MedImpact Launches New GLP-1 Solutions to Address Rising Obesity Care Costs

MedImpact has announced the launch of GLP-1 Benefit 360 and GLP-1 Direct Fund, aimed at addressing inefficiencies in the drug supply chain while managing the skyrocketing demand for weight management therapies.¹ The company is positioning the move as a direct response to structural cost issues in the current system, which, as Arpit Patel, senior vice president of Trade Relations and Supply Chain, noted, remains “unnecessarily complex and expensive.”¹ This move comes at a time when employer health plans are facing an unprecedented 840% increase in per-member-per-month (PMPM) costs for these medications over a two-year period.²

The financial pressure on employer health plans has intensified as GLP-1 medications move from being primarily used for type 2 diabetes to widespread use for weight management. According to market data, allowed PMPM costs for employers covering GLP-1s for weight management rose from $2.41 in 2022 to $22.59 in 2024.² This rapid growth has resulted in a brand prescription trend rate for these plans that is twice as high as those that do not offer weight loss coverage.

Furthermore, the long-term financial return on investment (ROI) remains a point of concern for plan sponsors. Current analysis indicates that there is no demonstrable ROI within the pharmacy benefit for weight loss coverage at current price points.² A primary factor in this challenge is employee tenure; with the average American worker remaining with an employer for approximately 4 years, the timeline for recouping the high costs of these medications through reduced medical utilization—such as lower rates of heart failure or stroke—is often too short.³ Consequently, simulation modeling suggests that expanding GLP-1 coverage can raise overall employer health premiums by 6% to 14% annually.³

Against this backdrop, MedImpact is framing its new offerings as a reengineering of how these therapies are accessed and managed. “We are reimagining the supply chain to deliver lower prices, greater access, and the advanced clinical support that employers and employees deserve,” Patel said.¹

How Will MedImpact Bridge the Access Gap through Supply Chain Innovation?

Despite the high clinical interest, a significant gap remains between eligibility and actual patient access. Surveys indicate that while more than 40% of individuals with employer-sponsored coverage meet the clinical criteria for GLP-1 medications, fewer than one in five employers with over 200 employees currently provide coverage for weight loss purposes.³

MedImpact’s new offerings are designed to provide alternative pathways for access. The GLP-1 Benefit 360 model is intended for plans that wish to offer a traditional covered benefit but require greater price predictability. This program caps both plan and member spending and ensures a consistent price across all dose strengths. By bypassing traditional high-cost pharmacy models, the program seeks to ensure these therapies remain accessible without sacrificing clinical oversight.¹

For organizations that cannot support a full traditional benefit, the GLP-1 Direct Fund may offer a flexible alternative. This model allows plan sponsors to contribute a fixed dollar amount toward direct-to-consumer pricing options. This approach aims to provide members with lower out-of-pocket costs compared to standard cash-pay options while protecting the health plan from the unpredictable cost spikes associated with high utilization.¹ This reflects a broader market trend where employers are exploring Health Reimbursement Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts to offer some level of financial support for these medications outside of the major medical benefit.

How Can GLP-1 Benefit 360 and GLP-1 Direct Fund Address Adherence and Clinical Durability Issues?

A critical hurdle in the management of GLP-1 therapies is the high rate of discontinuation. Data shows that 48% of members using these drugs for weight loss stop therapy prematurely, a rate significantly higher than the 33% discontinuation rate seen among diabetes patients.² Discontinuing GLP-1 therapy is frequently associated with metabolic rebound, which includes rapid weight regain, rising blood pressure, and worsening glycemic control.²

To combat this, market experts emphasize that GLP-1s must be paired with sustained lifestyle interventions to be effective. MedImpact’s Benefit 360 integrates the MedEmpower Fuel™ mobile app and the GLP-1 Healthy Weight program, which provides members with access to specially trained registered dietitians.¹ This clinical support is offered at no additional cost to the plan or member, aiming to foster the behavioral changes necessary for durable, long-term health outcomes. This strategy aligns with the industry view that medication alone is not a standalone solution for the complex, chronic condition of obesity.¹

How Will the 2026 GLP-1 Drug Pipeline Affect Employer Health Costs and Patient Access?

The pressure on employers is expected to continue as the pharmaceutical pipeline expands. Through late 2026, new formulations—specifically oral GLP-1s like Eli Lilly’s orforglipron—are expected to enter the market. While these oral options remove the "injection barrier" and are likely to increase patient demand, they are priced similarly to injectable versions and are not expected to reduce unit costs for plans.²

Additionally, new indications for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) risk reduction are anticipated, which will likely broaden the population eligible for these medications under clinical guidelines.² As the market evolves, industry analysts suggest that the most effective employer strategies will be those that balance patient access with rigorous financial stewardship, focusing on targeted eligibility and strong utilization controls.

References

1. MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc. MedImpact redefines obesity care with new suite of GLP-1 solutions. Published March 24, 2026. Accessed March 24, 2026. https://www.medimpact.com/clients/resources/press-releases/medimpact-redefines-obesity-care-new-suite-glp-1-solutions
2. Lockton. Why holistic GLP-1 strategies are needed now. Published March 2, 2026. Accessed March 24, 2026. https://global.lockton.com/us/en/news-insights/glp-1-strategies-are-needed-now
3. Sentinel Group. GLP-1 Coverage Cost-benefit Analysis. Published March 19, 2026. AccessedMarch 24, 2026. https://www.sentinelgroup.com/resource-center/2026/glp-1-coverage-cost-benefit-analysis