Is Medicare going to cover Wegovy in 2025?

Asked by: Barbara Bartoletti  |  Last update: May 7, 2025
Score: 5/5 (11 votes)

Medicare's 2025 Drug Negotiation List Includes Ozempic and Wegovy. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced 15 new drugs it wants to lower the cost for, including popular, but expensive weight-loss drugs. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works ...

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.

Is Medicare going to cover Ozempic in 2025?

Key Takeaways. The Biden administration proposed a new policy Tuesday that would allow Medicare and Medicaid to cover medications prescribed to treat obesity, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, in 2026. Under current rules, Medicare Part D doesn't cover medications used specifically for weight loss.

What are the changes coming to Medicare in 2025?

Beginning January 1, 2025, people with Part D plans through traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage won't pay more than $2,000 over the calendar year in out-of-pocket costs for their prescription medications.

Will Medicare cover weight loss drugs in the future?

No, this is by law. Historically weight loss medication or programs have been considered cosmetic and/or ineffective. There are categories of medication they won't cover (along with cosmetic surgery, fertility drugs, things like viagra...)

Medicare says it can cover Wegovy — but only for certain patients

30 related questions found

Will Medicare pay for semaglutide?

The only time that Medicare will offer to pay for semaglutide is if it's prescribed for type 2 diabetes treatment.

What 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.

What will happen to Medicare in 2026?

The Contract Year (CY) 2026 MA and Part D proposed rule aims to hold MA and Part D plans more accountable for delivering high-quality coverage so that people with Medicare are connected to the care they need when they need it.

Why are hospitals refusing Medicare Advantage plans?

Among the most commonly cited reasons are excessive prior authorization denial rates and slow payments from insurers. In 2023, Becker's began reporting on hospitals and health systems nationwide that dropped some or all of their Medicare Advantage contracts.

How do you qualify for $144 back from Medicare?

To be eligible for the Medicare Part B Giveback Benefit, you must:
  1. Be enrolled Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
  2. Pay your own Part B premium.
  3. Live in the service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.

How do I get Ozempic if I have Medicare?

To potentially obtain Medicare drug coverage for Ozempic, follow these steps.
  1. Research Part D plans. ...
  2. Ensure you qualify for Ozempic. ...
  3. Ensure you qualify for Medicare. ...
  4. Enroll in Original Medicare with Part D coverage or Medicare Advantage through the Medicare Plan Finder.
  5. Ask your provider to prescribe the drug.

What will replace Ozempic?

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.

What weight loss drug is covered by Medicare?

Medicare has been barred from paying for weight loss drugs, unless they're used to treat conditions like diabetes or to manage an increased risk of heart disease. States can decide whether to cover obesity drugs under Medicaid, but the majority don't.

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).

Why are seniors losing Medicare Advantage plans?

Medicare vs Privatized Medicare Advantage

Beneficiaries are tossed aside because they live in an unprofitable market for their insurer or because they are actually using the insurance they signed up for to access services.

Why are doctors dropping Medicare Advantage?

Health systems have cited delayed reimbursements, cumbersome prior authorization requirements and high rates of patient claim denials for their decisions to drop Medicare Advantage plans.

Which health insurance denies the most claims?

According to the analysis, AvMed and UnitedHealthcare tied for the highest denial rate, with both companies denying about a third of in-network claims for plans sold on the Marketplace in 2023, respectively.

What are the changes for Medicare in 2025?

For the first time, beginning in 2025, the drug law, known as the Inflation Reduction Act, requires all Medicare prescription drug plans (Medicare Part D plans) — including both standalone Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage — to offer enrollees the option to ...

What 10 drugs will be reduced by Medicare?

Medicare is negotiating to get you lower drug prices
  • Eliquis.
  • Jardiance.
  • Xarelto.
  • Januvia.
  • Farxiga.
  • Entresto.
  • Enbrel.
  • Imbruvica.

What year will Medicare end?

A key trust fund underpinning the massive Medicare program has a new insolvency date: 2036, according to a new report from the Medicare trustees.

How to get Wegovy cheaper?

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, offers a savings program to help patients with the cost of Wegovy. With the WeGoTogether program, you can pay as little as $0 for a 28-day supply of Wegovy if you have private or commercial insurance with prescription drug coverage.

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.

What is a generic for Wegovy?

Similarly, Wegovy and Ozempic are the same drug, but with different names and different doses for different conditions. Wegovy is the name of the drug as it's prescribed for weight loss. Ozempic is the name of the drug as it's used for diabetes. The generic name for Wegovy and Ozempic is semaglutide.