Health insurer Cigna has announced that it will no longer cover GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, such as Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, for its employees starting July 1. This decision was communicated to employees via email on June 1, and confirmed by a Cigna spokesperson.
Details of the Coverage Change
The spokesperson explained that as availability of these drugs has increased and new options have emerged, Cigna decided to end coverage for GLP-1s for weight loss. However, the company remains committed to supporting employee health through various weight management programs and resources.
GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity for their ability to promote weight loss by mimicking a hormone that helps the stomach feel full. Despite their effectiveness, Cigna’s decision reflects a broader trend among employers to reduce coverage of these medications, pushing more Americans into the cash-pay market.
Options for Affected Employees
Employees currently using these medications can opt to pay for them out-of-pocket through manufacturer sites or TrumpRx, although these purchases will not count towards deductibles or health coverage spending requirements. The price of these drugs has been decreasing, with options like Novo’s Wegovy pill and Lilly’s oral Foundayo starting at $149 per month for the lowest dose.
Cigna has stated that this change will not affect coverage for plans outside of its employee health plan or for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Employees currently using the medications have until June 30 to refill their prescriptions. Research indicates that weight regain is common when patients discontinue these medications, with benefits often diminishing within two years.
Alternative Medications
For employees with insurance approvals for GLP-1 drugs, Cigna will cover older, generic weight-loss drugs such as phentermine, diethylpropion, benzphetamine, and phendimetrazine, although these are generally considered less effective than GLP-1s.
Cigna Group, which includes health insurer Cigna, health services unit Evernorth, and pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts, employed 67,700 people at the end of 2025, with 88% based in the U.S.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
