A false choice: All-or-nothing GLP-1 decision

Employers are facing escalating costs due to the surging demand for GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of obesity medications. Despite this, real-world weight loss results are falling short of those observed in clinical trials. As a result, benefits leaders are often forced into an “all-or-nothing” decision: completely eliminate coverage for these medications, or risk budget-busting costs for low population impact. But the evidence points to a smarter, more sustainable way to support employees and control spend.

Key Takeaways:

1. The “all-or-nothing” approach to GLP-1 coverage is a false choice, as it is typically based on the belief that GLP-1s must be covered for everyone who is medically eligible or for no one at all, and it fails to leverage evidence-based approaches that enable predictable spending and sustainable outcomes.
2. Severity-aware prescribing models enable targeted, cost-effective GLP-1 access, ensuring the right treatment for the right patient while delivering real-world cost savings. 
3. GLP-1 medications offer significant clinical benefits beyond weight loss, including cardiometabolic condition improvements in prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, certain types of cancers and more. 
4. Comprehensive specialty care is crucial for effective GLP-1 utilization, preventing soaring costs and poor patient outcomes often seen with the broad prescribing approach. 
5. Employers should partner with clinically sound organizations that offer evidence-based care, guarantee positive health outcomes and reduced costs, eliminating the risk of covering GLP-1s.

Employers should partner with clinically sound organizations that offer evidence-based care, guarantee positive health outcomes and reduced costs, eliminating the risk of covering GLP-1s.

Download the white paper to understand why an “all or nothing” GLP-1 approach falls short — and discover how to deliver sustainable, evidence-based obesity care that drives real impact for your employees and your bottom line.