NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsAugust 14, 2026Hillsborough
Study reports 67 percent increase in insurance denials for brand-name drugs
A new study published in JAMA reveals that insurance denials for brand-name drugs lacking generic alternatives rose by 67 percent between 2018 and 2024. Researchers found that nearly one-third of initial prescription attempts were rejected due to formulary exclusions, with GLP-1 weight-loss medications experiencing the highest denial rates.
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsWhy It Matters
Patients face increasing administrative hurdles and delays in accessing prescribed medications, with many failing to receive treatment within three months of an initial insurance denial.
Key Facts
- Insurance denials for brand-name drugs without generic alternatives increased by 67 percent between 2018 and 2024.
- The study analyzed over two million prescription fill attempts.
- GLP-1 weight-loss medications had the highest rates of insurance denial.
- Nearly one-third of initial prescription attempts were rejected due to formulary exclusions.
- Many patients did not receive their prescribed medication or a replacement within three months of the first denial.
- Patients who successfully obtained treatment after a denial waited an average of 12 days to fill the prescription.