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Healthcare cost spotlight: GLP-1 medications

Healthcare cost spotlight for GLP-1 medications

With U.S. healthcare costs projected to rise by up to 8% in 2025, employers are facing a new challenge: how to manage the growing cost of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic®, Wegovy® and Mounjaro®. Originally approved to treat Type 2 diabetes, these drugs are increasingly prescribed for weight loss — and they aren’t cheap. 

[Learn more in our Healthcare Cost Spotlight] 

GLP-1 considerations for health plans 

A Per a Business Group on Health (BGH) survey , new data shows more than half of large employers say GLP-1s are “greatly” driving up health plan costs — and demand is rising fast. With over 100 similar drugs in development and more use cases emerging, from treating obesity to sleep apnea and heart disease, this trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon. 

To control costs, employers are exploring options like: 

  • requiring BMI thresholds and prior authorization; 

  • pairing GLP-1 coverage with lifestyle or wellness programs; 

  • adjusting cost-sharing arrangements; and 

  • leveraging pharmacy savings programs. 

The stakes are high. While these drugs can improve health outcomes, employers must weigh short-term costs against long-term benefits both for employee well-being and organizational sustainability. 

Learn how GLP-1s are shaping 2025 benefit strategies and what your organization can do to prepare. 

[Prepare for GLP-1 medications now] 

Want more information?

If you have questions, contact TruePlan. Our team of advisors can help you with questions within the scope of employee benefits.   


This content is for informational purposes only. It has been partially generated from an AI language model, which may not always be exhaustive or tailored to individual circumstances. We encourage you to contact one of our experts for more information. We assume no liability arising from any use of this content. 

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