Use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Drugs Among Medicaid Patients: Findings From Policy and Prescription Data

As of August 2024, 13 states covered glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) for obesity, with prescriptions reaching 16.2 per 1,000 Medicaid beneficiaries in Q4 2024.

• Prescription rates for GLP-1s for obesity were higher in states that provided coverage.
• No consistent patterns were observed in prescription rates across states with different utilization management requirements.
• GLP-1 prescriptions were more common in managed care plans compared to fee-for-service plans.
• Utilization of GLP-1s varies significantly according to state Medicaid coverage policies.

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