Employer Health Plans to Cover Weight Loss Drugs like GLP-1
For a long time now, weight loss has become a worldwide pursuit for many. However, accessibility to the best and most effective treatment plans and methods can be challenging. In February 2024, survey results showed that consumers seek employer health plans that offer coverage for known and approved weight loss drugs like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound. With monthly costs ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 and using every discount available to lower prices, insurance coverage is seen as much-needed help.
However, an October 2023 survey of 205 companies found that, while 76% of companies provided GLP-1 drug coverage, it’s only approved for diabetes treatment. Meanwhile, only 27% provided coverage for GLP-1 meant for weight loss. On the bright side, 13% of plan sponsors indicated they were considering coverage for weight loss.
As prescription volumes for GLP-1 weight loss drugs continue to rise, the demand for health plan coverage will likely increase. This is especially true considering increased investments in the obesity market looking to boost the manufacturing capacity of GLP-1 treatments and meet rapidly growing demands. Currently, 99% of companies already covering GLP-1 treatment state that they plan to continue covering them, citing high employee satisfaction and well-being, increased engagement in other well-being programs, and improvement in other health conditions as primary reasons.
So, while there isn’t an official verdict out for employer health plan coverage regarding GLP-1s, experts are optimistic that it’s only a matter of time before companies take them into consideration for the sake of supporting and promoting employee well-being.
What are GLP-1s, and how do they work?
GLP-1, which stands for glucagon-like peptide, is a gut hormone released after you eat. They boost the amount of insulin the body makes to maintain your blood sugar levels. As such, the drug form of GLP-1s was initially approved and prescribed for treating conditions like diabetes.
Later on, researchers found that the use of GLP-1 agonists led to an average of 15% body weight loss. When GLP-1 for weight loss is used a person will feel less hungry, have fewer cravings and thoughts of food, and feel more full after a meal. At the same time, GLP-1 also helps a person feel full for longer, which helps reduce snacking in between meals.
Due to the drug’s efficacy, however, GLP-1 agonists aren’t designed for people who want quick and instant weight loss. To get prescribed with GLP-1s like Wegovy or Ozempic, you must meet the FDA requirements of having a BMI of 30 or more. For those with other weight-related complications like hypertension or high cholesterol, the minimum is slightly lowered at 27. Similarly, like most serious medications, those who are pregnant or nursing, planning to become pregnant, living with disordered eating, or have a family history of certain cancers are not recommended to take GLP-1 agonists.
Still, these precautions haven’t stopped the general population from developing the misconception that GLP-1s are miracle drugs. In the past years, brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have taken the world by storm as they are used by famous celebrities and figures around the world. This has led to a worrying shortage of GLP-1s, which unfortunately affects those who need the medication for treating type 2 diabetes.
The GLP-1 supply shortage
Fortunately, companies are doing their best to help with this shortage problem. After all, while weight loss can certainly help improve health outcomes for overweight or obese people, GLP-1s are also crucial medications for those living with diabetes. As a result, healthcare companies like Ro have begun using technology to come up with solutions. The recent launching of a GLP-1 supply tracker is one such example, an innovative tool designed to deliver real-time updates and alerts on GLP-1 drug availability.
The app uses proprietary, nationwide supply data, user-generated reports, and the latest information from the FDA’s Drug Shortage List to inform users of drug supply and shortages at specific pharmacies in their area. Users can also submit shortage reports directly to the FDA with just a few clicks on the app.
To help alleviate the GLP-1 shortage problem, it’s also crucial for the general population to pursue other means of weight loss, especially if they don’t meet the criteria for prescription weight loss drugs. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, as well as regularly exercising, should always be the first go-to preventive treatment for developing weight issues.
Similarly, you can also check out alternative weight loss treatments like the weight loss hypnosis class we covered. The class was held at Paso Robles Centennial Park and takes on a more spiritual approach to weight loss, unlocking your conscious and hidden potential to create change, excitement, and motivation to tackle weight loss.
