(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana Medicaid will begin covering select GLP-1 medications for eligible members living with obesity under a federal demonstration program announced by Governor Mike Braun.
Braun has directed the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration to participate in the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation's BALANCE demonstration, which is designed to expand access to obesity medications.
Under the agreement, participating drug manufacturers, including Eli Lilly and Company and Novo Nordisk, will make select GLP-1 medications available to Indiana Medicaid for $245 per member per month.
After the federal government's contribution, Indiana's cost will be $85.16 per person per month.
Manufacturers will also provide a lifestyle support program at no additional cost to the state.
"Indiana is proud to expand access to essential treatment for eligible Hoosiers," Braun said. "This agreement reflects our commitment to Make Indiana Healthy Again by pursuing practical solutions that increase healthier lives."
Eli Lilly Chair and CEO David Ricks said 71% of Indiana adults are living with obesity or overweight and estimated the economic impact at $10.7 billion annually.
The medications available through the program will include select GLP-1 treatments produced by participating manufacturers. Lilly specifically cited Foundayo and Zepbound, while Novo Nordisk cited Wegovy.
State officials say additional details, including eligibility requirements and when coverage will begin, will be announced as the agreement is finalized.