Connecticut has paused plans to seek federal approval to partner with a generic drug manufacturer to lower the cost of GLP-1 medications, despite a state law requiring the effort, according to a July 16 report from the CT Mirror.
Gov. Ned Lamont signed a drug affordability law in 2025 directing the Department of Social Services to petition HHS for approval to pursue a partnership with a generic drugmaker. However, the governor’s office said changing market conditions — including the introduction of oral GLP-1 options, federal pricing agreements and direct-to-consumer platforms — have made the medications more affordable, prompting the state to back away from the proposal.
State Sen. Matt Lesser, who championed the legislation, said he expects Connecticut will eventually file the petition, describing the issue as one of timing rather than opposition. The state’s Medicaid program spent $89.2 million on GLP-1 medications in fiscal 2025 after rebates.
Emails obtained by the CT Mirror show state officials were drafting the petition and discussing next steps in July 2025, but records do not indicate when the administration decided not to move forward. The Department of Social Services said it will continue exploring other ways to improve access to GLP-1 medications for Medicaid beneficiaries.
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