The Round Up By ZorroCard (9/17/24)

Hey all,

I just moved the ZorroCard Round Up from an internal newsletter at ZorroCard and turned it into a public newsletter. ZorroCard is a health benefits concierge that helps employers and their plan members save money on pharmacy benefits.

If you’re trying to keep up with what’s happening in pharmacy benefits, healthcare, and the business of providing these services please subscribe!

Enjoy the reads and see you tomorrow!

Best,

Jacob

Employer Coverage (GLP-1 Medications & Depression):

New studies have found no increased risk of depression or suicidality in patients using GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, offering reassurance to both patients and providers. These findings, which include randomized trials and data from national registries, are more robust than earlier observational studies, further supporting the safety profile of these obesity drugs. Full Article.

STAT News (AAP Pediatric Obesity Treatment Studies Misinterpreted):

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) faces criticism from researchers who say the academy misused their studies to justify aggressive obesity treatments, such as surgery and Wegovy, for children. The AAP claims the treatments do not fuel disordered eating, but study authors argue the evidence does not support long-term reduction in eating disorders, a key concern as pediatric eating disorders are rising. Full Article.

North Carolina Health News (Charlotte Hospitals Decline Medical Debt Relief): 

Charlotte hospitals, Atrium and Novant, refused to sell or donate medical debt to RIP Medical Debt, a charity that erases unpaid medical bills. The hospitals cite existing charity care policies as the reason, while advocates argue working with RIP could help many families struggling with medical debt in the area. Despite similar efforts succeeding elsewhere, local hospitals maintain that their financial assistance programs are sufficient. Full Article.