Many Insurance Companies Don't Cover Weight Loss Drugs

A new obesity drug was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December as the fourth prescription medicine the agency has given for weight loss since 2012. Unfortunately, many predict that most health insurance companies are unlikely to give the green light for this and other weight-loss products. 

"For things that are preventive in the long term, it makes plan sponsors think about their strategy," said Dr. Steve Miller, the chief medical officer at Express Scripts, via NPR. Miller manages the prescription drug benefits for thousands of companies. Miller notes that companies with high turnover are less likely to cover certain prescriptions. 

"Most health plans will cover things that have an immediate impact in that plan year," Miller added, via the news organization. 

Obesity drugs are typically difficult to tackle, with just an estimated third of companies covering obesity drugs, a third covering FDA-approved weight-loss drugs and another third covering certain approved ones but with certain restricted limitations to use. In fact, the Medicare prescription drug program specifically excludes coverage of obesity drugs.

In the past, weight-loss drugs have oftentimes been dismissed as cosmetic treatments. However, the link between obesity and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease and other serious medical problems has become more clear throughout the years through the obesity epidemic.

Recently approved drugs, including Belviq, Contrave and Qsymia, as well as Saxenda, work to suppress the appetite. They've been noted as helping some lose close to 5 to 10 percent of their body weight, with research showing sufficient health improvements.

However, previous studies have shown that weight loss drugs typically aren't the end-all-be-all to any weight problem. They typically come with an added set of guidelines that involve lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. In some cases they can also carry dangerous side-effects. Make sure to check with your doctor if you are planning to start a new medication.

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