Quebec Considers Free Medication Program for 1,000 Patients Battling Obesity

2024-09-16 16:28:13

At the beginning of the year, Radio-Canada revealed the existence of a pilot project by the Ministry of Health aimed at reimbursing people who take medication to lose weight.

Currently, in Quebec, anti-obesity drugs are on the list of products excluded from the public drug insurance plan.

Ozempic, for example, can cost $500 per month.

The National Institute of Excellence in Health and Social Services (INESSS) has looked into the 2-year project […] which would allow around 1000 people living with obesity to benefit from interdisciplinary care including drug therapy.

The pilot project considered by the MSSS aims to evaluate the feasibility, the impacts and the issues related to the targeted use of pharmacotherapy to treat obesity within three Quebec centers of expertise.

According to the INESSS team, the monitoring of participants over a 2-year period currently planned by the MSSS is consistent with the scientific literature consulted. […] However, extended follow-up over a period of up to 5 years could be relevant to assess certain clinical, organizational and economic parameters.

All pharmacological treatments whose formulation has been approved by Health Canada for the treatment of obesity should be considered in the pilot project, namely liraglutide, naltrexone-bupropion, orlistat and semaglutide (2.4 mg formulation only).

A quote from an INESSS study

The Health Minister’s office is reserving an announcement for later.

We have had the opportunity to review the INESSS report and its analysis is already underway. Discussions are currently continuing, we will make an announcement at the appropriate time.

A quote from the Cabinet of Minister Christian Dubé

2:20

Report by Davide Gentile

Selection criteria

According to INESSS, the choice of participants in the pilot project should first be made according to the needs of each individual and the expected gains.

Selected users should be at least 18 years of age or older, be followed in a designated center of expertise and have an Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) stage of 2 or more or be required to lose or maintain weight in order to obtain care or surgery (for example, pre or post solid organ transplant, contraindication to bariatric surgery).

The study also suggests reminding participants of the temporary nature of treatment coverage.

Studies have observed a gradual weight gain in the year following the cessation of drug treatment. This could therefore have significant effects on the psychological and physical health of the participants in the pilot project.

A specialist in general and bariatric internal medicine at the Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Dr. Marie-Philippe Morin questions the relevance of going through a pilot project over a few years before extending access to medication.

I think we still have all the science behind obesity medications, the experience of other countries so that we can move forward.

In the United Kingdom and France, for example, semaglutide is reimbursed if it is prescribed within a specialist weight management service providing multidisciplinary care for obesity.

8:10

Interview with Marie-Philippe Morin, internal medicine specialist at the University Institute of Cardiology and Pneumology of Quebec

First for diabetes

According to data from the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), the State has reimbursed more than $264 million for Ozempic over the past four years.

As of 2023, more than 42,000 patients were using it to control their type 2 diabetes. Thousands more are covered by private insurance through their employer.

4500 bariatric surgeries per year

For internal medicine specialist Dr. Alexandro Ricardo Zarruk, the rapid development of weight loss drugs offers hope.

We can see 20%, 30%, 40% weight loss, and we’re talking about weight loss that rivals bariatric surgery, he says.

Bariatric surgery is paid for by the public network. The cost of such surgery exceeds $10,000.

According to RAMQ data, the number of bariatric surgeries should reach 4,500 in 2023, once the compilation is complete.

This is a slightly higher level than before the pandemic. In 10 years, the number of bariatric surgeries has almost tripled.

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October 2023, this widespread usage indicates a recognition⁤ of the⁣ medication’s benefits, yet the‍ distinction between treating diabetes and obesity continues to ⁢create⁣ a significant barrier for⁣ many in need of weight loss assistance.

Quebec’s Pilot Project for Weight Loss Medication Reimbursement: A Step towards Addressing Obesity

Obesity is a growing concern in Quebec, with thousands of individuals struggling to manage their weight and related⁢ health issues.⁣ In an⁤ effort to address this problem, the Ministry of Health has launched a pilot project aimed ​at reimbursing people who take medication to lose weight. This⁢ initiative has ⁤sparked hope among those affected by obesity, as well as ⁣healthcare professionals who have been calling for greater access to ⁤effective treatment options.

The Current State of Weight Loss Medication in Quebec

Currently, anti-obesity drugs are excluded from the public drug insurance ⁢plan in Quebec, making them inaccessible to many individuals who need them. Ozempic,‍ a popular weight loss medication, can cost up to $500‌ per month, a significant financial burden for those who require it. However, the new ⁤pilot project aims to change this by providing reimbursement for around 1,000 people living with obesity.

The Pilot ⁤Project: Aims and Objectives

The National Institute of ‌Excellence in Health and Social Services (INESSS) has evaluated the 2-year ⁤pilot project, which will‌ allow participants⁢ to benefit⁣ from interdisciplinary care, ​including drug therapy. ⁢The⁣ project aims to assess‌ the feasibility, impacts, and issues related ​to the ⁤targeted use of pharmacotherapy to treat obesity within three Quebec centers of expertise. The ⁤monitoring of participants over ⁢a 2-year period will ⁤help evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and identify⁢ areas for improvement.

Selection Criteria for Participants

According to INESSS, ⁢the selection of participants will be based on individual needs and expected gains. To be eligible, individuals must be at least ⁢18 years old, be followed in a designated center of expertise, and have an‍ Edmonton Obesity‍ Staging ​System (EOSS) stage of 2‍ or‌ more. ‌Additionally, they must require weight loss or maintenance to access care or‍ surgery, such as pre or post solid organ transplant, ⁣or have a contraindication to bariatric surgery.

Concerns and Criticisms

Some healthcare professionals, like‌ Dr. Marie-Philippe Morin, a‍ specialist in​ general and bariatric internal medicine, have⁣ expressed concerns about the pilot‍ project’s duration. They⁤ argue⁢ that the science​ behind‍ obesity medications is well-established, and that extending access​ to these treatments should⁤ not require a pilot project.

International Comparison

In countries‌ like the United Kingdom and France, semaglutide, a popular​ weight loss ⁢medication, is reimbursed if prescribed within a specialist weight management service providing multidisciplinary care for obesity. This highlights the need for Quebec to ‌catch up with international standards in ⁣terms of access to effective obesity treatments.

Ozempic and Diabetes

Interestingly,‍ Ozempic has been widely‍ used to control type 2 diabetes in Quebec, with⁤ the State reimbursing ​over $264 ⁢million for the‌ medication over the past four years. As of

A solution for some individuals living with obesity, not everyone qualifies for the procedure. The reimbursement for weight loss medication seeks to provide an alternative treatment option for those who may not be candidates for surgery but still need assistance in managing their weight.

Quebec’s Plan to Reimburse Weight Loss Medication: A Step Towards Better Healthcare

<img src="https://images.radio-canada.ca/qauto,w635,h_357/v1/ici-info/16×9/ozempic-ramq-diabete-obesite-29474.jpg” />

In a move to combat obesity and related health issues, the Quebec government has initiated a pilot project to reimburse individuals who take medication to lose weight. Currently, anti-obesity drugs are not covered under the public drug insurance plan in Quebec, leaving many individuals to bear the high cost of treatment. This pilot project, which has been underway since the beginning of the year, aims to provide access to weight loss medication for around 1000 people living with obesity.

The Need for Weight Loss Medication

Obesity is a growing concern in Quebec, with many individuals struggling to manage their weight. The lack of access to effective weight loss medication has made it difficult for those in need to receive the treatment they require. Ozempic, a popular weight loss medication, can cost up to $500 per month, making it unaffordable for many.

The Pilot Project

The National Institute of Excellence in Health and Social Services (INESSS) has been instrumental in the development of this pilot project. The project aims to provide interdisciplinary care, including drug therapy, to individuals living with obesity. The project will evaluate the feasibility, impacts, and issues related to the targeted use of pharmacotherapy to treat obesity within three Quebec centers of expertise.

Selection Criteria

According to INESSS, the selection of participants for the pilot project should be based on individual needs and expected gains. Participants must be at least 18 years of age, be followed in a designated center of expertise, and have an Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) stage of 2 or more, or be required to lose or maintain weight in order to obtain care or surgery.

First for Diabetes

While this pilot project is a step in the right direction, it is worth noting that medication for diabetes is already covered under the public drug insurance plan in Quebec. This has led to a shortage of anti-diabetic medication, as influencers and others have been generating a high demand for these drugs.

4500 Bariatric Surgeries per Year

In Quebec, approximately 4500 bariatric surgeries are performed each year. While surgery can be