Does insurance cover off-label use of drugs?

Asked by: Chelsea Muller MD  |  Last update: December 1, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (14 votes)

Generally, to get insurance coverage for off-label prescriptions, you'll need a prior authorization. This means your prescriber will submit a request to your insurance company. The request explains why the off-label medication is medically necessary for you.

Does insurance cover off-label usage?

Some states mandate benefit coverage for off-label use of medications for some diagnoses or under some circumstances when certain conditions are met. Some states also mandate usage of other Compendium references.

Can doctors prescribe for off-label use?

Off-label prescribing is when a physician gives you a drug that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved to treat a condition different than your condition. This practice is legal and common. In fact, one in five prescriptions written today are for off-label use.

Does insurance cover off-label Ozempic?

Most insurance companies cover Ozempic when it's prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, but not for weight-loss. Ozempic use for weight loss is considered “off-label” and is not approved by the FDA. Insurance companies may not pay for “off-label” or unapproved uses of drugs.

How to get insurance to pay for brand name drugs?

Many plans allow you to ask for a formulary exception. Formulary exceptions also exist for drugs that aren't covered in the formulary. Of course, your physician requests the brand medication on your behalf. Your doctor can request a prior authorization based on medical necessity.

The Risks of Off-Label Uses of Medication

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Why does my insurance not cover name brand drugs?

In some cases, certain medications may be excluded from coverage due to their potential misuse or abuse. Formularies often don't cover brand-name or expensive drugs when generic or less expensive medications are available. Each plan's formulary is different, so it's important to check with your insurance provider.

How to get GLP-1 covered by insurance?

Request Prior Authorization: Your provider will need to submit a prior authorization request to your insurance company. This request should include supporting documentation, such as your medical history, lab results, and a clear explanation of why the GLP-1 medication is necessary for your treatment.

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®.

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 to convince insurance to cover Ozempic?

Most insurance companies will only cover Ozempic for its FDA-approved indication of treating type 2 diabetes. Some plans require additional criteria to be met, such as having tried other medications for diabetes first or having a certain severity of disease.

How common is off-label drug use?

Off-label use of drugs is common, constituting up to one-third of all prescriptions for common drugs in the United States overall, and up to 97% of drug use in some patient populations.

Is Ozempic approved for weight loss?

Ozempic, which has become synonymous with weight loss medication, is FDA-approved only for treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). It's important for us to communicate this to our patients as there has been a great deal of misinformation on what is an FDA-approved drug for obesity.

What are the risks of off-label use?

The off-label medication could interact with your other medications or worsen other health conditions. There may not have been rigorous studies to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the medication in patients like you. There could be long-term side effects that should be considered cautiously.

Can doctors prescribe medications for off-label use?

From the FDA perspective, once the FDA approves a drug, healthcare providers generally may prescribe the drug for an unapproved use when they judge that it is medically appropriate for their patient.

Does insurance cover loss of use?

Loss of use coverage is typically based on your dwelling coverage and calculated at about 20% to 30% of the dwelling coverage limit. Consider whether this is enough to cover any necessary increases in your living expenses if your residence is not habitable while damage is being repaired or replaced.

Does Medicare cover off-label use?

Drugs used for indications other than those in the approved labeling may be covered under Medicare if it is determined that the use is medically accepted, taking into consideration the major drug compendia, authoritative medical literatures and/or accepted standards of medical practice.

Which is cheaper, Ozempic or Wegovy?

Wegovy and Ozempic, both forms of semaglutide, are used for different medical conditions but come at similar costs. Typically, these medications are priced at: Weekly: $50 to $87.50 per week. Monthly: $200 to $350 per month.

How are people getting Wegovy for free?

Once you have a prescription, you can get Wegovy for free or at a discount in one of the following ways.
  1. Novo Nordisk's Wegovy Savings Card program. ...
  2. Prescription discount cards. ...
  3. Insurance coverage options for Wegovy. ...
  4. 90-day or mail-order refills. ...
  5. HSAs and FSAs. ...
  6. Government insurance programs for accessing Wegovy for free.

Which insurance covers Wegovy?

Most major insurance plans cover Wegovy, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Health Care, but coverage may vary with each plan. Benefits offered by employer plans also vary, and coverage is often based on what employers are willing to cover.

How much weight can you lose in a month with Ozempic?

How much weight can you lose in a month on Ozempic? One study found people who received weekly semaglutide injections lost an average of about 15 pounds after three months and about 27 pounds after six months, which translates into about a 5-pound weight loss per month.

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.

What is the strongest weight loss prescription pill?

Some of the strongest weight loss pills available today include: Naltrexone/bupropion (brand name Contrave) Phentermine/topiramate (brand name Qsymia) Orlistat (brand names Xenical, Alli)

What insurance covers weight loss drugs?

Best insurance companies for weight loss drug coverage. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is the best insurance company for weight loss drugs like Wegovy. With some BCBS plans, you'll have coverage for weight loss drugs before meeting your deductible because they're considered preventive medicine.