Prescription fills for weight loss drugs more than doubled in 2024 despite limited insurance coverage and high costs, according to GoodRx. Zepbound prescriptions surged over 300% in its first year, while Wegovy fills grew by more than 100%. Less than 14% of commercial insurance plans offer unrestricted coverage for these drugs. Patients often face out-of-pocket costs exceeding $2,500 annually, even with insurance. Medicare currently excludes weight loss drugs unless prescribed for other conditions. A Biden-proposed rule could expand access and increase costs, pending Trump's approval.
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00:00It's Benzinga, bringing Wall Street to Main Street.
00:02Prescription pills were weight loss drugs more than doubled in 2024, despite limited insurance coverage and high cost.
00:09According to GoodRx, ZepFam prescriptions surged over 300% in its first year, while Wigovi pills grew by 100%.
00:17Less than 14% of commercial insurance plans offered unrestricted coverage for these drugs.
00:23Patients often faced out-of-pocket costs exceeding $25,000 annually, even with insurance.
00:29Medicare currently excludes weight loss drugs unless prescribed for other conditions.
00:34A Biden-proposed rule could expand access and increase costs, pending Trump's administration approval.
00:40For all things money, visit Benzinga.com slash GSTV.