The European Medicines Agency has rejected Eli Lilly and Co.’s Kisunla, an Alzheimer’s medication, over health concerns. Photo from Wikimedia Commons.

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS — Eli Lilly and Co. is preparing a new direct-to-employer model that will allow companies to offer coverage for its obesity medications, including Zepbound, beginning in early 2026.

The Indianapolis drugmaker said third-party administrators will manage the plans to give employers flexible cost-sharing structures aimed at expanding access to weight-loss treatments.

The move comes as online health companies introduce similar employer-focused offerings.

California-based 9amHealth has launched a package that includes FDA-approved obesity drugs from Lilly and Novo Nordisk along with nutrition and fitness support. Chicago-based Waltz Health plans to start its own model on Thursday, Jan. 1, integrating fixed pricing and support services such as eligibility checks, pharmacy routing and patient engagement. Lilly has not released pricing information for its program. The effort follows recent expansions of the company’s obesity-drug business, including LillyDirect, new distribution agreements and a deal with the Trump administration to offer discounted rates for obesity medications through Medicare and Medicaid.

The company is also preparing for the rollout of orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 drug now under fast-track review by the Food and Drug Administration.

Coverage for GLP-1 medications remains inconsistent across employer health plans. While the drugs are commonly covered for, they often are not covered for obesity, leaving many patients with high out-of-pocket costs. Lilly has noted that about half of Americans with employer-sponsored insurance lack access to obesity treatments.

Demand for obesity drugs continues to surge. Morgan Stanley projects the U.S. market could reach $80 billion by 2030 as employers explore direct-to-provider arrangements and narrow networks to reduce administrative expenses.