When employers provide coverage for glucagon-like peptide-1 medications, employees may exhibit reduced utilization of sick leave, potentially impacting attendance patterns.
Benefits Bypass GLP-1
supply constraint
unexpected combo
Major pharmaceutical companies are now offering direct purchasing of weight loss medications to employers, bypassing traditional Pharmacy Benefit Managers. This shift impacts how companies manage escalating healthcare costs, as these drugs represent a significant portion of annual claims. These therapies are also linked to potential changes in employee attendance patterns due to improved health.
Employers are prioritizing health savings plans and nutritional counseling to manage escalating costs associated with GLP-1 drug coverage for weight loss, which represented 11.4% of annual claims in 2025.
As demand for weight loss medications rises, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are shifting strategy by allowing employers to purchase their drugs directly at a fixed price, bypassing Pharmacy Benefit Managers.