Overview
- A Pharmaceutical Strategies Group survey found that about half of firms that do not cover GLP‑1s for obesity say they would not offer coverage at any price, reflecting growing resistance among benefits leaders.
- Cigna confirmed it will end its employee coverage for GLP‑1 drugs for weight loss, a move that removes insured access while preserving diabetes coverage.
- Plans cite steep spending pressure plus high discontinuation and weight‑regain rates among non‑diabetic users as key reasons for tighter benefit rules.
- Employers and patients are shifting to the cash market and telehealth platforms for lower prices and subscription care, with reports of some pills or injectables available around $150 per month and services like Hers offering membership plans and clinician messaging.
- The trend follows rapid uptake of GLP‑1s for obesity that sharply raised demand and plan costs, a dynamic that threatens continuity of care and leaves open questions about long‑term health and workforce outcomes.