Cigna to End GLP‑1 Weight‑Loss Drug Coverage for Employees

Health insurer Cigna announced that, effective July 1, 2026, its employee health plan will no longer cover GLP‑1 weight‑loss medications, including Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound. Employees were notified on June 1 and have until June 30 to refill prescriptions under the existing benefit. The change does not affect coverage of GLP‑1 drugs for type 2 diabetes, nor does it impact Cigna’s external client plans.

Cigna will continue to cover older, lower‑cost generic weight‑loss drugs such as phentermine and diethylpropion and will maintain a suite of wellness programs, coaching services, and weight‑management resources. Employees who wish to stay on GLP‑1 therapy can purchase the drugs cash‑pay through manufacturer sites or programs like TrumpRx, but these purchases will not count toward deductibles or out‑of‑pocket limits.

The decision reflects growing cost pressures on employers and insurers as GLP‑1 therapies, while clinically effective, carry high price tags. Cigna’s workforce totals about 67,700 employees, 88% of whom are based in the United States, underscoring the potential financial impact of covering such treatments on a large employee base.