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Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are collaborating with Waltz Health to launch direct-to-employer access for obesity management medications.
Waltz Health gave no information on the prices of GLP-1 drugs available to employees in the plan.
It said the plan offers employers transparent pricing and a new pathway to offer obesity meds as a part of benefits.
An estimated half of corporate health plans cover these medicines for employees with diabetes, but only one in five provide coverage for the drugs for weight management, according to Waltz Health.
"Employers continue to tell us they want to better support their employees' health but face real challenges in providing coverage for obesity management medicines," said Kevin Hern, SVP Lilly Employer, Lilly USA.
Waltz Health is an EVERSANA company that develops technology-enabled ways to price, distribute and prescribe medications.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The demand for GLP-1 drugs has surged due to their effectiveness for weight loss.
Eli Lilly hit $1 trillion in market value this month, according to Reuters. A more than 35% growth in the company's stock this year reportedly was driven by the growth of the weight-loss drug market.
But the demand and the price of the drugs have left GLP-1 drugs off many employer benefit plans, and the out-of-pocket cost has left some consumers behind.
Earlier this month, President Donald J. Trump announced agreements with Eli Lilly and Company and Novo Nordisk to reduce the price of two drugs that treat diabetes, heart disease (Ozempic and Wegovy only) and obesity, starting in January 2026.
The prices of Ozempic and Wegovy would fall from $1,000 and $1,350 per month, respectively, to $350 when purchased through TrumpRx.
The price of Zepbound and Orforglipron would fall from $1,086 per month to an average of $346 when purchased through TrumpRx.
This price for Zepbound is comparable to the $349 per month price offered by Eli Lilly when purchasing the drug without insurance.
TrumpRx agreements are for drugs for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
Trump’s deal with pharma companies may also include the drugs in pill form, if and when they become available.
THE LARGER TREND
Waltz Health said its model integrates fixed pricing with a fulfillment and support structure that aligns with each employer's existing benefit structure.
Employees can access treatment via their existing provider or a telehealth option. The program handles real-time eligibility screening, pharmacy routing and adherence tracking.
Waltz Health said it will confirm medical appropriateness based on Food and Drug Administration label criteria.
This option gives employers a way to provide access to the medications without compromising financial sustainability or clinical oversight, the company said.
Email the writer: SMorse@himss.org