Reuters: some U.S. employers plan to drop GLP-1 obesity drug coverage in 2027

Several large U.S. employers are preparing to exclude GLP-1 agonists for weight loss from their 2027 health plan formularies, citing unsustainable cost growth as usage surges. This follows Cigna’s recent move to drop coverage for its own employees. The shift could push thousands of patients to seek coverage through medical necessity appeals or pay out‑of‑pocket, creating administrative friction at practices that prescribe these drugs. Monitor your major commercial payer contracts for 2027 formulary updates; prepare your prior‑auth teams for potential increase in appeals for patients who meet strict medical criteria for obesity with comorbidities.