In this photo illustration, the injectable weight-loss medication Wegovy is available at a Chicago pharmacy. South Carolina will stop covering the weight loss medication Jan. 1, 2026. (Photo illustration by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA — Starting in January, South Carolina’s Medicaid program will no longer cover weight loss drugs for obesity, reversing a year-old policy.
The change, which comes as states face high costs for covering the popular drugs, will not affect Medicaid patients prescribed the drugs to manage Type 2 diabetes, said Jeff Leieritz, spokesman for the state Department of Health and Human Services. Coverage to treat obesity will end Jan. 1, he said…