Healthcare Policy
9 articles on Healthcare Policy, written by Shotlee and medically reviewed for clinical accuracy.
GLP-1s for Weight Loss: The NHS Two-Year Limit & Private Costs
As GLP-1 agonists revolutionize weight management, many patients face a critical juncture when NHS funding ends. This article delves into the realities of these powerful medications, the challenges of long-term access, and the growing divide between publicly funded care and private treatment costs.
7 min read
Supreme Court Ruling: Medicare Drug Price Negotiations Move Forward
In a significant victory for healthcare cost containment, the Supreme Court has allowed Medicare to proceed with negotiating drug prices. This decision upholds a key provision of the Inflation Reduction Act and could impact the cost of many prescription medications, including widely used GLP-1 agonists.
6 min read
Understanding the Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) PBS Standoff and What It Means for Patients
Eli Lilly has declined to list its highly effective GLP-1/GIP agonist, Mounjaro (tirzepatide), on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia, citing disagreements over pricing. This decision has significant implications for patients seeking access to this crucial medication for type 2 diabetes and increasingly, for weight management.
6 min read
Why Ozempic & GLP-1s Cost More in the US: A Guide
A 54-year-old father walked away from his $997 Ozempic prescription due to sky-high costs. GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro offer transformative benefits for diabetes and obesity, yet US prices make them unaffordable for millions. This guide breaks down the pricing crisis, clinical value, and paths to reform.
4 min read
Elderly Americans Abandon Weight-Loss Medications in Droves
Senior citizens in the U.S. often discontinue highly effective weight-loss medications such as GLP-1 drugs shortly after starting them, resulting in regained pounds and diminished health advantages. Side effects, high expenses, and inadequate insurance coverage frequently play key roles in this trend. Experts advocate for better coverage and ongoing research to address these challenges for older populations.
5 min read
Two Emerging Developments Could Aid Future Lawsuits Demanding GLP-1 Coverage
Coverage remains a major hurdle for patients seeking GLP-1 medications for obesity, with Medicare and many private insurers not including them. However, two recent events could change the legal landscape: reduced medication costs and the WHO's classification of obesity as a chronic condition.
4 min read
GLP-1 Medications: A Century-Long History Influences Current Discussions
The ongoing discussion regarding insurer coverage for GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy has reignited a familiar debate concerning the origins of illness. Some argue these weight-loss drugs are shortcuts, while others emphasize the impact of socioeconomic factors on body weight.
1 min read
Mounjaro by Eli Lilly Approved for China's State Insurance Coverage for Diabetes
Mounjaro, a drug by Eli Lilly, is set to be included in China's state-run health insurance program for individuals with type 2 diabetes starting January 1. This inclusion aims to improve access to the medication, although increased sales may be balanced by reduced prices. The drug was introduced in China earlier this year.
2 min read
WeightWatchers to Provide Novo Nordisk's Oral Wegovy Pending Approval Next Year | PharmExec
WeightWatchers intends to offer Novo Nordisk's oral Wegovy upon potential FDA approval. This strategic move occurs amidst a competitive weight-loss drug market, aiming to provide a convenient alternative to injections. The FDA is also expediting GLP-1 treatments to improve access.
3 min read