18% of large US employers cover weight loss drugs, with high costs contributing to limited coverage.

A recent Health Affairs survey reveals that only 18% of large U.S. employers cover weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound, mainly due to their high monthly costs exceeding $1,000. A Congressional Budget Office analysis estimates expanding Medicare coverage for these drugs could cost $35 billion by 2034, with rising obesity rates creating more demand. Employers face challenges in integrating these costly treatments into health plans, despite potential future coverage expansions.

October 08, 2024
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