Colorado is planning to reduce insurance coverage for weight-loss drugs for its state employees in an effort to save millions of dollars amid a budget shortfall. This decision will impact thousands of workers who rely on these medications.
Colorado is planning to scale back insurance coverage for prescription weight-loss medications for its nearly 40,000 state employees in an effort to save millions of dollars amidst a significant budget shortfall . The state aims to reduce expenditures by approximately $17 million annually by limiting coverage to employees with Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. Those using the drugs solely for weight loss will no longer have their expenses covered.
This change will take effect on July 1, 2024.The use of injectable weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, both manufactured by Novo Nordisk, has surged in recent years since their approval for diabetes treatment. According to a May 2024 poll by KFF, 12 percent of U.S. adults have tried weight-loss drugs, with 6 percent currently using them. These medications have proven highly effective in managing blood sugar levels and facilitating weight loss, with emerging evidence suggesting additional health benefits. Experts believe that widespread use of drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic could contribute to a healthier population and potentially save millions of dollars in medical costs.Colorado state employees have had access to GLP-1 medications through their health insurance plan since September 2022. These drugs, including Wegovy and Ozempic, assist in blood sugar control for individuals with Type 2 diabetes and can promote weight loss. However, the state's budgetary constraints necessitate this coverage revision. The Colorado Department of Personnel & Administration attributed the rising cost of GLP-1 medications to the increase in demand. Between July 2023 and December 2023, expenses amounted to $1.5 million; from January to June 2024, they reached $4 million; and between July 2024 and December 2024, they climbed to $7 million. Doug Platt, a spokesperson for the administration, emphasized the need for tough decisions to balance the budget and prioritize critical funding for essential state services.The decision has sparked criticism from state officials and union representatives. Colorado State Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet expressed her disappointment, stating that the policy change would regress the state's healthcare system and create a more expensive and dangerous situation. Hillary Glasgow, executive director of the Colorado WINS union, highlighted the concerns of members who rely on these medications and expressed frustration over the state's decision to discontinue coverage. With approximately 3,422 state employees taking Wegovy, 2,000 on Ozempic, and 1,100 using Zepbound in 2024, the change will significantly impact a substantial number of workers.
WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS COLORADO BUDGET SHORTFALL HEALTH INSURANCE GLP-1 MEDICATIONS WEGOVY OZEMPIC
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