Cigna will stop covering GLP-1 weight loss drugs in its employee health plan starting July 1. New research suggests these medications could reduce the risk of knee replacements by up to 5% after three years.

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Cigna will stop covering GLP-1 weight loss drugs including Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound in its employee health plan effective July 1, according to. In a document circulated to employees on June 1, Cigna suggested those currently using the drug can choose to pay with cash through manufacturer sites or TrumpRx. The cash-pay purchases will not apply toward a deductible or the amount of spending required before enrollees can use their health coverage.

The price of weight loss drugs has been falling in recent years with the launch of Novo's Wegovy pill and Lilly's oral Foundayo, with prices that start at $149 per month for the lowest dose. Americans have been increasingly pushed to the cash-pay market, and employers have been cutting back on their coverage of these drugs.

New research suggests taking GLP-1 medications for at least three years could prevent thousands of knee replacements a year. The study, published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, found that taking GLP-1 medications for one year was associated with a 1.4% reduced risk of knee replacement surgery at the three-year follow-up point and a 2.8% lower risk after eight years. But the greatest reduction in risk was seen with newer weight loss drugs and longer treatment.

Taking semaglutide or tirzepatide for three years was associated with a nearly 5% lower chance of needing knee replacement at the eight-year follow-up assessment. This research highlights the potential benefits of these medications beyond just weight management, offering hope for reducing joint-related surgeries in the future.

Stay tuned to for more updates and insights on pharmaceuticals and healthcare trends.