Summary
Medicaid Redeterminations and Coverage of Weight Loss Drugs – Becker’s Healthcare
Medicaid Redeterminations and Coverage of Weight Loss Drugs
Episode Featuring Jakob Emerson, Insurance Editor at Becker’s Healthcare
In this episode, Jakob Emerson, Insurance Editor at Becker’s Healthcare, discusses the current state of medicaid redeterminations across the country and the coverage of new weight loss drugs such as Ozempic.
Payers and Employers’ Approach to Weight Loss Drugs Coverage
Jacob Emerson explains that payers and employers have different approaches when it comes to coverage of newer weight loss drugs. Most insurers have limited coverage of these drugs to diabetes care due to their high costs. On the other hand, employers have been more open to covering the drugs, with 22% of employers offering coverage in 2020.
Medicare and State Medicaid Coverage of Weight Loss Drugs
While Medicare does not cover weight loss drugs, some state Medicaid programs do offer coverage. However, there is an ongoing process of medicaid redeterminations taking place in many states, which might result in a significant number of people losing their coverage. The impact of this process on the uninsured rate remains uncertain.
Closing Remarks
Scott and the guest express gratitude to each other for a successful conversation.
Note: This is an AI generated transcript, not edited by a staff writer and is solely intended for educational purposes. If you have any questions/concerns, reach out to podcasts@beckershealthcare.com
This episode aired on 05/25/2023 and can be listened here.
Subscribe to Beckers Healthcare Podcast here.
