Employers can lower medical costs by using GLP-1 drugs, reducing cardiovascular issues and diabetes onset.

From CNBC: 2025-04-30 11:38:00

The demand for weight loss and diabetes drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro is driving up health costs for large employers. Aon analysts report a 44% decrease in major cardiovascular issues, as well as reductions in osteoporosis and pneumonia with GLP-1 drugs. These medications cut medical cost trend growth in half within two years.

GLP-1 drugs have a list price of over $1,000 per dose, leading to increased employer spending. Evernorth analysis shows GLP-1s driving up costs faster than specialty medications. Aon research on 139,000 workers found GLP-1 patients initially incur higher medical costs due to doctor visits but see a 7% decrease in medical cost trend after two years, with reductions in major cardiac events and diabetes onset.

Aon has launched a subsidized GLP-1 weight management program for its U.S. workforce after seeing significant savings in health costs and improved outcomes with these drugs. The full study results will be presented at the Milken Institute Global Conference.



Read more at CNBC: GLP-1s can help employers lower medical costs in 2 years: study