It’s all over the headlines. As the demand for GLP-1 medications continues to rise, covering the costs through traditional prescription benefits is significantly straining employee benefits budgets. And there’s more change on the horizon. With the introduction of new oral GLP-1 options, costs are projected to come down, creating even greater demand.
Caught in the middle? Employers who want to provide access to these health-changing medications without breaking the budget. Until now, organizations have taken an all-or-nothing approach: provide GLP-1 coverage through traditional Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) platforms or exclude it altogether.
A recent article published by STAT highlights a major issue with all-or-nothing coverage. When employers opt not to cover GLP-1s due to cost pressures, direct-to-consumer options rarely solve the problem. High prices put medications out of reach for many employees, and without wraparound clinical and behavioral support, even those who access treatment may struggle to sustain progress or avoid costly complications over time.
Enter the WW RxFlexFundTM – an option that sits in the middle, giving organizations a flexible, cost-effective way to provide GLP-1 coverage.
Instead of asking, “Are we able to cover GLP-1s or not?” WW RxFlexFundTM enables organizations to build their strategy around a different question: “How can we optimize access to GLP-1s and our budget?”
Through WW RxFlexFundTM, employers choose a subsidy amount ranging from 25% to 75% to help offset GLP-1 medication costs, and pay the per-employee-per-month cost of WW Clinic benefits. In addition to substantially lowering medication costs for both organizations and employees, WW Clinic delivers proven, behavior-focused, wraparound care that drives engagement, adherence, and sustainable weight health outcomes.
The creative approach to cost control is a win-win.
The bottom line? The GLP-1 landscape is evolving faster than traditional PBM models were designed to handle. Growing demand, new medications, and shifting pricing dynamics require flexible solutions.
Rather than all-or-nothing coverage, WW RxFlexFundTM enables organizations to support employees with meaningful weight care and effectively manage costs. As a result, GLP-1 coverage stops being a volatile line cost. Instead, it becomes a value-driven investment that drives sustainable, holistic health outcomes and protects the organization’s bottom line.