as much as 22 %. These promising results have led to people trying to use the antidiabetic versions of the two medications to take advantage of their weight-loss capabilities , with some people attempting to get prescriptions to use the medications “ off-label ” ( for a purpose that has not been approved for use by Health Canada ). For example , people who do not have diabetes have been trying ( often successfully ) to get a prescription for the antidiabetic medications Ozempic , Rybelsus , or Mounjaro to take advantage of their weight-loss side effects . This situation has led to a significant shortage of these medications , as well as a few potential health complications for people who are taking these medications when they are not diabetic , such as pancreatitis , biliary disease , bowel obstruction , and gastroparesis .
Ozempic has been quite popular with ARTA ’ s members — the benefit plan paid over $ 400,000 for Ozempic in 2023 , and our plan was the second payor ( behind public-sponsored plans ) in most cases . ARTA ’ s benefit plans currently cover Ozempic and Rybelsus under its prior authorization program , meaning your physician needs to complete a form outlining the medication ’ s treatment protocol and confirming it will be used as approved by Health Canada . In other words , these medications cannot be used off-label and receive coverage from ARTA ’ s benefit plans — we only cover drugs for use as approved by Health Canada . Mounjaro is not currently covered by ARTA ’ s plans , but coverage is expected to be approved once it has been reviewed by the public health care plans , by the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technology in Health , and by our claims adjudicator .
We will continue to monitor new breakthrough drugs that enter the marketplace and report our findings to ARTA members .
Solid , dependable , and reliable .
The Teachers ’ Pension Plan is fully funded this year for the first time in its history with a 101 % funded ratio , and the Private School Teachers ’ Pension Plan remains fully funded with a funded ratio of 109 %. What that means for our members is that as a result of prudent management , your pension plan remains on a solid foundation , and you can continue to count on it to be there for you .
Full details in our 2023 annual report at www . atrf . ca / annualreport
ATRF . ca
news & views SPRING 2024 | 11