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Understanding GLP-1's & Other Specialty Drugs: and their implications on health plan coverages and cost

posted by TrueNorth Employee Benefits on Thursday, August 1, 2024

Considered one of today’s most frequent health problems, obesity affects 42% of the U.S. population, placing individuals at risk for many other serious diseases and health conditions (CDC). GLP-1’s and other innovative specialty drugs offer breakthrough treatment options for those looking to control blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.

Despite impressive results, these weight-loss drugs are costly for consumers and employers alike. Consequently, employers are reevaluating aspects of their plan design - from qualifying criteria and prior authorization processes to restrictions and coverage limits.

Adopting a holistic strategy:

While it’s become commonplace for employers to implement programming that promotes the physical, mental and financial health of their workforce, these standalone programs often fail to integrate with the organization’s overall strategy. With the introduction of GLP-1’s and similar specialty drugs, it has become increasingly important to evaluate what role these programs may (or may not) play in optimizing the coverage offered to employees and their families.

Evaluating your health plan options:

As new weight-loss drugs continue to hit the market, TrueNorth’s team of benefits specialists will continue to assess the long-term impact of these drugs and their effect on employer health plans.

Questions regarding GLP-1's?