Pritzker GLP-1 reveal raises access, cost questions

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s revelation that prescription weight loss medication made him healthier is raising questions about access and affordability.

In a recently-published Substack article about his personal journey, Pritzker said his doctor prescribed a GLP-1 along with insulin for his type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

After using GLP-1s for about 18 months, Pritzker said he lost 80 pounds and is now off insulin.

State Sen. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport, said millions of people struggle with weight management but don’t have the governor’s level of access and affordability.

“So unless you’re a diabetic or you have a specific medical condition, you’re having to pay out of pocket in most cases for this, and the cost is out of reach for most people,” Chesney told The Center Square.

In the article, Pritzker said Medicare covers GLP-1s for many patients.

“Medicaid often does not — and it should,” Pritzker said.

Medicaid reported spending $25 million in taxpayer funds for weight loss drugs in the first quarter of 2025 in Illinois. Those numbers reflect more than 23,000 prescriptions in the state. Totals for 2026 have not been compiled by Medicaid or the state.

The governor said private insurers should also cover the drugs.

Chesney said there is data connecting weight loss to overall savings in health plans.

“So healthier society, it’s good for everyone. It’s good for the taxpayers, but most importantly, it’s good for the people that are losing the weight,” Chesney said.

The Freeport Republican said there are ways the state can help.

“That doesn’t mean just a mandate and demanding that the companies do this, this and this. There’s ways to provide access that work for everyone and not just an approach where you’re just trying to price fix, for example,” Chesney said.

Chesney said Pritzker could have called a special legislative session to address access to life-changing drugs.

“I think the governor could have used this as an opportunity to not talk about just his journey and make it about himself and, you know, have pictures of him with $20,000 refrigerators and salads inside,” Chesney said.