State insurance to end weight loss drug coverage Nov. 1

State of Idaho agencies, including Boise State, were recently notified that the state will eliminate insurance coverage for all weight loss medications beginning Nov. 1, 2025, citing rapidly rising costs and concerns over the long-term sustainability of the state's health plan.

The change will not affect coverage for GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic when prescribed for the treatment of diabetes. However, drugs including Wegovy (semaglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide), Zepbound (tirzepatide) and other GLP-1 medications prescribed primarily for weight loss will no longer be covered, regardless of FDA approval or off-label use.

Things to know

• Employees can still use Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds for prescribed weight loss medications if medically necessary (not for cosmetic purposes).
• IRS regulations will not allow a mid-year change to an FSA account, even though the state is making a material change to the coverage.
• Members prescribed affected medications may choose to drop their state medical coverage under a qualifying life event, but dependents on the plan will also lose coverage. The deadline to drop coverage based on this change is Nov. 30, 2025.

Boise State remains committed to supporting employee wellness. A list of weight loss resources is in the State of Idaho Memo, dated Sept. 4, 2025. The Human Resources' benefits team is available to assist employees in navigating their options and accessing available resources. They can be reached at (208) 426-4429 or [email protected].

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