Figure 2

Medicaid Prescriptions and Gross Spending on GLP-1s Have Increased Substantially Since 2019

Number of Medicaid outpatient prescriptions for GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1s)

Number of Prescriptions   Gross Spending  

Note: Includes all FDA-approved GLP-1s, including those approved for obesity (Saxenda, Wegovy, Zepbound) as well as those approved for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is also approved for cardiovascular disease, and Zepbound is also approved for sleep apnea. Coverage for weight-loss or obesity is optional in Medicaid while coverage for other indications is required. Other includes a small number of prescriptions for Adlyxin, Byetta, Bydureon BCise, and Tanzeum (all now discontinued). Includes tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound), which is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 agonist.
Source: KFF analysis of 2019-2024 State Drug Utilization Data, accessed January 2026.Get the dataDownload PNG