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The companies are working together to make it easier for companies to offer health plans that include these medications.
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As GLP-1 medications become more popular, stigmas around weight-loss medications are slowly starting to reduce. These medications are commonly prescribed at this point, and they are effective at promoting weight loss. As people become more comfortable with them, and the demand for them continues to be high, these medications are going to be viewed as a normal part of a healthy lifestyle.
As such, more employers are looking to offer healthcare plans that include these medications. 9amHealth and Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company announced that they are partnering to make GLP-1 medications both more affordable and available for employers.1
In a press release, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company CEO Alex Oshmyansky said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with 9amHealth in our mission to make prescription drugs more affordable for consumers. At Cost Plus Drugs, our commitment to transparent drug pricing has always been unwavering, and with clinical leaders in obesity like 9amHealth, we are dedicated to providing affordable and accessible healthcare solutions for patients with cardiometabolic conditions."
Paul Geevarghese, COO and co-founder of 9amHealth, said in the same press release, “Our collaboration with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs gives employers a way to provide expert medical management of obesity, without the massive price tag. We're not only lowering the cost of medications, we're also connecting members to real, human care: specialists in obesity and diabetes, clinical pharmacists, and ongoing nutritional support with registered dietitians–all from the comfort of home."
Earlier this year, 9amHealth announced the results of a survey that suggests that offering GLP-1 medications through health plans is important for employee retention.2 However, the survey also showed that health plan providers may not want to rely on these medications too much.
In a press release issued at the time, 9amHealth’s chief medical officer Dr. Avantika Waring said, “GLP-1 medications are effective—not just for weight loss but for overall metabolic health. However, they work best when combined with lasting lifestyle changes. Our survey shows that exercise rates among GLP-1 users are declining, which raises concerns about long-term health outcomes. Employers and health plans must look beyond prescriptions and invest in comprehensive weight health solutions—otherwise, they risk paying for the medication without seeing the full health benefits."
Last year, 9amHealth partnered with Instacart to integrate Instacart Health Fresh Funds into 9amHealth’s diabetes, weight, and heart health programs.3
In a press release issued at the time, Geevarghese said, “Nutrition is a critical part of our whole health approach to care. Many widely available processed foods can be high in sugar, salt, and fat, making it challenging to identify the best foods to live a healthy life. Providing our members access to weight loss medications when appropriate, including generic options and GLP-1s, should not be the only tool. Medications, nutritious foods, and dietary guidance are fundamental to our care approach. Our partnership with Instacart offers convenient access to nutritious food, supporting each person's unique health journey through adopting healthy habits."
Instacart’s vice president and general manager of health Sarah Mastrorocco said in the same press release, “Nutrition is fundamental to health, and through Instacart, we're providing people with easy, affordable access to nutritious foods. We commend 9amHealth for recognizing the powerful role of nutritious food and convenient delivery in engaging members and encouraging the adoption of lasting dietary and behavioral changes that support overall health, whether as part of a lifestyle shift or to complement medications like GLP-1s."
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