GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound, originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, are now widely used to fight obesity. These drugs, also being studied for treating substance use disorders, can be transformative but remain costly, averaging nearly $1,000 monthly without insurance. While state Medicaid programs generally cover all FDA-approved drugs, weight loss medications are an exception, leaving states to decide. Michigan, North Carolina and Rhode Island have already or may restrict coverage due to budget limits, while others debate expansion. A 2024 KFF study found Medicaid coverage could benefit 40% of adults and 26% of children with obesity, forcing policymakers to weigh cost, equity and long-term health outcomes as demand grows and new uses emerge.
Currently, 36 states cover at least one GLP-1 drug through Medicaid, but only 13 explicitly include coverage for weight management under fee-for-service programs.
In Ohio, a bipartisan bill introduced in July (HB 388) would allow state employees to receive reimbursement for GLP-1 drugs