4 reasons why most payers, employers don't cover weight loss drugs

The most common reason health plans and employers do not pay for pricey weight loss drugs is because they consider these medications to be lifestyle drugs, according to a survey from Pharmaceutical Strategies Group. 

The survey, published June 13, found 49 percent of health plans and 41 percent of employers cover weight loss drugs. Pharmaceutical Strategies Group surveyed 149 employers and health plans in February and March. 

GLP-1 drugs approved to treat obesity, like Wegovy and Saxenda, can cost upwards of $10,000 per year. 

Here are four reasons plans and employers surveyed said they do not cover weight loss drugs 

1. Thirty-eight percent said they consider the drugs to be lifestyle drugs, which are excluded from coverage.
2. Thirty-four percent said the drugs are too expensive to cover for all of the members who would be prescribed them. 
3. Nineteen percent said they are concerned drugs will not lead to long-term weight loss.
4. Five percent said they are concerned about the ongoing duration of weight loss drug treatment. 

See the full report here.