Costco, the warehouse shopping club known for its bulk goods and $1.50 hot dog and soda combo meals, is now offering medicines like Ozempic as part of its new weight loss program. “We are witnessing important innovations in medically supervised weight loss,” David Goldhill, Sesame’s co-founder and chief executive officer, said in the statement. “Sesame’s unique model allows us not only to make high-quality specialty care like weight loss much more accessible and affordable, but also to empower clinicians to create care plans that are specific to — and appropriate for — each individual patient.” Only Costco members can participate in the new weight loss program. Basic Costco memberships are $60 a year. Prescription drugs aren’t included in the weight loss program fees, Sesame said in its statement. Sesame doesn’t accept health insurance, but the company said it will assist patients with health insurance paperwork and send prescriptions to a local pharmacy. Without insurance, Ozempic, which is approved to treat type 2 diabetes, can cost about $1,000 for one pre-filled syringe, according to GoodRx. Wegovy, which is approved for weight loss, can cost about $1,300 for four pre-filled syringes, according to GoodRx. Does Costco Provide Healthcare? The new weight loss program comes as Costco is expanding its healthcare offerings. The company has long offered eye exams and glasses as well as mail-order prescription drugs. In September, Costco announced a partnership with Sesame to provide a variety of healthcare services including virtual primary care visits for $29, health checkups with basic lab work for $72, virtual mental healthcare for $79, and discounts on other health services. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions. Sources Wholesale Weight Loss: Sesame Unveils Specialized Care for Weight Loss With Pricing Exclusively for Costco Members. Globe Newswire. April 2, 2024.
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