Colorado state employee plans cover GLP-1s for weight loss again starting May 1, 2026
Colorado state workers regained weight-loss coverage for GLP-1 drugs on May 1, 2026, with a $120 copay on one plan and a narrower list of covered drugs on the other.
Colorado state employee health plans now cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss as of May 1, 2026, and the grandfathering provision that required existing users to fill a prescription at least once every 120 days terminated the same day [1][2]. Employees who meet the plan criteria and have a valid prescription are covered, according to the state's benefits FAQ [1].
The state is running the change through what it calls the GLP-1 Benefit 360 Program, and the two medical plans work differently [1][2].
On the Cigna plan, members have access to Zepbound, a tirzepatide drug, for weight-loss indications "unless there is a medical necessity for another drug," the state says [1][2]. A Cigna member with a medical condition or allergy that makes Zepbound impossible to take can work with MedImpact, the pharmacy benefit manager, to reach other weight-loss medications [1][2]. Kaiser Permanente members "will continue to go through Kaiser Permanente's pre-authorization process" and have access to "all medically-appropriate GLP-1s for weight loss and doses" [1][2].
The FAQ refers to a $120 copay for these drugs [1][2]. Members enrolled in the high-deductible health plan must satisfy their annual deductible first, then the $120 copay applies; under that plan, all non-preventive medicines are subject to the deductible before any copay [1][2]. The state says it does not manage manufacturer coupon programs and has no influence over them, but notes that some employees have lowered copays using Zepbound savings options offered by the manufacturer [1][2].
The change applies only to GLP-1s for weight loss. Coverage for GLP-1s prescribed for other conditions, "such as diabetes," continues, and the FAQ names Mounjaro and Ozempic as examples of drugs used for diabetes [1][2].
Cigna members affected by the change — the FAQ describes them as members currently taking GLP-1s for weight loss other than Zepbound — should have received a letter from MedImpact in April 2026 [1][2]. Members who believe they were affected but did not get a letter can call MedImpact at 1-888-783-1774 [1][2]. Kaiser Permanente members can call Kaiser Permanente Co-Pilot at (888) 413-0591 with questions about anti-obesity GLP-1 coverage [1][2].
The state says the change was made to expand coverage "in a way that is affordable," citing the sustainability of its benefits program and what it calls the dynamic GLP-1 marketplace [1][2]. It describes GLP-1s for weight loss as "some of the most popular - and expensive - medications in history," while adding that it will keep offering weight-loss support programs such as the STATE OF HEALTH employee wellness program, the Omada Diabetes Prevention Program and nutritional counseling through Cigna [1][2].
The state's FAQ does not describe what the grandfathering provision covered before it ended, how many employees are affected, or what the total cost of the expanded coverage will be; those figures have not been reported [1][2]. The specific plan criteria an employee must meet are not spelled out beyond "meet the plan criteria and have a valid prescription" [1].
Why it matters for patients
For roughly 30,000 state employees and their families — a figure the state does not give — the practical effect depends on which plan they are in. On the Cigna side, weight-loss coverage under this program centers on one drug, Zepbound [1][2]. Someone who was taking a different GLP-1 for weight loss, such as Wegovy or Ozempic, would need to work through MedImpact if a medical condition or allergy rules out Zepbound [1][2]. Kaiser Permanente members keep a broader route: the plan's pre-authorization process covers what it considers medically appropriate GLP-1s for weight loss at various doses [1][2].
Cost also depends on plan design. The $120 copay is a published figure, but high-deductible plan members pay the full cost of the drug until their annual deductible is met [1][2]. Manufacturer coupons are outside the state's control, so the amount a coupon saves can change without notice [1][2].
What happens next
The coverage change and the end of the 120-day refill requirement both took effect May 1, 2026 [1][2]. April 2026 notices to affected Cigna members have already gone out [1][2]. No later dates, renewal terms or annual review points for the GLP-1 Benefit 360 Program have been announced [1][2].
Sources
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