State agencies, including Boise State, were recently notified that the State of Idaho will eliminate insurance coverage for all weight loss medications beginning Nov. 1, 2025, citing rapidly rising costs and concerns over long-term sustainability of the state’s health plan.
The change will not affect coverage for GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic when prescribed for the treatment of diabetes. However, drugs including Wegovy (semaglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide), Zepbound (tirzepatide) and other GLP-1 medications prescribed primarily for weight loss will no longer be covered, regardless of FDA approval or off-label use.
Things to know:
- Employees can still use Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds for prescribed weight loss medications if medically necessary (not for cosmetic purposes).
- IRS regulations will not allow a mid-year change to the FSA accounts, even though the State is making a material change to the coverage.
- Members prescribed affected medications may choose to drop their state medical coverage under a qualifying life event, but dependents on the plan will also lose coverage. Deadline to drop coverage based on this change is Nov. 30, 2025. Contact benefit@boisestate.edu.
- Boise State remains committed to supporting wellness. A list of resources is in the State of Idaho Memo, dated Sept. 4, 2025.
We understand these changes may directly affect some employees. Our Human Resources’ benefits team is available to assist you in navigating your options and accessing available resources. You may reach us at (208) 426-4429 or benefits@boisestate.edu.
If have additional concerns with this change, please contact the State Office of Group Insurance at (208) 332-1860, email their staff or visit their website.