Americans’ heightened interest in and spending on GLP-1 drugs is a major driver of rising health care costs. While GLP-1 drugs were traditionally used to treat diabetes, they are now in demand for weight loss.
GLP-1 use is already widespread but is expected to increase in popularity. KFF reports that around 1 in 8 Americans have already used a GLP-1 drug, while 6% are currently taking one. However, this number is projected to rise in the coming years. Investment bank J.P. Morgan estimates that 9% of the U.S. population could be on GLP-1s by 2030.
This trend impacts workplaces as employees ask their employers to cover weight loss drugs. Given the priciness of GLP-1 drugs and their long-term commitment, large employers with self-insured plans may still be on the fence about whether they should cover the drugs despite demand. At this point, most fully-insured group plans exclude a variety of GLP-1s without a corresponding medical condition.
Click the following link for a copy of our infographic on: GLP-1 Drugs for Weight Loss and Diabetes
