How do I get semaglutide from Medicare?

Asked by: Prof. Dino Leffler V  |  Last update: March 9, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (48 votes)

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).

What diagnosis will cover semaglutide?

As many as 3.6 million people are most likely to qualify. This assumes plans only allow people with obesity who have already had a heart attack or stroke, or gotten diagnosed with coronary artery disease or angina, to get coverage for semaglutide injections, the study suggests.

How do people on Medicare pay for Ozempic?

Medicare typically covers Ozempic for treatment of type 2 diabetes, but not as a way to lose weight. So, before you set your heart on incorporating Ozempic into your medical routine, check with your Medicare and Part D provider to ensure coverage. Otherwise, you could pay $1,000 monthly or more out of pocket.

Is there a weight loss drug covered by Medicare?

Unfortunately, by law, weight loss drugs are not covered by Medicare. Sometimes manufacturers have discount coupons or patient assistance programs, so that's worth looking into.

How to get semaglutide on 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).

Weight loss drugs like Wegovy access limited by insurance and Medicare coverage

37 related questions found

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 you get approved for semaglutide?

Generally, individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, may qualify for Semaglutide treatment.

How much does Wegovy cost with Medicare?

Cost of Wegovy with Medicare

The out-of-pocket cost will depend on a person's pharmacy. Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans may cover Wegovy as a specialty tier medication. This means a person may have to pay between 25% and 33% coinsurance. This amounts to approximately $325 to $430 per month.

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®.

What tier is Ozempic on Medicare?

Medicare prescription drug plans typically list Ozempic on Tier 3 of their formulary. Generally, the higher the tier, the more you have to pay for the medication. Most plans have 5 tiers.

How much does semaglutide cost per month?

by Drugs.com

Semaglutide (Wegovy) injection for weight loss treatment costs about $1430 per month if you are paying cash. Semaglutide for treatment of type 2 diabetes costs $1029 per month for either the Ozempic pen injection or 30 oral tablets of Rybelsus.

How do I know if my insurance covers semaglutide?

How do I know if Wegovy (semaglutide) is covered by my insurance? In order to know if a Wegovy® prescription is covered by your insurance, contact your insurance company using the phone number on the back of your insurance card, or look up your plan's drug formulary.

Who doesn t qualify for semaglutide?

Avoid semaglutide if you have: History of medullary thyroid cancer. History of gallbladder disease. History of pancreatitis.

Does Medicare cover semaglutide?

In March 2024, Medicare announced that Part D plans could cover semaglutide (Wegovy; Novo Nordisk) for patients with elevated body mass index ([BMI]; BMI ≥ 27 kg/m²) and established cardiovascular disease (CVD), regardless of their diabetes status.

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.

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.

What is the cheapest way to get semaglutide?

How to Reduce the Cost of Semaglutide
  • Look for coupons and discount cards.
  • Get 90-day prescriptions (they can be cheaper than buying a 30-day supply)
  • Consider compounded semaglutide.
  • Apply for manufacturer savings programs.

What makes you qualify for semaglutide?

To qualify for semaglutide for weight loss, you need to have a BMI of 30 or higher. Or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition, like high blood pressure or heart disease. But a healthcare provider can determine whether semaglutide is right for you.

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.

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.

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.

How much does CVS charge for Wegovy?

Pay $ 1,352 chevron_right at CVS Pharmacy with a GoodRx discount. That's 15% off the retail price of $1590. Limited time offer: Save $0.01 more and pay just $ 1,362 chevron_right at Safeway with this GoodRx discount.