The Indicator from Planet Money · Friday, September 25, 2026
A working paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research indicates that GLP-1 medications may not decrease overall health spending within a five-year timeframe. While future results over longer periods or with generic versions entering the market could change this outlook, the current findings suggest a need for further evaluation of the long-term financial impact of these drugs on healthcare costs.
“Uh, a working paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research, they found actually that GLP1s do not reduce health spending over a five-year period.”
“I mean, we could see different results in 10 or 20 years.”
“True. And also in the coming years, generics are going to enter the market, which could bring down costs substantially.”