The Indicator from Planet Money
The Indicator from Planet Money
NPR
Why GLP-1s aren't lowering employers' costs
10 minutes Posted May 19, 2026 at 7:00 am.
0:00
10:04
Download MP3
Show notes
The vast majority of employer health plans do not cover GLP-1s for weight loss. But roughly 20% do, many believing it will help their bottom line. Perhaps when employees take Wegovy or Zepbound, they’ll need less medical care tied to health issues from obesity. Today on the show, can GLP-1s save employers money in the long run?

Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.

Your Next Listen 

No healthcare premiums? In this economy?! Here's how.
— Julie Wernau's original episode with Tradeoffs

Connect with The Indicator
— Sign up for The Indicator’s brand new newsletter
— Find our socials, YouTube and more!
— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ 


See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

NPR Privacy Policy