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Sustained use of GLP-1 medications by employees can actually lower employer healthcare costs over time, according to a new report released January 13. That’s the headline takeaway for benefits leaders wrestling with whether to cover these increasingly popular drugs.
GLP-1s: A Long-term Investment in Employee Health
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A recent analysis of over 50 million individuals reveals potential cost savings and significant health benefits associated with GLP-1 medication adherence.
Beyond Cost Savings: Unexpected Health benefits
The benefits extend beyond simply managing chronic conditions. Researchers observed that women utilizing GLP-1s experienced approximately a 50% lower incidence of ovarian cancer and about a 14% lower incidence of breast cancer compared to those who didn’t use the medications during the analysis period. Nonetheless of whether individuals used GLP-1s for diabetes or weight management, they also tended to require fewer hospitalizations for major adverse cardiovascular events, such as strokes. These positive outcomes were particularly pronounced in women, though men also experienced reductions in these events.
What These Findings Mean for HR Leaders
Despite the growing buzz and employee demand, only 23% of employers currently cover GLP-1s, according to a benefits survey released last June. This hesitancy may stem from concerns about cost, but Aon’s research suggests a more nuanced outlook.
Farheen Dam, Aon’s Head of Health for North America, emphasized in a statement that the true impact comes from considering not just coverage, but also how these medications are integrated into a broader wellness strategy. “The real impact comes when employers consider not just coverage, but also how these medications are used, supported and sustained over time,” Dam said. “By pairing thoughtful GLP-1 strategies with programs that encourage adherence and total well-being, organizations can improve outcomes for their workforce.”
The Rising Tide of Healthcare Costs in 2026
As the financial strain on both employers and employees continues to mount, a thorough cost-benefit analysis is essential. Aon projects healthcare costs for U.S. employers will increase by 9.5% in 2026.Prescription drugs account for roughly a third of total healthcare expenses and are a major driver of this increase-with GLP-1s playing an increasingly significant role.
A separate 2026 benefits cost outlook from HUB International echoed this sentiment, reporting that GLP-1s, regardless of their intended use, are having a “significant impact” on the benefits landscape as a high-cost prescription drug. However, researchers also noted that conditions like cancer, obesity, and related health issues contribute substantially to overall healthcare costs.
“Conditions like obesity, diabetes and cancer are among the most pressing health challenges facing employees, their families and the organizations that support them,” said Lisa Stevens, Aon’s chief administrative officer, in a statement. She added that the positive outcomes confirmed by Aon’s data offer “real hope for advancing population health and helping millions of people lead healthier, fuller lives.”
