Popular weight loss drugs remain out of reach for many who need them

• Dr. Laure DeMattia, a bariatric medicine specialist, highlights the frustration faced by her patients as they struggle to access these medications despite exhausting other weight loss methods. Many patients, particularly those with Medicare and Medicaid, encounter difficulties in obtaining prescriptions for these drugs due to lack of coverage.

• The high cost of these drugs, often around $1,000 per month, poses a significant barrier to access. Insurance companies frequently refuse to reimburse the cost or impose high barriers for authorization, leaving many individuals unable to afford them. This situation perpetuates healthcare disparities, as those with better insurance coverage are more likely to access these treatments.

• While there is potential for insurance coverage to expand, barriers persist due to the perception of obesity as a cosmetic issue rather than a chronic disease, as well as legislative restrictions like the 2003 law prohibiting Medicare coverage for weight loss drugs.

• Without insurance coverage, many patients may discontinue treatment due to the financial burden, leading to missed opportunities for improved health outcomes. The issue underscores the need for addressing healthcare disparities and ensuring equitable access to effective obesity treatments for all individuals who need them.