Lexology January 7, 2026
Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have reshaped the landscape of diabetes and obesity treatment and quickly become one of the most significant cost drivers for employer-sponsored health plans.

A 2025 Kaiser Family Foundation employer health benefits survey shows that nearly one in five large employers cover GLP-1 drugs when used primarily for weight loss, with coverage especially common among the largest employers. Many of these employers report that utilization has been higher than expected and that covering these medications has had a significant impact on prescription drug spending.

At the same time, the rapid growth in GLP-1 prescriptions to treat obesity raises important legal considerations for employers and insurers, including whether and under...

Today's Sponsors

Venturous
ZeOmega

Today's Sponsor

Venturous

 
Topics: Employer, Insurance
Why cover GLP-1s? They’ll lower employer healthcare costs, study says
Small business health insurance coverage at risk as costs rise, EBRI finds
8 Values That Are Redefining The Workplace Of The Late 2020s
Employer Health Costs: Amid Continual Increases the Cost of Doing Nothing is Too High
Leadership, employee experience big issues for employers in 2026

Share Article