Obesity Program Costs Could Fall on Insurers, Employers
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's recent recommendation that clinicians screen patients for obesity and refer them to intensive weight-loss programs could require insurers and employers to cover the full cost of such programs. The federal health reform law requires that new health plans and employers whose benefits change enough to lose their grandfathered status provide members and workers with services recommended by USPSTF at no additional charge.
- "Panel Says Obese Are Entitled to Coverage for Weight-Loss Programs" (Andrews, Kaiser Health News/Washington Post, 7/9).