Employer Hesitancy Keeps GLP-1 Obesity Drugs Largely Uncovered, Survey Finds

An IFEBP survey shows most U.S. employers haven’t expanded GLP-1 obesity-drug coverage. About 36% provide GLP-1 coverage for both diabetes and weight loss (up from 2024), 60% cover diabetes only, and roughly 45% cover GLP-1s for other conditions. Cost remains the main driver, with plans restricting coverage or directing employees to direct-to-consumer options or HSAs/FSA dollars. Employers emphasize existing benefits like disease management and nutrition counseling, and only around 9% are considering obesity coverage. Medicare’s 18-month obesity coverage rollout could shift decisions if real-world savings materialize.