Costco, known for its bulk goods and affordable food options, has been making strides in the healthcare sector. Through a partnership with Sesame, a healthcare marketplace, Costco aims to provide its members with accessible and affordable medical services. This article delves into the details of Costco's collaboration with Sesame, focusing on their weight loss program and other healthcare offerings.
The Initial Weight Loss Program
In a move to expand its healthcare offerings, Costco partnered with Sesame to introduce a weight loss management program. Costco members could access a three-month subscription to Sesame's weight loss management program for $179, or $60 per month. This subscription included expert clinical care from weight loss specialists, access to weight loss prescriptions (including GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy), and ongoing support through unlimited messaging.
The program aimed to provide a comprehensive approach to weight loss, combining medical expertise with lifestyle guidance. Clinicians would collect a patient's medical history and help determine appropriate diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. When clinically appropriate, the clinician may pair these interventions with medications, subject to their availability.
Program Termination and Current Status
After five months, Sesame ended the offer and stated that they would no longer be accepting new enrollments. However, existing enrollees can continue the program for the same price.
Sesame's Healthcare Marketplace
Sesame is a healthcare marketplace that connects patients directly to medical care at affordable prices, without requiring insurance. The company offers discounts on prescriptions, dentistry, therapy, labs, and more. Through a Costco membership, members can access exclusive Sesame pricing, including:
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- $29 virtual primary care visits
- $79 virtual therapy visits
- $72 health check-ups (including a standard health panel and consult)
- $45/month prescription skincare subscription
- $65/month mental health medication management subscription
- 10% off additional specialty visits
Weight Loss Program Alternatives
While the initial discounted weight loss program is no longer available for new enrollees, Sesame offers alternative options for those interested in weight management:
Success by Sesame: This comprehensive online weight loss program includes video consults with a licensed clinician, labs, messaging, access to prescriptions for weight loss medications, and ongoing care.
Success by Sesame (with insurance): This option costs $89/month and does not include medication in the pricing. Instead, the weight loss medication prescription is sent to the patient's pharmacy for pick up.
Success by Sesame (without insurance): This option costs $249/month and includes four pre-measured injectable syringes of compounded semaglutide per month shipped to the patient's door.
Access to Weight Loss Medications
Costco members with a prescription for Wegovy or Ozempic can access their medication for just $499 per month (50% off the traditional price) when self-paying at Costco Pharmacy.
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The Role of GLP-1 Drugs
The weight loss program and its alternatives often involve the use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. These medications have gained popularity for their weight loss benefits. However, medical professionals and drug manufacturers have warned that they are not lifestyle medications and should be used under medical supervision.
Costco and Sesame's Partnership History
Costco and Sesame first partnered in 2023 to offer Costco members low pricing for core healthcare services like virtual primary care, health checkups, and virtual mental health therapy. The expansion into medical weight loss services came as a result of inquiries from patients.
How the Weight Loss Program Worked
The initial weight loss program offered Costco members:
- Three months of clinical consultation
- The ability to select the clinician of their choice
- An initial live video consultation with the clinician
- The ability to message their clinician outside scheduled appointments
- A nutritional guide and recommendations
- An individualized, clinically appropriate treatment program
Sesame clinicians would begin by collecting a detailed medical history from each patient and help patients with appropriate diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.
Using Sesame Without a Costco Membership
Consumers without Costco memberships can use Sesame's services, but the price is further discounted for Costco members. Sesame offers primary care doctors, nurse practitioners, more than 40 health specialties, and lab and imaging centers. It offers primarily virtual care but has some in-person care available, too.
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