Prices for obesity medications Wegovy and Zepbound are declining, but access is difficult due to their high monthly costs, approximately $500 for uninsured patients. Even with insurance, the coverage is inconsistent. Demand for these drugs is high, with Zepbound generating $2.3 billion in sales in the first quarter. Increasing numbers of employers are adding coverage for these medications, but many state and federal programs do not cover them. Patients are often left with significant out-of-pocket expenses despite insurance coverage.
"The medications should be available, the question is at what price and can people sustain that," said Matt Maciejewski, a Duke University professor who studies obesity treatment coverage.
"Coverage is not the same as access," said Tchang, a New York-based medical professional.
Zepbound brought in $2.3 billion in U.S. sales during this year's first quarter, making it one of drugmaker Eli Lilly's best sellers.
Despite increasing coverage, many state and federally funded Medicaid programs don't cover the drugs for obesity, nor does Medicare, exposing patients to high out-of-pocket costs.
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