While the cost of these weight loss drug medications is high, HealthEZ notes employers could see long-term savings when coupled with smart weight loss behavioral programs — but a strong wellness program remains key.
BLOOMINGTON, Minn., Aug. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- HealthEZ, an independent, third-party administrator that designs custom, self-funded health insurance benefit plans for small and mid-sized employers, is providing employers with key information related to the rising interest and questions surrounding the coverage of GLP-1s, which have shown success in treating type 2 diabetes as well as helping people lose significant body weight. HealthEZ notes that type 2 diabetes and obesity are two conditions with high prevalence and significant impact on overall health costs.
Currently more than 40 percent of Americans are considered obese so employers must consider the pros and cons of including various weight loss treatments, especially as it relates to cost effectiveness and implications for employee health outcomes.
"While GLP-1 treatments are currently expensive, there is an argument that they could be cost-effective over time due to their potential to reduce complications related to diabetes and cardiovascular events," says Josh Schreiner, Chief Product Officer at HealthEZ. "Investing in obesity treatment may result in long-term savings by preventing the onset or progression of obesity-related issues like type 2 diabetes, and result in improved employee health."
Given these factors, employers must consider both immediate financial implications and future health outcomes when deciding on health plan coverage.
In the meantime, HealthEZ says a comprehensive approach to obesity management should be anchored in a smart wellness and weight loss program. HealthEZ has developed an effective program that has demonstrated strong employee engagement which is based on coaching and having registered nurses on staff, and uses educational lunch-and-learns and webinars to enhance the approach.
"Wellness programs that provide nutritional guidance, physical activity support and behavioral counseling remain a key in addressing this issue to help employees," says Schreiner. "By providing access to a multidisciplinary approach, employers can enhance the efficacy of GLP-1 treatments and support sustainable lifestyle changes."
Learn more about HealthEZ's insights on understanding GLP-1s by watching its recent webinar online.
About HealthEZ
Based in Bloomington, Minnesota, HealthEZ is a national independent third-party administrator of employer-sponsored, self-funded medical plans and America's PPO, the nation's first preferred provider organization. On a mission to make health insurance easy to understand and more efficient from provider to patient and the employers who fund their plans, HealthEZ launched EZ Pay, the nation's first consumer medical "tap & pay" app making bills easier to understand and simpler to pay. The company partners with employers throughout the United States to deliver better access to healthcare for their employees while ensuring value and improving outcomes. More information about HealthEZ can be found at www.healthez.com.
Media Contact
Lauren Sauer, HealthEZ, 1 612-767-2403, [email protected]
SOURCE HealthEZ
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