CVS Caremark will cover Lilly’s weight loss drug Zepbound again after patient backlash
NBC News • • business
Key Points:
- CVS Caremark will resume coverage of Eli Lilly's weight loss drug Zepbound by October 1, reversing its removal from the formulary last year that had sparked patient backlash and a class-action lawsuit.
- The reinstatement means some privately insured patients could pay as little as a $25 copay for Zepbound, which has a list price of $1,086 per month, with discounts available for cash-paying patients.
- Lilly's newly approved weight loss drug Foundayo will also be added to CVS Caremark's formulary starting Monday, expanding treatment options for patients.
- The change affects CVS Caremark's standard formulary, covering approximately 25 to 30 million people, but final insurance coverage decisions depend on employers who sponsor the plans.
- Other major pharmacy benefit managers, Express Scripts and Optum Rx, have already included Zepbound on their formularies, providing broader access to the medication.