CenterWell Pharmacy to Dispense Obesity Drugs Through Employer Weight Management Programs

CenterWell Pharmacy announced that it will dispense obesity management medications produced by Eli Lilly as part of employer-sponsored weight management programs. The pharmacy operates as a division of Humana and said it will collaborate with independent third-party organizations that administer these programs for employers through carve-out arrangements.

Under the initiative, CenterWell Pharmacy will act as a dispensing pharmacy for eligible patients who participate in approved employer plan-sponsored obesity management carve-out programs. The company stated that third-party administrators will be responsible for supporting employer groups and structuring the programs, while CenterWell will manage prescription fulfillment and delivery of Lilly’s weight management products when appropriate.

According to the announcement, the third-party organizations involved will develop solutions designed to be transparent and flexible for employers. These organizations will oversee the program administration, while CenterWell Pharmacy’s role will focus on coordinating the distribution of medications to eligible participants enrolled through employer-sponsored plans.

CenterWell Pharmacy said the move reflects its broader effort to strengthen its working relationships with employers. The company noted that the initiative is part of a strategy to engage more closely with employers as they explore alternative approaches to providing access to obesity management treatments outside of traditional health plan coverage.

The announcement comes amid ongoing concerns among employers regarding the rising costs associated with obesity and related conditions, including diabetes. These conditions have become significant cost drivers for employers, particularly as demand for GLP-1s and other therapies that support weight loss and condition management continues to grow alongside increasing prices.

Employer medical expenses are projected to rise further in the coming years. A recent report from the Business Group on Health estimated that employer medical costs will increase by 9% in 2026. The report identified growing demand for GLP-1s as a key contributor to this anticipated increase in costs.

Bethanie Stein, president of pharmacy at Humana, including CenterWell Pharmacy, addressed the company’s role in the announcement. “We at CenterWell Pharmacy are pleased to play an important role in standing up a more sustainable approach to distributing valuable weight loss medications,” Stein said. She also stated that the company has already seen success in expanding access to obesity management medications through direct-to-patient distribution models that offered more affordable price points, and that additional opportunity exists through employer-based programs.

Eli Lilly also commented on the collaboration. Kevin Hern, senior vice president for Lilly Employer at Lilly USA, said employers regularly express interest in supporting employee health but face challenges when it comes to providing coverage for obesity management medicines. He said the company is actively seeking partnerships with organizations such as CenterWell Pharmacy to help address concerns related to access and cost for its products.

As part of the new program, CenterWell Pharmacy will be designated as an approved dispensing pharmacy for select Lilly obesity management medications. In this role, the pharmacy will support prescription fulfillment and delivery for eligible patients, working in coordination with designated third-party administrators responsible for overseeing the employer programs.

CenterWell Pharmacy stated that the initiative underscores its focus on building closer connections with employers in an effort to enhance health care access and affordability. The company said its involvement will center on supporting employers and plan members through medication distribution, while independent administrators continue to manage program design and administration.

CenterWell Pharmacy to Dispense Obesity Drugs Through Employer Weight Management Programs

CenterWell Pharmacy is expanding access to obesity medications by partnering with employers to dispense weight-loss drugs through structured weight management programs. This CenterWell initiative aims to help employers control rising healthcare costs while improving long-term employee health outcomes.

Through these employer-sponsored programs, CenterWell will coordinate prescription fulfillment, clinical oversight, and ongoing support for employees who qualify for obesity treatments. The approach ensures medications are used appropriately and paired with lifestyle and behavioral health resources.

By integrating pharmacy services with employer wellness strategies, CenterWell Pharmacy is addressing one of the biggest challenges in workplace healthcare—safe and cost-effective access to obesity drugs. Employers benefit from predictable pricing models, while employees gain streamlined access to medically guided weight management solutions.

Industry experts say this CenterWell model reflects a growing trend toward employer-driven healthcare innovation, especially as demand for GLP-1 and other obesity drugs continues to surge. With its scalable platform, CenterWell is positioning itself as a key player in employer-focused obesity care.