The study examined formularies for 47 state Medicaid programs in the first quarter of 2023.
Ten states covered Saxenda or Wegovy, the two GLP-1 drugs approved for weight loss. Five of those states restricted coverage of the drugs through non-prefered status, prior authorization or step therapy.
Most states, 39, covered Ozempic, Victoza or Trulicity, GLP-1 drugs approved to treat diabetes.
Some states and employers have been hesitant to cover GLP-1 drugs, which come with a list price of up to $15,000 annually.
These states offer unrestricted coverage of Wegovy and Saxenda in Medicaid, as of 2023:
- California
- Delaware
- Minnesota
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
These states offer restricted coverage of Wegovy and Saxenda:
- Georgia (Saxenda only)
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- Pennsylvania
- Wisconsin
The study was conducted by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. See the full study here.
