Life was looking up for Carlos Campos, a 72-year-old retired machinist living in Tukwila, Wash., with his wife and daughter. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 20 years ago, Campos saw a significant improvement in his blood sugar levels about a year ago when he started taking Ozempic.
In hour-long appointments each week, Campos would share his progress with Maureen Chomko, a diabetes educator at NeighborCare Health in South Seattle. He expressed his satisfaction with the results he achieved with Ozempic, stating that it provided the best control compared to other medications he had tried.
However, Campos faced a setback when Medicare stopped covering his Ozempic, causing the cost per vial to skyrocket from $47 to $239, which was beyond his budget. This sudden change led to a drastic increase in his blood sugar levels, making it difficult for him to manage his diabetes along with other cardiovascular conditions.
The rise in popularity of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic has posed a new challenge for healthcare providers. The complexity of managing these medications requires a team-based approach to fine-tune prescriptions and ensure access for patients dealing with multiple chronic conditions, as well as social determinants of health like food, housing, and employment insecurity.
Dr. Dhruv Kazi, from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to maximize the impact of these drugs on population health. He highlighted the importance of addressing implementation science and health economics to ensure that patients can access and stay on these medications long term.
The recent Standards of Care in Diabetes 2025 by the American Diabetes Association endorse a team-based approach to diabetes care, emphasizing the involvement of dietitians and nurse practitioners to improve patient outcomes. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients with Medicaid or Medicare coverage, who may face challenges in accessing and affording medications like Ozempic.
Chomko played a crucial role in helping Campos navigate the challenges of obtaining Ozempic through Novo Nordisk’s patient assistance program. Her expertise as a diabetes specialist enabled Campos to receive the medication for free, highlighting the value of having a dedicated healthcare team in managing complex medication regimens.
Despite the success stories of patients like Campos and Carol Gordon, who found relief with Ozempic in their weight loss journey, disparities in access and affordability remain a significant barrier for many individuals. The high cost of these medications and the lack of insurance coverage often hinder patients from continuing their treatment, leading to weight regain and other health complications.
As healthcare providers continue to explore solutions to improve access to GLP-1 drugs and ensure long-term adherence, the integration of dietitians, nurse practitioners, and other specialists in the care team is essential. This collaborative approach allows for personalized care, addressing not just the medical aspects but also the social and emotional needs of patients struggling with obesity and diabetes.
In conclusion, while the potential of GLP-1 drugs to transform healthcare is promising, addressing the barriers to access and affordability is crucial to ensure equitable care for all patients. By implementing a team-based approach and prioritizing patient education and support, healthcare providers can help individuals like Campos and Gordon achieve better health outcomes and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
