Costco, the beloved big-box retailer known for its vast array of goods, is now venturing into specialized healthcare in collaboration with Sesame, expanding its services to include exclusive pricing on weight loss programs. The move aims to cater to the health and wellness needs of its members, offering accessible and affordable options for those seeking medically-supervised weight loss solutions.
In a press release issued by Sesame on Tuesday, it announced that Costco members would be able to avail themselves of a three-month subscription to a weight loss program at an exclusive discounted rate of $179. This subscription includes a live video consultation appointment with a weight loss doctor of the patient's choice, personalized guidance on nutrition and exercise, and a thorough medical history analysis to tailor a clinically-appropriate treatment program. Additionally, depending on the individual's medical history, the doctor may prescribe weight loss medications such as Ozempic or Wegovy.
Sesame emphasized that patient eligibility for prescribed medications is determined by the assessment of appropriateness by Sesame-listed providers, and availability may vary. It's worth noting that the cost of prescribed medication is not included in the base price, and without insurance coverage, these drugs can be quite expensive, costing upwards of $1,000 per month. Furthermore, there have been reported shortages of these drugs in pharmacies across the country due to increased consumer demand, although efforts are underway to address these supply issues.
