Wegovy, the promising obesity drug from Novo Nordisk, reduced the risk of serious heart problems by 20% in a large clinical trial. The study results sent weight-loss related stocks soaring and could increase pressure on insurers to cover these treatments.

Insurers, however, tapped the brakes on the optimism. Although the trial results demonstrate that obesity drugs may have significant health benefits beyond shedding unwanted pounds, organizations representing U.S. insurers emphasized that the data are still preliminary. They also expressed concern about the high costs involved with covering those medications, which are nearly $1,350 per month for a single patient.

“It’s impossible to evaluate the efficacy and long-term effectiveness of a prescription drug based solely on a drug manufacturer’s press release,” said David Allen, a spokesperson for America’s Health Insurance Plans. “Health insurance providers will continue to analyze new evidence as it becomes available.”

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited BenefitsPRO.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical BenefitsPRO.com information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com

Already have an account?


NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2023 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

BenefitsPRO

Join BenefitsPRO

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to navigate the shifting employee benefits industry. Join BenefitsPRO.com now!

  • Unlimited access to BenefitsPRO.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on BenefitsPRO.com and ALM events.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join BenefitsPRO

Copyright © 2023 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.