Ozempic and Other Weight-Loss Drugs: How to Get Health Insurance to Pay | WSJ Your Money Briefing

Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and other weight-loss drugs can list at $900 or more per month.

WSJ’s Anne Wilde Mathews joins host J.R. Whalen to discuss how to get your health insurance plan to cover these prescriptions.

0:00 How weight-loss drugs work
1:25 Are these drugs created for weight problems?
1:50 Steps to take to start treatment
2:32 Challenges for insurers
4:59 Health coverage plans for weight-loss drugs
5:56 Possible changes to insurance coverage

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#WeightLoss #Ozempic #WSJ

[adrumwhisperer]

And even if the patient exceeds BMI>30 and the doctor says the patient needs it, the insurance company can just say No we don't cover weight loss medications. Instead they collect their $900/month insurance rate (BCBS rate for self employed) while waiting for the patient develops diabetes... with the hopes they will die or move along to another company so the insurance company only collects and never pays. This is why healthcare is horrible in the US!!! This is why so many people go to Mexico or order from Canada. Eventually we will all give up on the insurance companies and save that money for mail order blood tests, surgeries in Asia, dental care in Mexico and pharmacies in Canada! Yeah America!

[bobthemagicmoose]

Previously they considered healthy food to be a "lifestyle choice" but in the year 2031 we know that healthy food access is a critical part of health insurance.

[classaction]

They are quick to allow pain medication, but people can’t get medication that will help with weight loss. People pay all that money for insurance, but it’s a problem when it come to medication that can be helpful.

[CCGem]

What about those who have life long PCOS who are borderline D2 and obese. PCOS patients are overlooked. The condition increases glucose and cholesterol levels, and increases risks to heart disease. It's an issue and just giving us a diet and exercise plan is just one step.

[iamjabby]

In canada its not covered for prediabetis and for weightloss

[smadas]

As a morbidly obese diabetic, ozempic has been essential! The only bad effects have been stomach issues! My insurance will not cover and i cannot afford! Its $1, 300.00 a month and due to my income i qualify to get for free from the manufacturer thank God!

[VictoriousGardenosaurus]

Shilling for another pharmaceutical company instead of a full breakdown of how to navigate the health care marketplace eh?

[smadas]

Ozempic isnt a weight loss drug! Prescribed for diabetics for diabetes and aide effect is weight loss! Wegovy is for weight loss!😅

[___beyondhorizon]

I hope that people are not flicking to Mexico or TJ to buy/ sell it underground 😢

[Shub-dq]

please show video demonstrations instead of voice recording

[ThisNinjaSays_]

I don't think this drug should be available to all obese or overweight people.
The drug is designed to solve a "hormone" problem (insulin), and should therefore be restricted to overweight or obese people with some kind of hormone irregularity.
Some overweight people are perfectly healthy especially the women who's fat deposits are mostly below the waistline, on the hips and buttocks.
If your fat is naturally stored around your hips and bums then that means your body has already moved fat storage far from your essential organs. Exercise is will keep you healthy, even if you're still overweight.
People who store their fat deposits around the stomach, arms and upper body should exercise and stick to the recommended BMI weight. And if they have thyroid, gut problems, reproduction hormone issues or other hormonal issues then the drug may be an option.

[rizzlethegreat]

Please stop. Some of us actually need this. Stop looking for shortcuts. Do it right.

[richardvacanti]

I have Aetna and they are horrible. Can’t get into all of it, but don’t use this company one of the worst ever changing it immediately.