JAMA Health Forum

GLP-1 prescriptions often go unfilled

October 15, 2025

Study details: This cohort study analyzed 9,848 GLP-1 RA prescriptions among 6,094 insured adults (mean age, 61 years; 54% women) from 2018 to 2022, using data from the Colorado All-Payer Claims Database. Researchers examined fill rates and out-of-pocket (OOP) costs by race, ethnicity, and indication (diabetes, obesity, or both).

Results: Overall, 40% of GLP-1 RA prescriptions weren’t filled. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients were significantly less likely to fill prescriptions compared with non-Hispanic White patients (fill rate, 55.3% and 58.4% vs. 60.9%; P = .006 and P = .045, respectively). Despite lower fill rates, out-of-pocket costs were lower for Black and Hispanic patients than for White patients ($41.15 and $63.69 compared with $78.37; P<.001 and P=.006, respectively). Patients with both diabetes and obesity had lower costs and higher fill rates than those with obesity alone ($70.32 vs. $134.04; P < .001).

Clinical impact: These findings highlight persistent disparities in access to GLP-1 RAs, even among insured populations. Clinicians should be aware of potential barriers—including cost, coverage, and prescribing bias—that may affect treatment uptake in minority groups.

Source:

Sarpatwari A, et al. (2025, October 10). JAMA Health Forum. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Order Fills and Out-of-Pocket Costs by Race, Ethnicity, and Indication. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41071563/