cover the drugs for weight loss.
Demand for weight loss drugs, in spite of the cost
The news stories about the use of the drugs for weight loss purposes has driven demand in spite of the cost, which can be as much as $900/month. It is unsurprising, therefore, that plan participants want their employer's health care plans to cover the cost of the drugs. But insurers and plans may make the coverage more difficult to get due to several factors, including the immediate cost, the ongoing cost of the plan, and whether the drugs will be effective long-term. Some recent data indicate that ongoing treatment, possibly indefinitely, is required to maintain weight loss.
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