PwC will drop cover for weight-loss drugs from employee health plans

May 1, 2026 - 12:29

PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the Big Four accounting firms, has decided to stop covering weight-loss drugs under its employee health plans, pushing back against the soaring costs of medications it now describes as a "cultural phenomenon." The change, set to take effect next year, will remove coverage for GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy when prescribed for weight management, though coverage for diabetes treatment will remain.

The firm's move reflects a growing tension in corporate America. Employers are grappling with the financial burden of these drugs, which can cost over $1,000 per month per patient. PwC's internal memo, reviewed by several outlets, noted that the medications have become widely popular beyond their original medical use, leading to unsustainable spending. The company employs roughly 75,000 people in the United States, and the decision is expected to affect a significant portion of its workforce.

Industry analysts say PwC is not alone. Other large employers have quietly tightened eligibility or added requirements like prior authorization. However, PwC's blunt language about the drugs being a "cultural phenomenon" signals a shift in how companies view these treatments. Instead of a straightforward medical necessity, they are increasingly seen as a lifestyle expense that employers are reluctant to subsidize.

Employees currently using the drugs for weight loss will have to transition to other options or pay out of pocket. PwC has not announced any alternative wellness programs to replace the coverage, leaving workers to navigate a complex and expensive market on their own.