The State Health Plan of North Carolina has issued a formal request for ideas from the marketplace to help reduce the cost of weight-loss drugs. This comes after a recent increase in demand for these medications, which would result in a projected rise in monthly premiums for many members. Approximately 740,000 state employees and their family members receive health care through the plan, and while only 23,000 members are currently using the weight-loss drugs, their high cost is causing concern.
The State Treasurer, Dale Folwell, who chairs the health plan’s board and oversees the plan, expressed hope that someone or a company will help find an affordable way to offer these drugs to members. He also criticized Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy and Saxenda, accusing them of overcharging. However, he emphasized that they are doing everything possible to provide these drugs to members who need them without being price-gouged.
Novo Nordisk representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Monday. Earlier this month, they informed WRAL that they had presented several negotiation offers to state officials but were surprised and disappointed by North Carolina’s rejection of viable options. The company criticized State Health Plan officials for allegedly abandoning their commitment to employees dealing with obesity and denying them coverage for safe and effective treatments.
