Wegovy Approved for Heart Health, Faces Insurance Coverage Challenges

The FDA's expanded approval of Wegovy for cardiovascular benefits in obese adults doesn't guarantee broader insurance coverage due to cost concerns.

Wegovy, a popular weight loss drug, now also approved in the U.S. for reducing serious cardiovascular risks in obese adults.
Despite its new health benefits, insurance coverage for Wegovy remains uncertain, with many employers and health plans wary of its high cost.
State Medicaid programs are required to cover Wegovy for its new use, but weight loss treatments can be excluded, leading to a patchwork of coverage.
North Carolina plans to drop coverage for GLP-1s used for weight loss, including Wegovy, due to financial constraints.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services FDA's expanded approval of Wegovy, potentially leading to Medicare coverage.