The financial impact of popular weight-loss drugs has become a pressing issue, particularly for health plans that cover state employees. North Carolina’s health plan made headlines last year when it decided to stop covering Wegovy and Zepbound for state workers. The decision was made after officials concluded that continuing coverage would necessitate doubling premiums to accommodate the costs associated with GLP-1 medications.
Similarly, Colorado’s health plan has announced that it will cease covering GLP-1 medications for weight loss starting July. This decision comes after the costs for these medications more than quadrupled in the six months leading up to 2024 compared to the previous year. However, it’s worth noting that employees who are currently taking these drugs will be grandfathered in, ensuring they can continue their treatment without interruption.
These developments highlight the growing financial strain that weight-loss drugs are placing on healthcare systems. As the demand for these medications continues to rise, health plans are being forced to make difficult decisions about coverage and costs. The situation underscores the need for a balanced approach that considers both the health benefits of these drugs and their financial implications for healthcare systems.
