Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has vetoed a key provision from the state’s budget plan that would have required coverage of weight loss medications for state employees and their dependents for the upcoming fiscal year, citing concerns over long-term costs.
The governor warned in a June 24 letter to legislative leaders that even if a small portion of eligible employees began using semaglutide medications for weight loss, the long-term costs could quickly climb into the tens of millions, adding significant strain to the state budget.
The state will continue covering GLP-1s for employees with type 2 diabetes. About 223,000 people are covered under the state’s health plan.