Cigna has notified employees that its Group Medical Plan will no longer provide coverage for GLP-1 drugs prescribed for weight loss, with the change taking effect July 1. The removal of coverage applies to medications explicitly named in employee communications, including Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound.
Details of the alteration to the health plan were published in an email sent to employees on June 1. Additional internal materials reviewed earlier in the week outlined the effective date and the specific scope of the plan change.
A company spokesperson confirmed the decision to end coverage for GLP-1s when used for weight loss. In a statement, the spokesperson said: "As availability has increased and new options have emerged, we’ve made the decision to end our plan’s coverage for GLP-1s for weight loss. We remain committed to supporting our employees’ health through a range of weight management programs and resources."
The communication to employees set the July 1 effective date and referenced the named drugs that will no longer be covered under the employee medical plan. The company also indicated it will continue to provide support through non-drug weight management programs and other resources, without detailing those offerings in the employee message.
The internal announcement included an additional brief reference to CI in a separate note within the materials provided to staff.
Context and implications
The company's announcement focuses specifically on coverage within its employee health plan and identifies two branded GLP-1 therapies by name. The statement from the spokesperson cites increased availability of these therapies and emerging alternatives as the reasons for the change, and emphasizes ongoing support for employees through other weight-management initiatives.
There was no further detail in the employee email about the structure, scope, or access mechanisms for the alternative programs and resources the company referenced.