Ozempic

Some of the more than a dozen states that cover the high cost of GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic and Zepbound through Medicaid are scrambling to lessen the budgetary squeeze from fast-rising costs.

Many employers and insurers are scaling back coverage and Medicare doesn’t cover the drugs for obesity. Meantime, some big employers are adding coverage, but their commitment isn’t guaranteed.

The AP-NORC survey shows about half of U.S. adults believe it is a good thing for adults to use Ozempic, Wegovy and similar GLP-1 drugs if they are struggling with weight. That support doesn't go for teens.

A new HHS rule would require Medicare and Medicaid to cover drugs like Wegovy or Zepbound for a large segment of Americans. But it’s unclear if it will will have support of the Trump administration.

Most people taking drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have shed significant pounds. But obesity experts say that roughly 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not see robust results with the medications.

In a leadership shakeup, the diet company says CEO Sima Sistani would leave her role effective immediately. Tara Comonte, a board member and former Shake Shack exec, was named interim chief.

As Congress pushes for Medicare to cover payment for anti-obesity drugs, Denmark — home of Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk — has limited coverage of the drug after cost overruns “emptied all the money boxes in the entire public health system.”

New research shows that the number of 12- to 25-year-olds who used the GLP-1 medications climbed from about 8,700 a month in 2020 to 60,000 a month in 2023.

The makers of Ozempic and Mounjaro charge charge around $1,000 a month for the drugs, and insurers are reluctant to pick up the tab. Often, low-income patients have to resort to less effective treatments.

But some health experts worry about traditional diet companies and gyms getting in the medication business and believe the drugs will cater to society’s need for quick fixes.