U.S. Companies Grapple with Coverage Issues for Pricey Weight Loss Drugs
U.S. companies are facing a dilemma when it comes to covering the cost of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, such as Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound. Despite the high costs of these drugs ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 a month, consumers are showing keen interest in them.
A recent survey revealed that while 76% of companies provide coverage for GLP-1 drugs for diabetes, only 27% offer coverage for weight loss. However, despite the hefty price tag, prescription volumes for these weight-loss drugs are on the rise.
Employers are struggling to determine how to cover these drugs without breaking the bank, especially considering the $18,000 annual cost per employee. Companies that have already started covering weight-loss drugs report higher levels of employee satisfaction and overall wellbeing.
Employers are now considering factors such as BMI, obesity diagnosis, and cost-control measures when deciding whether to cover these drugs. Benefits consultants predict that most companies will eventually opt to cover these drugs due to their potential benefits in weight loss and prevention of serious illnesses like stroke and heart attacks.
For consumers without coverage, there may still be options to save through manufacturer discount programs. Despite the challenges, it seems that the demand for these weight-loss drugs is only expected to grow in the coming months.
