New Survey Data Reveals Rise of GLP-1 Drug Claims, With Utilization Management and Eligibility Requirements as Leading Cost-Control Mechanisms  

A new survey report from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans reveals updated U.S. employer coverage and claims representation surrounding glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs. The International Foundation first conducted this survey in October 2023 and again in May 2024.  

Employers indicated the following coverage for GLP-1 drugs: 

• 55% provide coverage for diabetes only (down from 57% in 2024) 
• 36% provide coverage for both diabetes and weight loss (up from 34% in 2024). 

Of those currently offering GLP-1 drug coverage only for diabetes, 17% are considering offering the drugs for weight loss (down from 19% in 2024). 

Percentage of Annual Claims 

The average representation of GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss in total annual claims was 10.5% for 2025, an increase over the 2024 average of 8.9% and the 2023 average of 6.9%. Twenty-seven percent of employers reported GLP-1 drug costs to be more than 15% of their annual claims. 

When I spoke to Julie Stich, CEBS, Vice President of Content at the International Foundation, she observed, “This new survey data shows that over the past two years, GLP-1 claims have continued to rise, reflecting a sustained interest in these drugs as both a weight loss and diabetes treatment. Organizations are balancing the ongoing demand from employees for GLP-1 coverage for weight loss by continuing to explore feasibility through cost-control mechanisms.”  

Utilization Management  

Of those covering GLP-1 drugs, 78% of employers are using utilization management as a cost-control mechanism. Out of those that use utilization management as a cost-control mechanism:  

• 96% require prior authorization  
• 26% require reauthorization for refills 
• 14% use a physician-led approach 
• 5% limit prescribers by type 
• 3% limit prescribers to a telehealth/virtual care vendor. 

Eligibility Requirements 

Eligibility requirements, used by 68% of employers covering GLP-1 drugs, continue to be heavily relied upon as a cost-control option. The most prevalent eligibility requirements include: 

• Minimum body mass index (BMI) (88%) 
• Obesity with one other chronic disease (60%) 
• Obesity and type 2 diabetes (34%) 
• Obesity with two or more other chronic diseases (24%) 
• Nutrition/dietary requirements (24%) 
• Physical activity requirements (9%). 

Visit www.ifebp.org/GLP2025 for more information and to view the full survey report.