From CNBC: 2024-12-05 09:00:01

Prescription fills for popular weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound more than doubled in 2024 in the U.S., despite limited insurance coverage and high out-of-pocket costs. Demand for GLP-1 and GIP agonists continues to rise, with Zepbound and Wegovy seeing significant increases in fills since the start of the year.

GoodRx’s new Weight Loss Medications Tracker reveals that just 9% of people with commercial insurance have unrestricted coverage of Zepbound and 14% for Wegovy. Out-of-pocket costs can be substantial, with insured patients spending over $2,500 annually on Zepbound copays. GoodRx found Americans overspent by $200 million by not utilizing savings options for weight loss medications.

Even without comprehensive insurance coverage, GoodRx estimates uninsured individuals can save an average of $250 monthly, or $3,000 annually, using coupons for weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound. The federal Medicare plan currently does not cover weight loss treatments unless prescribed for another health condition, but a proposed rule could expand access in the future.



Read more at CNBC: Prescription fills for Zepbound, Wegovy weight loss drugs double: GoodRx