How do I get my Ozempic covered?

Asked by: Katrina Ziemann  |  Last update: March 9, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (46 votes)

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.

Can I get a prescription for Ozempic if I am not diabetic?

Ozempic is approved for diabetes management, but some doctors prescribe it to be used off-label (which is when a medication is used to treat a condition other than its FDA-approved criteria) for weight loss, too. “Typically, I prescribe Ozempic for diabetes and have more often prescribed Wegovy for weight loss,” Dr.

Does insurance cover weight loss injections?

While some providers may prescribe them off-label for other conditions like obesity, they usually aren't covered by insurance unless a person has a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

What is the generic for Ozempic?

What is Ozempic? Ozempic, known generically as semaglutide, was approved in 2017 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults with type 2 diabetes.

What to do if i can't get Ozempic?

What to do if you can't get Ozempic. If your pharmacist cannot fill your script, talk to your doctor. If you are taking different diabetes medicine or another type of medicine that has been prescribed for you during the Ozempic shortage, you should continue taking that medicine.

Ozempic and Other Weight-Loss Drugs: How to Get Health Insurance to Pay | WSJ Your Money Briefing

24 related questions found

How do I get Ozempic if my insurance doesn't cover it?

If you don't have insurance, you may be eligible for free Ozempic if you earn less than $60,240 as an individual. This is available if you qualify for the Ozempic Patient Assistance through the manufacturer, NovoCare.

How to get Ozempic for $25?

If you have commercial or private insurance, you may PAY AS LITTLE AS $25 for a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month supply of Ozempic® for up to 48 months. To receive offer, prescription must be for a 1-, 2-, or 3-month supply.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Ozempic?

Cost: While Trulicity is also produced by Eli Lilly, this Ozempic alternative costs slightly less than Mounjaro, coming in at $977.42 per month without insurance. Still, you might be able to pay as little as $25 for 12 Trulicity pens with the Trulicity Savings Card—that is, of course, if you're eligible.

How much weight can you lose on Ozempic in 3 months?

After taking Ozempic® for three months

In a study of 175 people with a mean BMI of 41.3, the average weight loss in people who didn't have type 2 diabetes was 6.3% body weight after taking semaglutide for 12 weeks.

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.

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 get insurance to pay for semaglutide?

Prior authorization (PA) is required by some prescription insurance plans to cover this class of prescription products. The patient's health care provider will need to submit a form to the patient's insurance company to seek approval for the medication.

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 to get Ozempic for free?

Can you get Ozempic for free? Yes, in some instances, you can get Ozempic for free. Novo Nordisk also offers a patient assistance program that provides Ozempic at no cost. To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident with a total household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty line.

Did Kelly Clarkson use Ozempic?

However, Kelly Clarkson has denied using Ozempic or any other weight loss medication or product.

How long can you stay on Ozempic for weight loss?

Ozempic® is licensed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, but is often prescribed off-label to help with weight loss. You can use Ozempic® for a maximum of two years for this purpose, but sometimes people stop using it sooner.

How long does it take to lose 20 lbs on Ozempic?

Shedding pounds with Ozempic is a gradual process. While some users report feeling the appetite-suppressing effects as early as the first day, noticeable weight loss typically takes a few weeks to kick in. On average, clinical trials have shown that significant weight loss can occur over 30 to 68 weeks of treatment.

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 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 insurance cover 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.

Is there a pill that works like Ozempic?

Rybelsus (semaglutide): Rybelsus is an oral medication that helps patients with type 2 diabetes manage their blood glucose levels. It has the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as Ozempic and Wegovy, but is prescribed as a tablet to take by mouth instead of a subcutaneous injection.

Can you get Ozempic covered?

If a patient is an ODB-eligible recipient and the prescriber determines that the patient meets all of the Limited Use criteria for Ozempic, then Ozempic will be covered for that patient under the ODB program. As such, as of January 31, 2024, all ODB recipients using Ozempic therapy must meet the LU criteria.

How much does Ozempic cost at Costco?

The $179 subscription fee does not include the cost of medications. Members will need to check their insurance to see what's covered. Without insurance, weight-loss medications like Wegovy, Ozempic and Saxenda can cost between $950 to $1,600 per month, Sesame said.

What works like Ozempic but is cheaper?

If you're having trouble accessing Ozempic, your healthcare team may recommend an alternative that works in a similar way. For Type 2 diabetes, this may include Rybelsus, Trulicity, or Mounjaro. If you're taking Ozempic off-label for weight loss, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda are three FDA-approved options.