What's Happening?
Madi Shaum, a 29-year-old mother from St. George, Utah, has taken on multiple side jobs to afford her GLP-1 weight-loss medication, semaglutide. After struggling with her weight and trying various diets,
Shaum found success with semaglutide but faced the challenge of its high cost. Initially paying $300 monthly, she now manages to get a three-month supply for the same price, entirely out-of-pocket. To cover these expenses, Shaum works as a social media strategist and engages in side hustles like data annotation, TikTok Shop affiliate marketing, and selling digital designs on Etsy. Her efforts highlight the financial burden many face in accessing weight-loss drugs.
Why It's Important?
Shaum's story underscores the financial challenges associated with accessing weight-loss medications, which are not always covered by insurance. This situation reflects a broader issue affecting millions of Americans who rely on GLP-1 inhibitors like Ozempic and Wegovy, which can cost up to $1,400 per month. The high cost of these medications can lead to significant financial strain, forcing individuals to seek additional income sources. This scenario raises questions about healthcare affordability and the accessibility of essential medications, potentially prompting discussions on policy changes to improve insurance coverage for such treatments.
