Want obesity drugs covered by insurance? Telehealth companies have a big say

David Davis, a power plant worker in Aptos, Calif., was prescribed GLP-1 medication to treat obstructive sleep apnea. To approve the prescription, his insurance company required him to use Vida Health, an online telehealth company.

Telehealth companies offer lifestyle support so people taking obesity drugs can have the most success losing weight. But employers also want the telehealth providers to limit spending on the drugs.

(Image credit: Lisa Wiseman for NPR)