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 ,which is why organizations are actively evaluating strategies like Employer healthcare cost reduction that balance access to effective care with sustainable spend. 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.

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.