Managed Care
GLP-1 Prescriptions for Children Rose 30,000 Percent Since 2019
Prescriptions of GLP-1 medications for children increased more than 30,000 percent between 2019 and present, according to new data. Children with obesity-related conditions such as high cholesterol or sleep apnea were substantially more likely to receive GLP-1 prescriptions than those without these comorbidities. The dramatic rise in pediatric GLP-1 use reflects growing clinical acceptance of these medications for weight management in children with obesity-related health complications. This trend has significant implications for Medicaid managed care pharmacy budgets and prior authorization protocols, as GLP-1s are high-cost specialty medications and children represent a growing share of Medicaid enrollment.
Why it mattersThe explosive growth in pediatric GLP-1 prescriptions will substantially increase pharmacy costs for Medicaid plans and require updated utilization management strategies for this high-cost drug class in the pediatric population.