TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is calling on Cigna to listen to its employees and reconsider its decision to end coverage of GLP-1 medications for weight management.
In June, Cigna notified more than 50,000 U.S. employees that its health plan would stop covering GLP-1 medications for weight management. The decision took effect July 1 and prompted an outpouring of concern from employees. Almost 600 Cigna employees signed a petition asking the company to reinstate coverage.
Despite the response from its workforce, Cigna has said it will maintain the decision. In a statement to Bloomberg Businessweek, the company said the decision was made carefully based on research and input from leaders across the company, including clinical leaders. Cigna also pointed to health coaching and other resources to support weight management.
“Cigna employees have spoken, and the company needs to listen,” said Joe Nadglowski, President and CEO of OAC. “These are not simply numbers on a benefits spreadsheet. These are people living with a chronic disease who are telling their employer that access to their treatment matters. Cigna should take that feedback seriously and reconsider this decision.”
The impact of the decision is already being felt by Cigna employees. Bloomberg Businessweek reported that some employees have been forced to consider paying hundreds of dollars out of pocket for medications they previously accessed through their employer-sponsored coverage. One Cigna employee reported paying $25 a month before coverage ended and approximately $300 a month afterward.
As a health care company, Cigna should understand the importance of treating chronic diseases with comprehensive, science-based care. Obesity is a chronic disease that may require long-term treatment, and while health coaching and lifestyle support can be valuable components of care, they should not substitute for medically appropriate treatment prescribed by a health care provider.
OAC urges Cigna to listen to its employees, restore coverage for GLP-1 medications for weight management and ensure people living with obesity have access to science-based treatment options.
About:
The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is a National nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by obesity through education, advocacy and support. The OAC is the first and only organization of its kind. To learn more, visit www.obesityaction.org.
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SOURCE Obesity Action Coalition
