A new $16,000 postpartum depression drug is here. How will insurers handle it?

A treatment for postpartum depression called zuranolone is facing limitations due to the lack of coverage guidance from private health insurers. The drug, which is novel and targets hormone function to relieve symptoms, is expensive at $15,900 for a 14-day pill regimen. Insurers are being watched closely to see how they will shape policies for zuranolone, as some had restrictive policies for its predecessor, brexanolone. The concern is that insurers may require patients to try other medications or restrict prescriptions to psychiatrists, potentially delaying treatment. Lack of coverage guidance raises concerns about variation in decision-making and inefficiency.