In a surprising shift in workplace priorities, a recent survey by 9amHealth has found that a significant number of Americans put insurance coverage for weight-loss drugs above perks like unlimited paid time off, remote work options, and even child care assistance. As per the study commissioned by healthcare provider 9amHealth and reported by Phoenix Business Journal, medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, which are used to treat diabetes and can lead to significant weight loss, are now ranking highly on employees' wishlists.
It's a telling sign of the times when employees are signaling that their health imperatives are taking precedence over traditional benefits perceived as luxuries. In fact, about 67% of those surveyed who were taking these drugs said that the coverage was an "extremely important" or "very important" factor for remaining with their current employer. Meanwhile, about 21% of respondents expressed they would consider switching jobs to gain access to these medications, according to the stats outlined by PR Newswire.
The soaring popularity and limited supply of these GLP-1 diabetes drugs, which could cost upwards of $900 per month, has employees scrambling, some even reportedly ready to return to the office or give up vacation days for the drugs to be included in their benefits. Dr. Avantika Waring, Chief Medical Officer at 9amHealth, told Phoenix Business Journal, "As more weight loss management medications receive FDA approval, our data shows that people are increasingly eager to get their hands on these drugs for weight loss, even if it means making extreme sacrifices."
However, the ongoing economic strain and rising costs are forcing individuals to choose carefully where their dollars go. The same survey indicates that 50% of the participants are cutting back on other spending such as groceries, dining, and entertainment to afford their prescribed medications. With a predicted market for obesity drugs to hit $77 billion by 2030, companies like 9amHealth are exploring ways to integrate these medications into benefits packages, in a push to attract and retain top talent. Yet, the desire for such inclusive benefits comes amidst predictions that employers will cut back on perks this year. Glassdoor has recently indicated that after years of substantial growth, wages will level out in 2024, suggesting that benefits which saw a proliferation during the pandemic era could be on the chopping block, particularly in tumultuous sectors like tech and finance.
In addition to the clinical and economic angles, there's also a worrying trend towards dangerous alternatives. Alarmingly, 38% of those surveyed admitted to trying non-FDA approved or black market weight loss products, as per PR Newswire. In response to this demand and the inherent risks, 9amHealth is stepping up to offer legitimate, accessible, and cost-effective care options for those living with diabetes and obesity, focusing on whole-body metabolic care.
