The report, published Dec. 19, reviewed Medicaid program spending for 10 GLP-1 and SGLT-2 drugs to treat type 2 diabetes between 2019 and 2023. The report also tracked Medicaid spending for Wegovy and Saxenda, two GLP-1 drugs approved for weight loss.
GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic, Monjauro and Rybelsus, treat type 2 diabetes. The drugs can cost more than $1,000 a month SGLT-2 drugs include Jardiance, Farxiga and Invokana.
Here are five numbers to know from the report:
- Between 2019 and 2023, Medicaid spending on 12 diabetes and weight loss drugs increased by more than 500%. In 2019, the program spent $1.5 billion on these drugs. In 2023, it spent $9.4 billion.
- In 2023, Medicaid spent $562.5 million on Wegovy and Saxenda.
- In 2019, diabetes and weight loss drugs accounted for 2% of Medicaid prescription drug spending. In 2023, these drugs accounted for 9% of prescription drug costs in the program.
- Of the $9.4 billion state Medicaid programs spent on weight loss and diabetes drugs in 2023, $2.1 billion was for Ozempic.
- The number of Medicaid claims for diabetes drugs increased by 333%, from 2.4 milllion in 2019 to 10.5 million in 2024.
Read the full report here.
