GLP-1 brands – Contributed images
By Amy M. Lohman, MD, Bariatric Medicine, Family Medicine, Nuvance Health now part of Northwell Health
WESTPORT–Westporters have felt the impact of rising medical costs more acutely than ever, especially when it comes to GLP-1 medications — widely used for weight loss, diabetes and long-term metabolic health. Now, a federal agreement announced in November between major drug manufacturers may soon bring relief by lowering out-of-pocket costs, expanding coverage and improving availability of these in-demand treatments.
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For many Westporters, this shift could be life changing.
“This agreement is an important step toward making effective treatment more accessible to the people who need it, including many here in our local community,” said Dr. Patrick T. Dolan, a board certified bariatric and minimally invasive general surgeon at Norwalk Hospital’s outpatient Bariatric Surgery and Medical Weight Loss facility in Norwalk. “Affordability is often the biggest barrier to improving health and any effort that reduces that burden matters.”
Why GLP-1 medications matter for Westporters
GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide, tirzepatide and others have transformed obesity and metabolic care. They help regulate appetite, improve insulin sensitivity and support sustainable weight management. Westporters are among the many individuals nationwide relying on these medications for:
Yet the high cost, sometimes more than $1,000 per month, has historically kept many patients from consistent care.
“I offer a compassionate, whole-person approach to treating obesity and metabolic diseases, and cost should never be the reason someone feels they can’t begin that journey,” Dr. Dolan said.
Related content from Nuvance Health: Bariatric surgery helps CT mom, 64, lose 110 lbs.
What the federal agreement changes
While the full details will roll out in phases, the agreement centers on two essential goals:
Lowering the list price of GLP-1 drugs
Manufacturers have agreed to reduce baseline pricing, which may especially help Westporters who:
- Pay cash
- Use high-deductible insurance plans
- Have partial coverage
- Rely on savings programs
Reduced manufacturer prices often lead to lower pharmacy prices over time.
Expanding eligibility and insurance coverage
Federal plans like Medicare and Medicaid will gain improved negotiating power. As federal coverage expands, private insurers typically follow suit, offering:
- Broader formulary inclusion
- Lower copays
- Fewer preauthorization requirements
- Better coverage for weight-loss indications
For many Westport households, especially those juggling high insurance premiums, this could significantly reduce financial strain.
How Wesporters could benefit
Westport is a community that values wellness, longevity and evidence-based health choices. Yet the cost of GLP-1 medications has been a limiting factor.
Here’s how this agreement may directly support Westporters:
Lower out of pocket expenses
- Prices may decline across the board, benefiting patients who use manufacturer discount programs or pay without insurance.
More consistent medication access
- When cost barriers fall, patients are more likely to stay on treatment long enough to experience meaningful results.
- Plans may simplify approval requirements, helping patients avoid delays in starting therapy.
Improved long-term health outcomes
- More accessible medications can help reduce chronic disease risk across the community, from heart disease to diabetes.
“The greatest reward in my specialty is celebrating personal victories with my patients when they reach their health goals,” Dr. Dolan said. “Making these medications more affordable allows more people in Westport to experience that success,”
Learn more about Nuvance Health’s Comprehensive Weight Management Program
What Westporters can do now while changes take shape
Although national policies are shifting, individual cost savings may take time to appear. Westporters can take several steps today to prepare for these improvements and potentially reduce expenses right away.
Have an open conversation with your doctor
Your physician can explain whether GLP-1 medications are appropriate for your health goals and review all available options, including lower-cost alternatives.
“Honest, open communication is essential,” Dr. Dolan said. “I expect to work collaboratively with every patient and help them navigate the peaks and valleys of their health journey.”
Contact your insurance provider
Ask about:
- Which GLP-1 medications are currently covered
- Whether preauthorization is required
- Copay or coinsurance costs
- Any weight-loss exclusions
This information helps you make informed decisions early, before new pricing structures go into effect.
Explore manufacturer financial assistance programs
Most drug companies offer:
- Copay savings
- Direct-to-patient pricing
- Patient assistance for qualifying individuals
Westporters with limited coverage may save significantly by enrolling.
Review your plan’s prescription drug formulary
Coverage varies widely between insurers. If your plan excludes certain GLP-1 medications, your doctor can help select an alternative that offers better coverage.
Your pharmacist can also help compare prices across pharmacies—including those in Westport, Wilton, Norwalk and Fairfield as pricing may fluctuate by location.
What this means for the future of healthcare in Westport
This federal agreement represents one of the most significant steps toward national obesity and metabolic health reform. For a community as health-conscious as Westport, expanded access to GLP-1 medications holds real promise.
Related content from Nuvance Health: How bariatric surgery performs over GLP-1s in weight loss
“Progress takes time, but every step toward improved access helps our community live healthier, more active lives,” Dr. Dolan emphasized. “My goal is to support Westporters at every stage of their health journey, physically, emotionally and financially.”
As insurance plans, pharmacies and healthcare systems begin adapting to the agreement, Westport residents can expect:
- Lower long-term treatment costs
- Expanded coverage options
- More accessible weight-loss and diabetes therapies
- Better support managing chronic conditions
For individuals and families, these improvements can open the door to more sustainable health choices and improve quality of life.
Dr. Amy M. Lohman is board-certified in family medicine and obesity medicine. She provides care to patients of all ages and focuses on the prevention of chronic disease and the maintenance of a healthy, active lifestyle. She particularly enjoys helping her patients improve their lifestyles and reach their personal health goals. Dr. Lohman offers in-person and virtual visits and strives to offer high-quality and individually personalized care. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children and being active outside.
Dr. Patrick T. Dolan is a bariatric and minimally invasive general surgeon, board-certified by the American Board of Surgery. After finishing a general surgery residency at Cornell, he completed a one-year fellowship at Mount Sinai specializing in gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, revisional bariatric surgery, anti-reflux operations, and hernias.
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Sources
White House release on drug price reduction initiative
Nuvance on weight loss drugs explained
Nuvance on bariatric surgery and medical weight loss
Nuvance’s bariatric medicine providers
Nuvance Health, now part of Northwell Health, has sponsored this content for Westport Journal. Nuvance Health is a system of nonprofit hospitals, medical practices and outpatient healthcare services throughout the Hudson Valley and western Connecticut, including nearby Norwalk Hospital. Visit nuvancehealth.org for more information.