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Medicare officials said this week the government intends to stop covering weight-loss surgery to help fight diabetes, Workforce Management reports.
Although the agency currently covers such surgery for all Type 2 diabetics, the threshold for coverage will shift to those with a body mass index of 35 or higher, an indicator of severe or morbid obesity, according to Workforce.
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Medicare now covers the medication for weight loss for eligible members, upping the need for corresponding lifestyle and behavioral benefits.
A growing share of employers are rethinking coverage of the weight-loss drugs as costs rise and early expectations of lower obesity rates and surgical needs have yet to surface in claims data.
Only 4.4% of newly-eligible patients would be covered by the projected $900 million in savings, according to new research.
Novo Nordisk will cut prices for Ozempic and Wegovy by up to 50% next year, prompting employers to plan for rising use and manage benefits costs.
Benefit leaders can add this to the list of advantages for employees who elect to participate in this health savings plan.
