America’s enthusiasm for weight-loss drugs is forcing employers to drop coverage
Por Julia Musto — – World RSS Feed
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America’s enthusiasm for weight-loss drugs is forcing employers to drop coverage
Major companies including PepsiCo, Cigna and Starbucks reportedly limiting GLP-1 coverage
Julia Musto in New York Wednesday 16 September 2026 17:47 BST
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Some 30 million Americans take GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro, shelling out hundreds of dollars in monthly fees even with health insurance.
But experts warn patients could see those costs double, if employers drop coverage.
Two-thirds of U.S. companies currently cover the drugs for weight loss but 10 percent are planning to eliminate the coverage next year, a May survey from the employer organization Business Group showed. GLP-1s were found to be the biggest factor in an expected record increase in costs of employer-sponsored health insurance next year, a separate survey from the global insurance firm Marsh found.
That’s why some companies have already pulled coverage, including beverage giant PepsiCo. The company will still cover weight-loss medications for employees with diabetes but has also limited coverage.
“Prescription weight loss medications have become one of the fastest-growing costs in the PepsiCo Plans,” the company wrote in a letter to employees, shared with The Independent Wednesday.
open image in galleryRemoving the coverage enables the company to provide an affordable and sustainable healthcare program with a high value benefits package, PepsiCo wrote.
Healthcare group Cigna and coffee chain Starbucks have also stopped GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, according to recent reports from Reuters and Business Insider.
“As availability has increased and new options have emerged, we’ve made the decision to end our plan’s coverage for GLP-1s for weight loss,” a Cigna spokesperson said. “We remain committed to supporting our employees’ health through a range of weight management programs and resources.”
The Independent has contacted both Cigna and Starbucks for comment.
open image in galleryOther companies say they have seen GLP-1s have great benefits for employees.
An investment in the drugs is a worthwhile investment in the workforce, Bank of America Chief Executive Brian Moynihan told CNBC last month. GLP-1 drugs account for 13 percent of the company’s healthcare spending.
“We spend about $250 million or more on GLPs, and that’s up from zero” four or five years ago, Moynihan said. “We see a great impact on the employees.”
Recent research has shown that GLP-1s could lead to fewer sick days for employees. Preliminary research has also indicated that GLP-1s could help people live longer, although more studies are needed.
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PepsiCoStarbucksBank Of AmericaWeight LossDiabetesDrugs
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