Can you get Ozempic without prior authorization?

Asked by: Prof. Nedra Schmeler III  |  Last update: August 24, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (35 votes)

For most insurance plans, a prior authorization is required for covering Ozempic. If this is the case, specific criteria are laid out by each plan for coverage eligibility.

Do I need preauthorization for Ozempic?

Ozempic is prescribed to help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems. The medication comes as a subcutaneous injection. Your insurance plan may require prior authorization before it will cover the cost of Ozempic.

How can I get my insurance to approve Ozempic?

Obtain prior authorization, if needed.

If your insurance company requires prior authorization for Ozempic, your prescriber may need to provide confirmation that you have Type 2 diabetes and that the medication is medically necessary for treatment.

What do I need to say to qualify for Ozempic?

Ozempic for medical weight loss is typically recommended for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or higher who have weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

What is equivalent to Ozempic over the counter?

There are no over-the-counter Ozempic alternatives. Ozempic — and similar weight loss drugs like compounded semaglutide, Zepbound, and metformin — are only available on prescription.

Insurance companies changing coverage for weight loss drugs

21 related questions found

How did Kelly Clarkson lose weight?

Kelly Clarkson's weight loss was motivated by health concerns, including autoimmune and thyroid conditions. She combined diet changes, such as adopting a lectin-free diet, with regular exercise like walking. Clarkson's journey included using weight loss medication, although she emphasized a holistic approach.

How do I get Ozempic for $25 a month?

With the Ozempic® Savings Card, you may PAY AS LITTLE AS $25b for a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month supply for up to 48 months. To receive offer, prescription must be for a 1-, 2-, or 3-month supply. Savings card offer applies to eligible commercially insured patients with coverage for Ozempic®.

Is Ozempic hard to get covered by insurance?

Official answer. Most commercial prescription plans cover some or all of the cost for Ozempic when used to treat type 2 diabetes, but it's not frequently covered for weight loss. The cost for Ozempic typically runs between $0 and $1029 per month.

What is better weight loss with Ozempic or Wegovy?

Ozempic for weight loss: which is better? In a clinical trial that compared weekly use of semaglutide 1 mg and 2.4 mg, semaglutide 2.4 mg (the maximum dose of Wegovy) caused more weight loss than semaglutide 1 mg (the typical maintenance dose of Ozempic).

How overweight do you need to be to get Ozempic?

Candidates for Ozempic treatment for weight loss include individuals who have a BMI of 30 or higher and those with a BMI of 27 or higher as well as at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is not the right weight loss approach for everyone.

What to do if insurance denies Ozempic?

How to appeal an Ozempic insurance denial
  1. Step 1: Understand why your insurance denied Ozempic.
  2. Step 2: Gather Ozempic prior authorization evidence for your appeal.
  3. Step 3: Write your Ozempic appeal letter.
  4. Step 4: Submit your appeal.

How much does Ozempic cost at Walmart?

Ozempic at Walmart typically costs between $900 and $1,000 for a one-month supply, but this can vary. Several key factors influence the price range: Dosage: Different doses, like 0.25 mg or 1 mg, have different costs.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover Ozempic for weight loss?

Blue Cross Blue Shield does cover Ozempic and in 2024 had Ozempic on its “balanced drug list,” however, Ozempic is not a drug that is prescribed for either weight loss or without prior condition on behalf of BCBS.

How long does it take insurance to approve Ozempic?

So, if your healthcare provider wants to prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss, you will need them to request prior authorization on your behalf. Once they submit the form, it can take up to 10 business days for your insurance company to review it and issue a response.

What are the requirements to get Ozempic?

There aren't specific Ozempic qualifications when it's prescribed for weight loss, but many prescribers will use the same BMI guidelines that Wegovy has. The general guidelines are that you either need to have a BMI of 30 or more or a BMI of 27 or more with a comorbidity (another weight-related medical condition).

How much is Ozempic without insurance?

Ozempic costs $950 to $1,029 without insurance, depending on the pharmacy you use. The price is usually the same for all of the different strength pens.

How did Kelly Clarkson lose so much weight?

Some of the ways she's lost weight include walking, eating more protein, and medication to help with how her body processes food. Clarkson started some of these changes to her diet and exercise routines when she moved to New York City, where she hosts "The Kelly Clarkson Show."

Can you really get Wegovy for $25?

Yes, you can really get Wegovy for $25 if you meet certain criteria. Offered by Novo Nordisk, the Wegovy Savings Card awards qualified individuals the opportunity to get the medication for $25 per month (i.e. 28-day supply).

How do I get a prior authorization for Ozempic?

How to get prior authorization for Ozempic in 4 steps
  1. Step 1: Have your weight loss needs evaluated and get a prescription. ...
  2. Step 2: Submit a prior authorization request for Ozempic. ...
  3. Step 3: Follow up on the decision. ...
  4. Step 4: Start on Ozempic if you're approved.

How to get Mounjaro for $25?

Apply for a Mounjaro Savings Card

If you're eligible for the Mounjaro Savings Card, you could pay as little as $25 for a 1-month or 3-month prescription. You must have commercial insurance and a prescription consistent with FDA-approved product labeling, but your plan doesn't necessarily have to cover the medication.

What is the downside of Ozempic?

Serious Side Effects

Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, and require immediate medical attention. Gallbladder Disease: Ozempic may increase the risk of gallbladder disease, including gallstones. Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice.

How do I pay for Ozempic if insurance doesn't cover it?

Your insurance plan may cover Ozempic if you meet certain requirements. But if your insurance doesn't cover the medication or you don't have insurance, there are other ways to lower your out-of-pocket costs, including using an Ozempic copay savings card or GoodRx coupon.

How much is Wegovy without insurance?

The cost of Wegovy depends on your insurance coverage and pharmacy. A package of Wegovy contains four pens, each pre-filled with a single dose of Wegovy. Without insurance, the cost of Wegovy is $1,349.02 per month or 28-day package, which breaks down to $337.25 per week or $16,188.24 per year.