Schuylkill County taxpayers footed a $259,000 bill for government employees to receive the diabetes-turned-weight loss drug Wegovy in 2024. And, according to one Commissioner, that bill was projected to be about a half-million dollars in 2025.
But, it was announced last week, coverage of that particular drug will be limited next year.
Dropping coverage of Wegovy was part of the cuts County officials say were made to reduce what was about a $21 million deficit heading into this year’s budgeting sessions for next year. The County is still likely going to raise property taxes by 3.5 mills to balance its budget in 2025. But that hike could have been a fraction of a mill higher if, what the projections of Wegovy spending in 2025 are true weren’t cut.
Commissioner Larry Padora said during last week’s Salary Board meeting that County employees – both union and non-union, alike – who are prescribed Wegovy for another condition other than exclusively weight loss, will still be able to have access to the drug.
“If you need it for something other than weight loss, you can still get it,” Padora explained.
Healthcare costs are a large portion of the County government’s budget. It accounts for more than 1 mill, which is equal to about $2.4 million. In addition to dropping the option of getting prescribed Wegovy as a weight loss drug, Commissioners detailed some of the other changes that were made to non-union employees’ healthcare plans. These changes, they said, will be pushed for during upcoming union contract negotiations starting in 2025.
Co-pays are one area they specified last week.
Through 2024, co-pays for visits to an urgent care facility and an emergency room were the same. Padora said that if a County employee lived closer to an ER, they would likely just choose to go there over an urgent care.
Starting in 2025, the co-pay for urgent care will be $50 and for an ER visit, it’ll be $150.
“Your co-pay for urgent care and the emergency room should not be the same,” Padora said. “We’re trying to get our employees to understand to be consumers.”
Previously, co-pays for primary care physicians and specialists was also the same, $15. Under new rules, that’ll change to $20 for primary care and $30 for specialists.
Wegovy image: NovoNordisk
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...