Health Plans Drop GLP-1 Weight-Loss Coverage as 49% Reject Obesity Drugs at Any Price
Updated
Updated · Forbes · Jun 9
Health Plans Drop GLP-1 Weight-Loss Coverage as 49% Reject Obesity Drugs at Any Price
3 articles · Updated · Forbes · Jun 9
Summary
Nearly half of employers and health plans that do not cover GLP-1s for obesity said they would not add coverage at any price, according to a Pharmaceutical Strategies Group survey of more than 235 benefits executives.
High cost is the main driver: 9 in 10 respondents said they were moderately or very concerned about GLP-1 affordability for plans with a median 14,000 enrollees.
Poor persistence is also weighing on decisions, with nearly two-thirds of non-diabetic patients stopping GLP-1 treatment within a year and 72% of respondents citing discontinuation and weight regain as influential.
Cigna last week said it will stop covering GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for its own employees from July 1, while keeping coverage for Type 2 diabetes treatment.
Employers are increasingly steering workers to the cash-pay market, where some oral and injectable GLP-1 options now cost about $150 a month.