Bulk up on Health: Costco's Quirky New Weight Loss Program
- Apr 7, 2024
It seems your favorite warehouse club, Costco, famous for supersized merchandise and unbeatably priced hot dog and soda meals, has branched out into the wellness sector. It's true! They're now offering bulk discounts on health with the introduction of their unique weight loss program.
Shell out just $179, and you can become a member of this program, says Sesame, Costco's trusty health benefits partner. What's on offer? Three months of virtual health check-ins, coaching on eating habits and workouts, along with access to big-hitter prescription medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.
David Goldhill, the brains behind Sesame, announced that they're breaking new ground in medically-supervised weight loss. Their one-of-a-kind model not only makes premium weight loss strategies accessible and affordable but also enables clinicians to personalize care plans to complement individual patients.
But here's the kicker, folks: only Costco members get to join the weight loss circus. A basic Costco membership will set you back by $60 per year. And no, the $179 club fee doesn't cover your meds. Investors, don’t fret. Sesame promises to help patients wrestle with the tricky health insurance paperwork and will direct prescriptions to a local pharmacy.
Worth noting, Ozempic and Wegovy, both approved for distinct health benefits, could take a significant chunk out of your wallet without insurance. GoodRx estimates that the former, used for treating type 2 diabetes, may be priced around $1,000 for a single syringe. The latter, equipped for weight loss battles, might hover around $1,300 for a pack of four.
Scratching your head over Costco's sudden leap into healthcare? The company isn't new to this game, hosting eye exams, eyewear services, and delivering prescriptions through mail-order. Their fresh endeavor has been fueled by a recent team-up with Sesame, providing a range of healthcare bargains like $29 for virtual prime care consultations, $72 for health check-ups backed with basic lab work, $79 for e-mental care, alongside a swarm of discounted health services.