Costco has always offered more than your typical grocery store, and it’s just added a new perk to the list. As of April 2, the chain can help you lose weight, too.
The wholesaler partnered with Sesame, a private health care marketplace, to make this happen. According to CostcoWeightLoss.com, the price isn’t included in a Costco membership, though.
The program costs $179 every three months. Participants don’t have to have health insurance to get involved, but may benefit from having it — the fee does not include the cost of medication and lab work.
Potential weight-loss medications include Wegovy, Ozempic and Saxenda, for which uninsured prices range from $950 to $1,600 per month. Program participants are not guaranteed access to these drugs.
Included in the three-month fee are:
- A virtual consultation with a weight-loss doctor or specialist who may prescribe medication as needed
- Assistance with insurance coordination
- Lab orders as needed
- Unlimited messaging about medication, diet and exercise
- Exercise and nutrition guidance from a specialist
Costco’s website says the ideal candidate has a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30, or a BMI of at least 27 and weight-related health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol). The site doesn’t indicate that all participants have to meet this threshold for assistance.
If you purchase a membership in the program, but the health care provider doesn’t think you’re a good candidate, you can get a 50% refund. You can get that same refund if you don’t choose to move forward after the initial consultation.
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