Is Ozempic covered by the drug payment scheme?

Asked by: Kurtis Hegmann  |  Last update: July 17, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (65 votes)

The Minister for Health has indicated that the medicine Ozempic could be covered by the Drugs Payment Scheme. The active ingredient - Semaglutide - is sold under the brand name, Ozempic, as an anti-diabetic medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, it is also used for weight loss purposes.

What insurance will pay for Ozempic?

Most major insurance plans, including commercial plans, Medicare, and many Medicaid plans will cover Ozempic for eligible patients with type 2 diabetes who meet the specific criteria outlined by the plan. Very few insurance plans cover Ozempic for people without type 2 diabetes at this time.

How can I get help paying for Ozempic?

Ozempic® offers a variety of support programs to help you manage your type 2 diabetes. Novo Nordisk provides patient assistance for those who qualify. Call 1-866-310-7549 or visit our Let Us Help page to learn more about Novo Nordisk assistance programs.

Is Ozempic covered under drug plans?

Private insurance coverage and financial assistance for Ozempic. If you have private insurance, it's likely that your policy covers diabetes medications such as Ozempic. That being said, your insurer likely requires paperwork confirming your diabetes status.

Why is my insurance not paying for Ozempic?

The issue is -- your employer is self-funded. They chose to exclude these drugs under the Plan due to cost. Lots of employers are excluding coverage for these drugs because they are so expensive. Some Clients have had their RX spend double. You'd have to go back to a more traditional medication.

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

18 related questions found

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 does your BMI need to be for insurance to cover Ozempic?

Eligibility for Ozempic often involves meeting a certain Body Mass Index (BMI) threshold. Typically, insurers require: A BMI of 30 or above (obesity), or. A BMI of 27 or above (overweight)

Is Ozempic covered by drug payment scheme?

This includes Victoza® (liraglutide), Ozempic® (semaglutide) and Trulicity® (Dulaglutide). Therefore, these products are not reimbursed under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) and are confined to those persons with full GMS and LTI (Diabetes Mellitus) eligibility.

How much does a one-month supply of Ozempic cost?

Ozempic costs about $936 for a one-month supply, but there are ways to reduce those costs. Some insurance providers will cover some or all of the cost of the medication, depending on the level of coverage you have and the condition for which the medication is being prescribed.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover Ozempic?

BCBS typically requires prior authorization for Ozempic. You can check if your specific plan does by reviewing your plan's drug formulary. If you see a “PA” next to Ozempic, that means prior authorization is required. It's worth noting that submitting the paperwork doesn't always result in approval.

What do I need to say to qualify for Ozempic?

Ozempic for medical weight loss is typically recommended for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or higher who have weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

How much is Ozempic at Walmart?

Walmart typically carries all available dosages of Ozempic, and prices can vary based on your location and whether you have insurance or use a discount card. If you're uninsured, the cost might range from $900 to $1,000 for a one-month supply.

Is there a way to get Ozempic for free?

If you're eligible for the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP), you could get Ozempic for free. It provides medication at no cost to patients who qualify, which requires you: Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Have a total household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level.

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 cover GLP 1?

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.

Why won't insurance pay for 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 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 is the downside of Ozempic?

Serious Side Effects

Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, and require immediate medical attention. Gallbladder Disease: Ozempic may increase the risk of gallbladder disease, including gallstones. Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice.

How do I get my Ozempic covered?

If you're struggling to get Ozempic covered or if your copayments are still too high, consider looking into assistance programs offered by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic. These programs can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs, especially if you meet certain income criteria.

How can people afford Ozempic?

How to Save Money On Your Ozempic Prescription
  1. Patient Assistance Programs. ...
  2. Prescription Drug Vouchers. ...
  3. Use Your Health Insurance or Shop for a New Policy. ...
  4. Don't Use Your Insurance. ...
  5. Request an Insurance Formulary. ...
  6. Buy Medications from the Insurance Company Directly. ...
  7. Ask Your Doctor About an Alternative Medication.

What if I can't afford my prescription?

Many pharmaceutical companies, state programs and nonprofits have drug assistance programs (PAPs) that offer free or low-cost medicines if you don't have insurance or are underinsured and can't afford your medicine. Programs and program benefits vary.

What is the cheapest weight loss injection without insurance?

The cheapest weight loss injection without insurance is typically compounded semaglutide, which starts at $249 through Ro. In the table below, we've shared the average prices for a one-month supply of popular medications used for weight loss.

How obese do you have to be to get Ozempic?

Candidates for Ozempic treatment for weight loss include individuals who have a BMI of 30 or higher and those with a BMI of 27 or higher as well as at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is not the right weight loss approach for everyone.

Will insurance pay for Ozempic if you have high cholesterol?

A health insurance provider might cover the costs of Ozempic when doctors prescribe it for high cholesterol if it helps address an obesity-related medical condition. However, having a high body mass index (BMI) alone may not be enough to qualify.