The Real Cost of GLP-1 | Obesity Doctor Explains #weightloss #glp1

GLP medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have completely changed the landscape of obesity treatment. For many people, the biggest barrier isn’t whether they work. It’s whether they can afford them. In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh walks through the real-world costs of GLP-1 medication and explains why insurance coverage can feel so confusing, inconsistent, and frustrating. You’ll learn what these medications actually cost, why two people with “good insurance” can have wildly different coverage outcomes, and what steps can improve your chances of getting a weight loss medication approved. We also break down the difference between list price and what patients often end up paying, how health insurance formularies and prior authorizations work, and why weight-loss medications are treated differently than medications for other chronic conditions. Dr. Stombaugh also shares practical strategies patients can use to navigate denials, understand savings programs, and decide when a cash-pay option may make sense. This episode is designed to empower you with knowledge, not just about medications, but about the insurance system itself, so you can advocate for your health with clarity and confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn: -What GLP medications typically cost and why prices vary so much -How insurance companies decide whether to cover weight-loss medications -What a prior authorization really is and why it matters -Common reasons coverage is denied and how to respond -When self-pay options may be appropriate 0:00 Introduction 1:42 Is GLP coverage universal? 2:15 Type 2 diabetes vs. weight loss coverage 3:19 BMI eligibility requirements 4:27 Why weight management is a coverage "carve-out" 5:31 How employers opt in (or out) of weight coverage 6:40 When your employer has opted out 8:20 The prior authorization process 9:28 Diet, exercise & step therapy requirements 11:39 Approved — but the copay is still too high 13:27 What to do about a high copay 14:32 Copay cards for Wegovy & Zepbound 15:40 How to check your drug formulary 16:12 Who should consider cash pay 16:46 Medicare & Medicaid coverage updates 18:12 Generic liraglutide (Saxenda) pricing 19:15 Wegovy cash pay pricing 19:46 Ozempic & partial dosing 20:50 Zepbound pricing — pens & vials 21:56 Resources & next steps If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is this medication so expensive?” or “Why won’t my insurance cover something my doctor recommends?” — this episode is for you. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia, and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com If you’re looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk with your personal physician.