North Carolina will cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss through its Medicaid program.
The program will cover the drugs because of the "substantial weight loss associated with these medications and the impact on comorbidities," according to a July 17 notice.
The coverage will be effective Aug. 1 for beneficiaries 12 years of age and older.
The decision is opposite of North Carolina's state health plan, which dropped coverage of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss only in January. The state lost out on $54 million in drug rebates because of the decision, according to reporting from WRAL News.
North Carolina treasurer Dale Folwell previously said the drugs cost more than $800 per member per month for state employees.
As of 2023, five states offer broad Medicaid coverage of Wegovy and Saxenda, GLP-1 drugs approved for weight loss. Another five states offer restricted coverage of the drugs, according to a study published in JAMA in March.