How can we most effectively engage health plans in adding obesity management programs?
The summary answer is that the program must be manageable. An employer can recommend the concept to the insurer by demonstrating the population demand and emphasizing the need to address the obesity crisis, especially before the need for high cost bariatric surgery arises. The rider template is user-friendly for actuaries and benefit designers. At a medical loss ratio of 0.75, the health plan can offer the purchaser a product with quality, comprehensive information and still have 25 percent of the price to cover administrative costs and margin. This is one approach to consider.
