US employers consider reducing coverage for weight-loss drugs
US employers consider reducing coverage for weight-loss drugs
Updated at: August 31, 2026 at 12:30 AM
The landscape of U.S. healthcare benefits is currently defined by a tug-of-war over GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound.
With monthly costs often exceeding $1,000 per patient, many employers are re-evaluating their coverage strategies as these drugs become a primary driver of rising pharmacy expenses.
Currently, while over 90% of companies cover these drugs for Type 2 diabetes, only a minority provide coverage specifically for obesity.
The trend is shifting: in the past year, the number of employers covering GLP-1s for weight loss has dropped as companies struggle with uncertainty regarding long-term financial returns.
This creates a difficult balance for HR leaders, who must navigate intense employee demand for access against the need for financial sustainability.
While dropping coverage may offer short-term relief, some experts warn it could be a 'penny-wise but pound-foolish' approach that impacts long-term employee productivity and health outcomes.
