GLP-1 Costs Strain Retirement Savings

A Nationwide survey and a Virginia Commonwealth University study find GLP-1 users are cutting savings and taking on debt to afford the drugs.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Retirement Planning

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a plain injector pen beside a stack of coins and a small jar on a cream background, suggesting the cost trade-off of medication. — Nationwide survey finds half of GLP-1 users worry they must choose between paying for medication and saving for retirement. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you cut retirement savings to keep paying for prescription medication?

Nationwide Retirement Institute released its 2026 Healthcare Costs Survey on GLP-1 drug users, finding half worry they may have to choose between paying for medication and saving for retirement. A separate Virginia Commonwealth University study found median out-of-pocket GLP-1 spending surpassed $1,500 annually.

Why it matters

Rising out-of-pocket costs for GLP-1 medications are forcing households to weigh health treatment against long-term financial security. Nearly one in four users say keeping medication access matters more than increasing retirement savings.

The Nationwide survey covered 1,933 adults and found 54% of current GLP-1 users changed financial behaviors, while 17% took on debt and 14% withdrew from savings, investments, or retirement accounts. The survey does not report how these shares compare with users of other medications.

The players

Nationwide Retirement Institute

Nationwide Retirement Institute is the retirement-focused arm of the Nationwide insurance and financial services company, which publishes annual consumer research on retirement and healthcare costs.

Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University is a public research university in Richmond, Virginia, whose researchers conducted the study on GLP-1 out-of-pocket spending.

The details

Nationwide's survey found 10% of current GLP-1 users delayed or avoided other medical care, and nearly one in five spend more than 10% of annual household income on the drugs. Even so, 88% say the medication makes them more optimistic about long-term health, and 59% say expected health benefits reduce pressure to increase retirement savings.

Summer 2026: Nationwide conducted its survey of 1,933 adults.
2032: Social Security benefits may be cut unless Congress acts, according to projections.

Roadmap

The GLP-1 cost burden arrives as projections warn Social Security benefits may be cut in 2032 unless Congress acts. Households already facing that uncertainty now face medication costs that compete directly with retirement savings.

Households weighing GLP-1 costs against retirement contributions may need to reassess how much they save each month. Those tempted to tap savings or take on debt for medication should consider how withdrawals affect long-term balances.

The takeaway

Medication costs can quietly erode retirement progress, so reviewing your healthcare spending alongside your savings plan may help you avoid tradeoffs you have not planned for. Consider discussing out-of-pocket drug costs with a financial advisor before adjusting contributions.