Wegovy and Zepbound are declining, making them more accessible to the general public. Manufacturers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have responded to public pressure and competition by introducing lower-cost options for these medications. For instance, Wegovy's price has been reduced to $499 per month for uninsured patients paying in cash, while Zepbound's starter dose is available for $349 through Eli Lilly's self-pay program . This shift indicates a growing awareness of the financial barriers many individuals face when seeking effective weight loss solutions.
Zepbound, which both sell for a list price of more than $1,000 a month, have long been out of reach for people without insurance or whose insurance refused to cover them. Among adults who take the medications, about half say it’s difficult to afford the cost, according to a May 2024 survey by the health policy group KFF.
Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have introduced lower-cost options. There are some caveats — people must pay out of pocket, or the medication is sold in a vial rather than a prefilled injector pen — but doctors and patients say the changes are long overdue.
Unfortunately, these recent decisions are not the only example of coverage dictating health care providers' and patients' decisions regarding obesity management-- they are everywhere. Medicare doesn't cover any obesity management medications, and only a handful of states provide coverage for Medicaid patients. And even when a pharmacy benefit manager has opted to add an obesity management medication to its formulary, employers must – but often don't – take the additional step of opting in to coverage. This isn't about just one medicine, formulary, or insurance plan. It's about a system that limits patients' and health care providers' ability to choose an obesity management treatment plan that is best for them.
Despite these reductions, challenges remain regarding affordability. A recent survey conducted by KFF revealed that half of U.S. adults still find these medications difficult to afford . While the current price drops are encouraging, experts suggest that more dramatic reductions will not occur until additional weight-loss drugs enter the market and enhance competition among manufacturers . Thus, while shedding pounds may be becoming cheaper due to falling drug prices, ongoing efforts are necessary to ensure long-term affordability and accessibility for all individuals seeking weight management solutions.
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