Obesity is a chronic disease that accounts for over 80% of the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Equally important, it can also lead to high blood pressure, a common cause of heart attacks. But today, there is good news. There are many anti-obesity medications such as Hollywood favourite Ozempic or Wegovy that can impact appetite and fullness. The issue is that these medications are usually quite expensive and often not covered by Group Benefits plans.
In this brief podcast, Allison Brown, VP Consulting at Thorpe Benefits and I discuss how covering these medications may help employers in the long run by reducing absenteeism and health risks while improving productivity.
Check out this conversation I had with Allison Brown about obesity and other medical issues, where weight loss medication could possibly help or reduce the need for other medications. Watch the video here.
Summary
Deciding whether to cover weight loss medications can be a complex issue. It’s important to carefully consider the potential benefits and costs of covering these medications, as well as whether they are appropriate for the specific health needs of your employees. Additionally, it’s important to be clear on what you want in your health plan and whether obesity is a disease that you need to cover in your formulary. By carefully considering these issues, you can make informed decisions that support the health and well-being of your employees.