PwC has limited its GLP-1 medication coverage in the US to diabetic employees, amid rising benefits costs.
Employers have been facing tension over whether workplace health benefits should fund weight loss treatment as demand for them continues to rise. This can be seen in the UK, as the issue has created division with major insurers who remain split on whether to support access to weight-loss drugs through workplace health benefits.
Corporate Adviser found that Aviva and AXA do not offer funded obesity drug pathways through their corporate health propositions. Providers have cited structural challenges around covering chronic conditions within private medical insurance.
Bupa and Vitality, however, have introduced programmes combining GLP-1 medications with lifestyle coaching and behavioural support. Both providers have positioned weight loss medication as part of a preventative health strategy.
There seems to be a provider debate around whether employer-funded healthcare should continue focusing on acute conditions or include chronic disease prevention and long-term workforce health risks.
Businesses face rising rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal conditions and absence linked to obesity, and so there is interest there from the employer.
But insurers and employers continue to look at these potential long-term health gains against the high cost of GLP-1 medications. PwC’s decision suggests cost pressures are beginning to outweigh broader access ambitions for some employers even as employee demand continues to grow.
