Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP) denials: 73.2% overturned by independent reviewers
In 56 California IMR decisions from 2025 to 2026, reviewers overturned the plan 41 times (73.2%). In the last five years: 73.2% of 56. Denials reach IMR only when a member appeals all the way; read the caveats below before generalising.
By diagnosis
| Diagnosis category | Decisions | Overturned | Last 5 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNS/ Neuromusc Dis | 24 | 83.3% | 83.3% of 24 |
| Endocrine/Metabolic | 9 | 66.7% | 66.7% of 9 |
| Endo/Metabolic | 9 | 77.8% | 77.8% of 9 |
| Cardiac/Circ Problem | 8 | 50.0% | 50.0% of 8 |
By year (last five)
| Year | Decisions | Overturned |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 41 | 73.2% |
| 2026 | 15 | 73.3% |
What the findings mention
| What the findings mention | Decisions | Overturned | All decisions here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Published evidence citedThe findings refer to peer-reviewed or published evidence. | 16 | 81.3% | 73.2% |
| Guidelines or criteria citedThe findings cite guidelines, criteria or a standard of care. | 9 | 55.6% | 73.2% |
| FDA approval or off-label use discussedThe findings discuss the FDA label status of the treatment. | 6 | 66.7% | 73.2% |
| Records did not supportThe findings say the documentation did not show what was needed (usually an upheld denial). | 5 | 0.0% | 73.2% |
| Step therapy or fail-firstThe findings mention a fail-first requirement. | 3 | 100.0% | 73.2% |
Keyword matches on the reviewer’s findings, not causes. A tag that appears mostly in overturned decisions is worth documenting in an appeal; it is not a guarantee.
From recent overturned decisions
“The physician reviewer found that a patient has requested reimbursement and prospective authorization and coverage for Zepbound. Zepbound is FDA‑approved for chronic weight management in patients with obesity or overweight with a related comorbidity, and it also carries an indication for moderate‑to‑severe obstructive sleep apnea in patients with obesity. Clinical guidelines recommend lifestyle modification as first‑line therapy, with weight‑loss medication …”
“The physician reviewer found that Nature of Statutory Criteria/Case Summary: A patient has requested authorization and coverage for Wegovy. Pharmacotherapy is recommended in patients with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 30 kg/m2, or 27 kg/m2 if weight-related comorbidities are present. Wegovy has proven effective for the treatment of obesity with comorbidities, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). …”
“The physician reviewer found that Nature of Statutory Criteria/Case Summary: A patient has requested authorization and coverage for Ozempic. Published retrospective studies in patients with type 1 diabetes receiving insulin therapy have demonstrated that adjunctive semaglutide treatment may improve time in range, reduce hemoglobin A1c levels, decrease total daily insulin requirements, and promote weight loss without significantly increasing the risk …”
- California only: these are decisions by independent reviewers under California's IMR program (plans regulated by the Department of Managed Health Care). Other states and self-funded employer plans use different reviewers and rules.
- Selection: only denials that a member took all the way to IMR appear. Most denials are never appealed, and the ones that reach an external reviewer are not a random sample.
- Overturned means the reviewer disagreed with the plan; it does not mean the treatment worked or that a similar request will be approved.
- Argument tags are keyword matches on the reviewer's findings. They describe what the findings mention, not why the case was decided.
- Categories are DMHC's own labels (treatment sub-category and diagnosis category); 'Other' is a catch-all and is excluded from rankings.
Source: California Department of Managed Health Care, Independent Medical Review (IMR) Determinations, Trend (CHHS Open Data). Public California government data; Apellica's aggregates and tags are CC BY 4.0.
Questions
How often were Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP) denials overturned?
In 56 California IMR decisions from 2025 to 2026, reviewers overturned the plan 41 times (73.2%). In the last five years: 73.2% of 56.
What did the reviewers' findings mention in overturned cases?
The table on this page counts keyword matches in the findings: prior therapies tried, contraindications, guidelines cited, published evidence, whether the records supported the request. They describe what the findings say, not why the case was decided.
Does a California IMR result apply to my plan?
Only California plans regulated by the Department of Managed Health Care go to IMR. Other states and self-funded employer plans use different reviewers, but the reasoning is the same kind: criteria, documentation and alternatives. Use the findings as a guide to what to document.
Related: California appeal rights · California external-review reversal rate · The levers library · CSV
Independent reviewers reverse plans when the record answers the criteria. Upload the denial letter; a senior reviewer reads it within 24 hours and tells you in writing whether it can be appealed and how. $0 upfront, 10% of what is recovered, nothing if we do not recover. Not a law firm.