Are Weight Loss Drugs Covered by Insurance? List of Everything Covered

Weight loss drugs covered by insurance still remains an important question even now, given the sheer number of people becoming obese.

When it comes to assisting people in losing weight and combating obesity, the United States is doing better than it was 20 years ago. However, insurance companies are unwilling to cover even the most promising treatments at times.

Even though we now have a better understanding of the dangers associated with obesity, we're still in a tough spot. However, we still have a long way to go before everyone has access to potentially beneficial treatments. Weight loss drugs covered by insurance are still a far sight for many.

Weight loss is never easy, and if you are going for specialised treatments, can be quite expensive. (Image via Unsplash/Fuu J)

In 2013, the conversation shifted when the American Medical Association classified obesity as a disease deserving of the full range of medical care. The kicker, though, is that many insurance policies still do not cover weight loss drugs and treatments.

However, there are certain strategies you can employ to improve your insurance company's likelihood of covering treatments and programmes that have been shown to be effective at reducing weight.

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Health Threats Associated with Obesity

There has been a concerning increase in the prevalence of obesity across the globe, including the United States. The percentage of obese adults in the United States was less than 15% in 1990.

More than two-thirds of today's adult population in the United States is overweight, and more than a third of them are obese. A shocking 35% of American children between the ages of 2 and 19 are overweight, and nearly 19% are obese.

The effects on health are devastating. More serious diseases and chronic health conditions affect people who are obese than those who'er a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese also increases the danger of dying prematurely.

Obesity is a leading cause of heart disease among many (Image via Unsplash.Robina Weermeijer)

Obesity increases the likelihood of diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, heart disease, gall bladder disease, osteoarthritis and depression among others.

The good news is that modifications to diet and exercise habits, weight loss drugs, and medical intervention can reverse or ameliorate many of the complications of obesity.

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Does Insurance Cover Weight Loss Drugs and Other Treatments?

Weight loss medications have been found to be effective in only 2% of all cases (Image via Unsplash/Myriam Zilles)

Weight loss drugs covered by insurance are available nowadays. Obesity screening and counseling are considered preventative care under the Affordable Care Act and are thus covered by most health insurance plans.

Adults at a greater risk of developing a chronic illness can also receive nutritional counseling. As long as you see a doctor who's part of your insurance network, you won't have to pay anything out of pocket, even if you haven't yet reached your deductible.

Additional services may be available if it's determined that your body mass index is greater than 30. Some of these are:

• Dietary or nutritional screening
• Medication
• Therapy or counseling for obesity, including weight loss programs
• Surgery and other treatments

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Weight Loss Drugs

If you and your doctor determine that modifying your diet, exercising regularly, and cutting back on unhealthy foods aren't enough to bring about weight loss, you may decide to add prescription medication to your plan after discussing the risks and benefits.

It has been estimated that only 2% of obese patients benefit from drugs or surgery, but that has not stopped some doctors from saying their services are underutilized. Prescription weight loss drugs may be covered by commercial health insurance. There are numerous mechanisms of action at play among these medications. Medicines can help you feel full faster or eat less frequently.

Some reduce the body's ability to take in fat from the foods you have. Determine which weight loss drugs are covered by your insurance. They may be subject to conditions like prior authorization or step therapy even if they are covered.

Be aware, though, that weight loss medications can cause diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, accelerated heart rate, insomnia, and more serious side effects like liver damage and birth defects.