Is there a Medicare supplement that covers Ozempic?

Asked by: Mr. Sofia Rice II  |  Last update: January 15, 2024
Score: 5/5 (29 votes)

Medicare doesn't cover Ozempic (or Wegovy) for weight loss
Over 40% of U.S. adults age 60 and older are considered obese, according to 2017-2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite the prevalence of obesity among older adults, Medicare won't cover weight loss drugs, including Wegovy.

Will Medicare pay for Ozempic in 2023?

Do Medicare prescription drug plans cover Ozempic? No. In general, Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) do not cover this drug. Be sure to contact your specific plan to verify coverage information.

What will insurance approve Ozempic for?

However, it may be covered as a treatment for type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, for pre-diabetes. On a case-by-case basis, a provider may appeal an insurance company's decision and make the case that Ozempic is medically necessary and should be covered.

Does any insurance cover Ozempic for weight loss?

Many employer health plans and private health insurers, however, won't pay for drugs like Ozempic when used for weight loss. Without private or commercial insurance, they are expensive—Ozempic's list price equates to more than $11,000 a year.

How to get Ozempic for weight loss on Medicare?

Medicare doesn't cover Ozempic (or Wegovy) for weight loss

Over 40% of U.S. adults age 60 and older are considered obese, according to 2017-2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite the prevalence of obesity among older adults, Medicare won't cover weight loss drugs, including Wegovy.

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

17 related questions found

Why doesn t Medicare pay for Ozempic?

Medicare prescription drug plans might cover Ozempic, but only to treat diabetes. In 2021, Medicare spent over $2.6 billion to cover Ozempic prescriptions. Because it's an outpatient prescription drug, Ozempic falls under Medicare Part D. Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B) won't cover it.

What can you do if you can t afford Ozempic?

How to Get Prescription Assistance. To find out what Ozempic prescription assistance programs might be available to you, apply online or call Simplefill today at 1(877)386-0206. One of our advocates will contact you within 24 hours to conduct a telephone interview.

How do I get Ozempic for $25?

If you have private or commercial insurance, such as insurance you receive through an employer, you may be eligible to pay as little as $25 for a 1-, 2-, or 3-month prescription (maximum savings of $150 per 1-month prescription, $300 per 2-month prescription, or $450 per 3-month prescription).

Why won t insurance cover Ozempic?

That said, when Ozempic is prescribed off-label for weight loss, it is often not covered by insurance. Why? Because the Affordable Care Act doesn't mandate that health insurers cover obesity or overweight medications or surgeries.

Does Medicare pay for weight loss medication?

Medicare coverage of obesity services and treatments currently includes obesity screening, behavioral counseling, and bariatric surgery, but not drugs that are prescribed for weight loss.

Will my doctor prescribe Ozempic for weight loss?

Who Ozempic is prescribed for. Your doctor will determine whether it's safe for you to take Ozempic off-label for weight loss. For example, doctors may prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss in adults with either of the following: Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater.

What shots will Medicare cover in 2023?

What vaccinations will Medicare now fully cover? No-cost coverage continues for the flu, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 vaccines, and hepatitis B for people whose doctors recommend it. In 2023, the Tdap and shingles vaccines join the list of no-cost vaccinations.

Will there be a generic for Ozempic?

As the FDA noted in its warning, there are no generic versions of these drugs. The products being offered by some pharmacies and weight loss clinics might not work – and could even be dangerous. That's a message that consumers really need to hear.

Can you take Ozempic permanently?

It's been hailed as a “miracle” weight loss drug for people living with obesity. But, as with many medications, it only works for as long as it's used. As soon as someone stops their regular course of semaglutide, their weight is likely to come right back.

What supplement can replace Ozempic?

Here are some of them:
  • PhenQ – This all-natural weight loss supplement offers almost the same benefits as Ozempic and other semaglutide drugs. ...
  • Phen24 – This weight loss supplement is a 2-part weight loss system that consists of a day and night formula.

What are doctors prescribing instead of Ozempic?

Popular Ozempic alternatives for blood sugar control include Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and Rybelsus (semaglutide). If you're looking for Ozempic alternatives with the goal of losing weight, Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) might be an option for you.

What is an OTC alternative to Ozempic for weight loss?

There are natural alternatives and over-the-counter (OTC) diet pills that can help you to do this. PhenQ and Zotrim are two of the most notable examples. Zotrim is a herbal appetite suppressant that has outperformed prescription drugs in clinical trials. PhenQ is a powerful natural appetite suppressant too.

How are people affording Ozempic?

Novo Nordisk offers a patient assistance program designed to help those struggling with paying for certain medications – including Ozempic. This program provides financial support to eligible people as long as you meet certain criteria. The application process is easy, and free of charge.

How long can you stay on Ozempic?

A person can stay on Ozempic® so long as they are tolerating the medication and it is deemed appropriate by their treating provider. There is no specific time frame when someone should stop taking Ozempic as it is a medication that is intended for chronic (long-term) use.

What foods should be avoided in Ozempic diet?

Here are five things to limit in your diet to lower your risk of side effects.
  • Foods that are high in fat. Foods that are high in fat can worsen Ozempic side effects. ...
  • Sugary foods and drinks. ...
  • Ultra-processed carbohydrates. ...
  • Starchy vegetables. ...
  • Alcohol.

Can I use Ozempic coupon with Medicare?

Due to the Anti-Kickback Statute, it is illegal to use an Ozempic coupon in addition to Medicare Part D coverage to pay for prescription drugs. Therefore, if you are using Medicare benefits, you cannot utilize a coupon, and if you are using coupons, you are not allowed to use your Medicare coverage.

Will Medicare approve semaglutide?

Medicare Part B covers Ozempic (semaglutide) when administered in a medical facility. As Part B covers medical services and supplies, medications given during office visits or hospital stays are usually eligible.

Is Ozempic approved for weight loss without diabetes?

Ozempic isn't approved for weight loss. But because of how it works, some people taking Ozempic lose weight as a side effect. If you don't have diabetes, taking Ozempic for weight loss is considered an off-label use.