About The Study: This cross-sectional study found a substantial increase in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) per-patient days supplied in employer plans over the study period (2021-2024), with higher growth in plans that covered GLP-1s for weight loss. With increases in utilization, the estimate of differential per member per month cost for GLP-1 coverage is increasing over time and could signal higher financial burden on patients and payers in the future, though some of the added drug cost (yet unquantified) is likely offset by lower medical spending.
Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Mahnum Shahzad, PhD, email mahnum_shahzad@g.harvard.edu .
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(doi:10.1001/jamahealthforum.2026.1838)
Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.
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