The Complexities of Health Insurance Coverage for Obesity Treatment

Health insurers, including Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois, are facing an increase in requests to pay for expensive weight loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which can cost over $1,000 per carton. Despite the cost, patients are still requesting these drugs due to their popularity and weight loss benefits. Insurance plans may cover the drugs, but patients may still face co-pays, and some employers may resist paying for them. Meanwhile, Illinois health care providers are celebrating increased Medicaid rates in the state's new budget package. UChicago Medicine is also using a new form of robotic technology to search for signs of lung cancer, while GE Healthcare has received FDA clearance for its image processing software, Precision DL.