Dear Supporters,
Thank you for your incredible engagement. I'm pleased to share another update on our collective efforts regarding CVS Caremark's decision about Zepbound. Our petition is now approaching 9,000 signatures. What an amazing demonstration of our shared voice!
Key Developments:
1. Response from CVS Caremark:
I wanted to let you know that I did receive a response from Dr. Michelle Gourdine, Chief Medical Officer at CVS Caremark, regarding the concerns we raised. For full transparency, I am pasting her reply below:
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Dear Joseph,
Thank you for sharing your additional concerns. As a provider, I appreciate your efforts and advocacy, and I acknowledge that these drugs are revolutionary and life-changing for patients living with obesity and associated comorbidities. More than 100M American adults are eligible for GLP-1 weight loss medications. Yet, not every patient who would benefit from these drugs can access them because their high cost makes them inaccessible to many, even those with insurance coverage.
Our formulary strategy is in response to the enormously high price of these drugs that is set by pharmaceutical manufacturers. We believe that working to lower the costs of these drugs will make them more accessible to patients who need them. And we have successfully used formulary strategies over and over again to create competition that ultimately results in lower healthcare expenditures and greater healthcare access.
Finally, both Zepbound and Wegovy demonstrate clinically meaningful weight loss. Recognizing individual patient need, I want to assure you that we are confident in our ability to maintain clinically-appropriate access to necessary medications. Our pharmacist and physician reviewers are prepared to handle requests for formulary exceptions and will work quickly to come to appropriate resolution on each request.
Best,
Michelle
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While I appreciate Dr. Gourdine's acknowledgment of our advocacy and the impact of these medications, I have followed up with her directly. I've requested more specific information regarding the eligibility criteria for formulary exception requests for Zepbound, as this is a major concern for many patients, especially those who have previously tried Wegovy or have specific indications like Sleep Apnea. I also reiterated the importance of finding a way to keep Zepbound as a readily accessible option, given its clear benefits for so many. I will keep you updated if further clarification is provided.
2. New Podcast Discussion – "Losing Access to GLP-1s? Here’s What to Do Next":
I recently had an in-depth conversation on The Downsized about navigating these types of insurance changes, discussing options if you lose access to GLP-1s, exploring other medications for obesity, out-of-pocket costs, and what's on the horizon for new treatments. I hope you find it helpful.
Watch Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljU826-_lHM
3. New Resource from Eli Lilly:
Eli Lilly has also published a new page on their Zepbound website that includes an FAQ section with helpful information regarding access and the CVS Caremark situation. It's a good resource to review.
Check it out here: https://zepbound.lilly.com/access
Let's Keep the Momentum Going!
We are making significant progress in raising awareness, but our advocacy must continue. Let's keep pushing and aim to break through 10,000 signatures!
- Please continue to share the petition: https://www.change.org/p/stop-cvs-caremark-s-zepbound-ban-restore-coverage-of-the-superior-obesity-medication
- Share this update and the resources with anyone who might be affected or interested.
- Use #KeepZepbound to amplify our collective voice.
Your dedication is making a difference. By continuing to share information and advocate, we reinforce the message that patient access to the most appropriate and effective treatments is paramount.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Joseph Zucchi, PA-C