Does Medicare pay for weight loss shots?
Asked by: Ms. Jennifer Nikolaus | Last update: December 9, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (13 votes)
What weight loss medication will Medicare pay for?
Dr. Shauna Levy, assistant professor of surgery at Tulane University Medical Center and specialist in obesity medicine, says that “Medicare doesn't cover medications for the purposes of weight gain or weight loss because it's considered a cosmetic condition.” But changes may be on the horizon.
What insurance covers weight loss injections?
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.
Can I get Ozempic on Medicare?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices could help offset the cost.
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®.
Medicare says it can cover Wegovy — but only for certain patients
What diagnosis will 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.
What qualifies you for the weight loss shot?
The FDA recommends Wegovy for weight loss if you meet one of the following criteria: Have a body mass index (BMI) of 27kg/m2 or greater and at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol. Have a BMI of 30kg/m2 or greater.
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 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.
Is Medicare going to pay for Wegovy in 2024?
Do Medicare prescription drug plans cover Wegovy? No. In general, Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) do not cover this drug.
How much does a one month supply of Wegovy cost?
The cost of Wegovy without insurance is $1,349.02 per month (28-day) supply, but insurance, coupons, and manufacturer savings cards can reduce the price. With insurance, Wegovy can cost as little as $0, but the exact price depends on factors such as level of coverage.
How do I get semaglutide from Medicare?
The only time that Medicare will offer to pay for semaglutide is if it's prescribed for type 2 diabetes treatment. The medication is part of the select anti-diabetes drugs that are covered under Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage).
Does Medicare pay for belly fat removal?
In summary, Medicare does not cover most cosmetic fat removal procedures like CoolSculpting and liposuction, as these are not considered medically necessary. However, Medicare does cover certain weight loss treatments, such as bariatric surgery, if you meet specific medical criteria.
Is Wegovy covered by Medicare?
Summary. Wegovy is a type of GLP-1 agonist, doctors primarily prescribe it as a weight loss medication. However, Medicare only covers Wegovy for the prevention of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in adults with cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight.
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 are people getting Wegovy for free?
- Novo Nordisk's Wegovy Savings Card program. ...
- Prescription discount cards. ...
- Insurance coverage options for Wegovy. ...
- 90-day or mail-order refills. ...
- HSAs and FSAs. ...
- Government insurance programs for accessing Wegovy for free.
How much weight can you lose in 3 months with Wegovy?
Wegovy patients tend to lose around 4% body weight after two months, 6% after three months, and 8% after four months. After 17 months you can expect to lose around 15% of your starting body weight.
What is the number one weight loss shot?
What is the best weight loss injection? The new weight loss drug Zepbound (tirzepatide) has shown the best results in clinical trials. It has an additional mechanism of action on GIP receptors in addition to GLP-1 receptors and may, therefore, have greater weight loss benefits.
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 ask my doctor for weight loss shots?
Begin by expressing your concerns about your weight and its impact on your overall health. Be honest about your diet and exercise efforts, and why you believe medication might be necessary. It is also helpful to come prepared with a record of your weight loss journey, including any methods you have tried in the past.
Can I get a discount on Ozempic if I am on Medicare?
Fortunately, the Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drugs help cover the cost of Ozempic. Various programs are also available to help alleviate your out-of-pocket costs if you're uninsured or have limited income.
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.
What do I need to tell my doctor to get Ozempic?
Tell your provider why you're interested in Ozempic — a good doctor won't judge you or your desire to use a weight loss medication. They'll likely ask about your medical history, go over your eligibility, and consider anything that might make you a bad candidate for Ozempic.