Coverage of weight-loss drugs on employer plans expected to double in 2024, survey finds

The number of U.S. employers who cover obesity medications could nearly double next year, according to a survey (Source: “U.S. employers covering weight-loss drugs could nearly double in 2024 – survey,” Reuters, Oct. 10).

The survey of 502 employers by Accolade, a company that provides healthcare programs for employers, and research firm Savanta said 43% of the employers it polled could cover GLP-1 drugs in 2024 compared to 25% that cover them now.

GLP-1s, short for glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists, are used to treat type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Nearly all the companies that are covering GLP-1 drugs plan to keep covering them next year, according to the survey.

Employers that cover weight-loss drugs are facing a spike in their healthcare costs because of their growing popularity. Sales of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and its diabetes drug Ozempic have surged in the last year. Ozempic is being used "off label" for weight loss as well.