Managed Care Cast

On this episode of Managed Care Cast, The American Journal of Managed Care® speaks with Jonathan Gabison, MD, DABOM, and Stephen Lott, PharmD, MS. At the University of Michigan, Gabison is an obesity medicine specialist and family physician, while Lott serves as director of the postgraduate year one managed care residency program and manager of the university's prescription drug plan. Their qualitative study, "Understanding Insurance Coverage Policies for Incretin Mimetics for Weight Management," determined that the high costs associated with these therapies limit insurance coverage and contribute to variation in utilization management strategies aimed at controlling short-term spending. During the conversation, the investigators discuss how high costs, misconceptions about obesity, and inconsistent coverage policies continue to hinder equitable, patient-centered care.