In recent months, a growing number of U.S. states have pulled back on covering GLP-1 medications for obesity under their Medicaid programs, even as the drugs remain broadly covered for diabetes. A recent KFF survey shows that while 16 state Medicaid programs still provide coverage, many have begun discontinuing or restricting it.
Medicaid programs in North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan, New Hampshire, and California have announced plans to eliminate or narrow access to GLP-1 weight-loss treatment – in some cases limiting it only to people who are “morbidly obese.” The reversal reflects tightening budgets, slowing revenue growth, and rising spending demands.
