If you are anything like me, you are being drowned by news about blockbuster weight-loss drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy.
Maybe you’re curious (How do these drugs work? Are they effective?).
Maybe you’re annoyed (why are these drugs so expensive and hard to get?).
Maybe you’re fearful (I take these drugs – will Medicare continue to cover them? Will it expand coverage?).
Let me address these in turn:
I’m Curious: How do These Drugs Work and Are They Effective?
To understand this class of drugs, I found this video to be extremely helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32DzWJtIDNk
In short, weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy mimic hormones that tell your stomach and your brain, “Hey! I’m full!”
I’m Annoyed: Why are Weight-Loss Drugs so Expensive and Hard to Get?
The cost of these drugs is astronomical. For a one-month supply of Ozempic, some people pay $1,000!!! Meanwhile, THIS study showed that a month’s supply of Ozempic could be manufactured for a measly $5. Gulp. Time will tell if this price disparity is because of supply and demand issues, or good ol’ fashioned greed.
I’m Fearful: I Take These Drugs; Will Medicare Cover/Continue to Cover Them?
As of August last year, there has been talk that Ozempic could be among the next round of drugs that gets put on the price chopping block. There is also a House committee that is discussing limited coverage of weight-loss drugs by Medicare (right now they are only covered by Medicare to treat diabetes or risk of heart attack and stroke).
We will try to keep you all up-to-date on what’s going on in the world of prescriptions and the Inflation Reduction Act. Because of recent legislation, big changes are on the horizon and we don’t want anyone to be taken off-guard.