Despite the fact that most individuals think GLP-1s should be covered by health insurance, most employers do not provide such coverage. According to KFF, only 18 percent of employers with 200 or more employees cover GLP- 1 1s when used primarily for weight loss. And among those that do provide coverage, some impose certain conditions or requirements on enrollees before approving coverage for GLP-1s. One-quarter of these employers July 31, 2025, #539 require employees to meet with a professional — such as a dietitian, psychologist, case worker, or therapist — before approving a GLP-1 drug prescription. More information about the EBRI/Greenwald Research Consumer Engagement in Health Care Survey can be Health Plan Knowledge About Coverage for found online. Weight Loss Medications Is Lacking The 2024 Consumer Engagement in Health Care Survey is an online survey of 2,011 Americans ages 21 –64 with private health insurance coverage. It was fielded between October and November 2024. The survey is The Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI)/Greenwald Research Consumer Engagement in Health Care made possible with funding support from the following organizations: Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Survey found that among private health plan enrollees, most do not know if their health plan covers weight loss CareFirst, The Cigna Group, HealthEquity, Inspira Financial, Johnson & Johnson, Segal, TIAA, and Wex. medications, but think it should. The Employee Benefit Research Institute is a private, nonpartisan, and nonprofit research institute based in One type of weight loss medication receiving a lot of attention lately is GLP-1s. GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like Washington, D.C., that focuses on health, savings, retirement, and economic security issues. EBRI does not lobby peptide-1; it is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that plays several important roles, primarily in and does not take policy positions. The work of EBRI is made possible by funding from its members and regulating blood sugar and appetite. GLP-1s are typically administered via injection, although an oral form is also sponsors, which include a broad range of public and private organizations. For more information, visit available. They have gained significant attention due to their effectiveness in managing blood sugar and www.ebri.org. promoting weight loss, with additional cardiovascular benefits in some individuals. Greenwald Research is a leading independent custom research firm and consulting partner to the health and One-half of private health plan enrollees were unsure as to whether their health plan provides coverage for GLP- wealth industries that applies creative quantitative and qualitative methods to help companies stay competitive 1s. Just over one-quarter (28 percent) reported that their health plan covers GLP-1s, while one-fifth said that the and navigate industry change. Leveraging deep subject matter expertise and a consultative approach, Greenwald plan does not provide coverage. offers comprehensive services to answer strategic business questions. For more information, go to www.greenwaldresearch.com. Yet most people thought that health plans should cover GLP-1 medications. Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) thought they should be covered, while 12 percent did not think they should be covered. One-quarter were unsure if GLP-1s should be covered. Figure 1 Public Opinion About Health Insurance and GLP-1s Yes No Not Sure Does your health insurance plan cover GLP-1 medications? 28% 21% 51% Should health insurance plans cover GLP-1 medications? 64% 12% 24% 1 See https://www.kff.org/report-section/ehbs-2024-section-13-employer-practices-provider-networks-coverage-for-glp-1s- abortion-and-family-building-benefits. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Source: Employee Benefit Research Institute and Greenwald Research, 2024 Consumer Engagement in Health Care Survey. ### © 2025, Employee Benefit Research Institute, 901 D St. SW, Suite 802, Washington, DC 20024, 202/659-0670 | ebri.org 2