The popularity of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro has surged, leading to significant financial challenges for employer-sponsored health plans. According to data from Nomi Health, spending on these diabetes and weight loss drugs has increased by 253% from 2020 to 2023, exceeding $1 billion last year and comprising nearly 10% of total prescription costs for employers. Click here for article.
Explosive Cost Increase: Employer spending on GLP-1 medications rose by 253% from 2020 to 2023, reaching over $1 billion and accounting for nearly 10% of total prescription costs.
Weight Loss Prescriptions Surge: The proportion of GLP-1 prescriptions for weight loss increased from 10% in 2022 to 24% in 2023, driven by the introduction of new drugs like Wegovy.
Significant Market Impact: Mounjaro and Wegovy saw dramatic increases in costs and utilization, with Mounjaro's costs surging 976% and Wegovy's 473% from 2022 to 2023. Ozempic remained a major player with an 18% cost increase.
Employer Burden: Employers spent over $900 million on the top three GLP-1 drugs in 2023, highlighting the need for strategic drug management to balance cost containment and employee satisfaction.
Comments