Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts will no longer cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss as part of its standard benefits, the Boston Globe reported April 17.
In a statement shared with Becker’s, a BCBS Massachusetts spokesperson said the company will continue to cover GLP-1 drugs for diabetes. BCBS Massachusetts will also give large employers the choice of whether to continue coverage of the drugs for weight loss.
“We’re mindful that drugmakers’ prices are putting a big burden on our employer customers, which is why we are offering them the choice to cover or exclude GLP-1 medications for weight loss,” the spokesperson said.
Here are five things to know:
- BCBS Massachusetts reported a $400 million operating loss in 2024. Spending on GLP-1 drugs was the single largest factor behind the loss, the company’s executives said in February.
- Other insurers have made similar decisions. BCBS Michigan stopped covering GLP-1 medications for weight loss in its fully insured, large group commercial plans at the beginning of 2025.
- Around 50,000 BCBS Massachusetts members are taking GLP-1 drugs, with around 80% taking these drugs for weight loss, per the Boston Globe.
- GLP-1 drugs include Ozempic, Wegovy, Monjauro, Zepbound and others. The majority of GLP-1 drugs are approved to treat type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy and Zepbound are approved for weight loss. These drugs can cost upwards of $1,000 a month.
- Research published by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association in 2024 found nearly 6 in 10 adults prescribed a GLP-1 drug for weight loss discontinued the drug before seeing meaningful clinical benefits.
