How Trump's GLP-1 agreements will impact benefit costs

• Key Insight: Learn how employers are integrating GLP‑1 drugs into broader benefit strategies.
• What's at Stake: Rising drug access could shift insurer costs, retention strategies and benefit budgets.
• Supporting Data: Trump administration deal targets cost reductions for GLP‑1s Wegovy and Zepbound.
• Source: Bullets generated by AI with editorial review

A growing number of employers are offering weight loss drugs as part of their healthcare plans, while still promoting holistic programs and lifestyle changes as a long-term solution to physical fitness.

Four benefit leaders discussed this trend and more on Nov. 12 during a panel discussion titled "From ROI to Retention: The Case for Comprehensive Weight Management Benefits," at EBN's virtual Next-Gen benefits summit.  

Top of mind for leaders was the Trump administration's deal to lower the cost of two GLP-1 drugs, Wegovy and Zepbound, a move that could expand access to the medications. Regardless of how much the prices decrease, Shawn Behrens, director of benefits and compensation for American Seafoods Group, said the company would still implement a guided program for employees to provide more structure in their weight loss journeys.

"It's welcome if the price comes down, but when I see it on their bottom line that's when I'll believe it," Behrens said. 

The Trump deal appears to primarily impact government programs and direct-to-consumer channels, said Ilana Mauskopf, senior director of people and talent operations at Nava Benefits. "It'll be interesting to see how it impacts the employer side. There's going to be increasing pressure on insurers and employers to expand coverage for these medications."

Read more: Rx remedies for making drugs more affordable

Sarah Neas said it's unclear how the announcement will impact Lumen Technologies strategy for 2026, where she serves as employee well-being manager. She pointed out that the company has changed some of the requirements for weight loss drugs due to cost increases. 

"To offset that, we have also made enhancements to other programs that we offer to support our employees' well-being like expense reimbursements and increasing those limits," Neas said. 

Read more: How are companies affording GLP-1 coverage?

Lindsey Garito, assistant vice president of total rewards at Montefiore Health System, said the move by the Trump administration further signifies that these weight loss medications are here to stay. 

"This landscape is evolving fast, and this is going to be something that all of us are spending time on for the next couple of years," Garito said. "It's going to be really dynamic, and we might have to shift and pivot our strategies."

The benefit leaders emphasized that GLP-1s are just one part of the equation in addressing weight loss. Programs such as nutrition counseling, mental health support and fitness incentives all play a major role in creating healthy habits and sustaining long-term success.