CVS says GLP-1s save money when priced below $350 per month

CVS Health says health plans could break even on GLP-1 medicines if their price fell below $350 a month, because reduced use of medical services could offset prescription spending. Its analysis found that at current prices, the medicines still raise overall costs, a finding relevant as employers weigh whether to cover them amid rising premiums.

The analysis compared new users of medicines including Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound with similar non-users, using claims data from 2023 to 2025. GLP-1 use was associated with 10% to 12% fewer emergency visits in the first two years; among 4,000 people still taking the drugs after three years, hospitalisations fell by 34% to 42%. Over three years, plans saved $9,400 per person on medical bills but spent $13,300 more on prescriptions, a net increase of $3,900; savings varied with patients’ health risks.