Kalamazoo County discusses cutting anti-obesity GLP-1 healthcare coverage for employees
byMackenize Dekker | News Channel 3
Thu, July 23, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Kalamazoo County is considering ending their offering of GLP-1 drugs. (FILE photo)
KALAMAZOO, Mich. —Weight loss drugs available to Kalamazoo County employees could be cut from coverage as leaders work to finalize the 2027 healthcare plan
The county is now spending more than $1.5 million a year on anti-obesity GLP-1s for employees, making up 20% of all prescription costs
Rising costs spurred debate during Tuesday night’s Board of Commissioners meeting, where leaders discussed the question of whether or not to continue this coverage
“This is a tough question,” said Sharon Brown, Human Rempact employees.”
While GLP-1s are used for many different reasons, such as diabetes or hypertension, Brown clarified this discussion only refers to medications prescribed specifically for anti-obesity
Starting in 2023, Brown said there were 115 people using prescriptions for about $625,000 a year
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The cost of the plan increased 100% in 2024, and another 22% in 2025. If GLP-1 coverage continues, the plan would jump about another 11.7% in 2027
“We see these costs just continue to skyrocket,” said Brown. “You can imagine this is a really hot button issue. There are strong feelings all across the board.”
In a survey, Brown said some employees said they are using GLP-1s and it’s been life-changing
Others said they are worried about rising costs, and frustrated that no other solutions are being offered for weight loss, such as a gym membership or wellness plan
Leaders discussed how cutting GLP-1 coverage could open funds to allow for gym memberships or other options to be offered as a replacement
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Commissioners were split on whether or not they thought cutting coverage would be beneficial
“I think one of the craziest things that we do as a county is offer GLP1s for non-diabetic, non health related issues,” said John Taylor, Vice Chair. “It’s costing us $1.5 million a year. We could do so much more with that with benefits to our employees.”
Taylor also said he wants to ensure the county is able to give a cost-of-living increase to employees, but spending more on healthcare limits their ability to do so
“I know people that have been on this and it’s just been a tremendous life change. Not just physically, but mentally,” said Dale DeLeeuw, Commissioner. “I understand it’s expensive, it’s just my opinion at this point, it’s well worth the money.”
Brown plans to bring a resolution back to the board in a few weeks for further discussion, along with options for what the county could offer employees instead, if they choose to cut GLP-1 coverage
To watch the full meeting, click here. Discussion around coverage begins around 52:00 minutes
