Bartmer chief Christoph Straub expects that weight-loss injections could soon be prescribed as a covered service by health insurance funds. Straub told partner newspapers of the NPG editorial team (Thursday editions) that he assumes the weight-loss injection will likely be incorporated as a therapeutic option. The costs for the health insurance funds would not have to increase dramatically. However, a prerequisite is that the legislature allows for a pricing model that is based more on the actual benefit of the medications. Straub added that the price must be lowered in negotiations considering the cost consequences. The Barmer chief demanded that patients with morbid obesity must never be required to prove that they attempted to lose weight through diets or more exercise before receiving treatment with the weight-loss injection. He stated that they do not demand a smoker to quit smoking before operating on their bronchial carcinoma. The so-called weight-loss injections can lead to a significant weight loss in people with severe obesity. Up to now, however, the statutory health insurance funds do not cover these medications. Some of the active ingredients are paid for when they are prescribed for the treatment of other illnesses, such as diabetes.
Mixed
