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.
