Is Wegovy covered by Medicare Part B?

Asked by: Kurt Keeling Jr.  |  Last update: December 17, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (11 votes)

Medicare doesn't cover Ozempic (or Wegovy) for weight loss
That means unless you have another source of coverage, you'd need to pay out of pocket for a semaglutide prescription for weight loss, whether it's branded Ozempic or Wegovy.

What is the monthly cost of Wegovy?

Common questions about Wegovy pricing

GoodRx offers free coupons for Wegovy which can lower the price to as little as $1,308.25 per month; a savings of 23% off the retail price.

Will Medicare ever pay for Wegovy?

Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover medicines for obesity, though they are beginning to offer free counseling sessions for it. Some select Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans for retirees, however, do cover medicines for obesity. If you have one of these plans, please check with its administrator.

What drugs does Medicare Part B pay for?

List of medications covered by Medicare Part B
  • Medication used with medical equipment like infusion pumps or nebulizers.
  • Antigens.
  • Injectable osteoporosis medications.
  • Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents if you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or anemia related to other conditions.
  • ESRD medications that are take by mouth.

Is Ozempic covered by Medicare Part B?

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. Ozempic is No. 10 for the highest total Medicare Part D spending in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

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

36 related questions found

What is not covered by Medicare Part B?

Generally, most vision, dental and hearing services are not covered by Medicare Parts A and B. Other services not covered by Medicare Parts A and B include: Routine foot care. Cosmetic surgery.

Will my doctor prescribe Wegovy for weight loss?

“For prescribing Wegovy for weight loss, a person must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. It's also approved for use in people with a BMI of 27 or greater, who have an accompanying overweight- or obesity-related condition, such as high blood pressure or sleep apnea,” Dr. Dominguez says.

Is there a cheaper version of Wegovy?

While no cheaper version of Wegovy is available, alternative medications and cost-saving measures can help reduce the out-of-pocket cost for patients. However, patients should also consider other lifestyle modifications to achieve their weight loss goals.

Is Wegovy a Tier 2 drug?

Weight Loss GLP-1 Coverage Tier Update (effective March 1, 2023) Effective March 1, 2023, GLP-1 weight loss medications (i.e., Wegovy and Saxenda), will be considered non-preferred brand (tier 3) medications, and require a higher member copay.

What weight loss drugs does Medicare cover?

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.

What over the counter drug is similar to Wegovy?

Both PhenQ and Zotrim are available otc without a prescription. They are considered to be the most effective over the counter Wegovy alternatives for losing weight by industry critics.

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.

How much weight can you lose in a month with Wegovy?

In clinical trials, Wegovy was shown to reduce body weight in people with body mass indexes, or BMIs, of 27 or greater by around 15% over 68 weeks. People on average lost about an eighth of that weight in the first month.

How much weight can you lose in a week with Wegovy?

That's 5.5 lbs per month (1.3 lbs per week). Although impressive, many people lose more than that with diet and exercise. Another Wegovy user claims the injection helped her to lose 60 lbs in 6 months (2.3 lbs per week) but points out her doctor told her the results were not typical.

How long does it take for Wegovy to start working for weight loss?

Weight loss may begin within the first 4 weeks of treatment with Wegovy, but the full effects of treatment may not be seen for several months or longer. In studies, weight loss in adults was assessed over a 68-week period.

Is Wegovy just an appetite suppressant?

Ozempic and Wegovy are the same drug, semaglutide, but come in different doses. They work as appetite suppressants and help control blood sugar levels by prompting the body to release insulin.

Is metformin the same as Wegovy?

Metformin is for the treatment of type 2 diabetes while Wegovy is used for weight loss in patients with obesity. While both medications can come with side effects, it is important to discuss with your doctor which medication is right for you based on your medical history and treatment goals.

Is there a generic prescription for Wegovy?

There are currently no generic versions of semaglutide medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy. Insurance coverage for Ozempic and Wegovy varies, depending on everything from a person's medical diagnosis to where they live and their insurance plan.

Does Wegovy cause hair loss?

Hair loss is not listed as a side effect of Ozempic, but in clinical trials for Wegovy, 3% of people reported hair loss, compared to 1% of people who got a placebo. (While Ozempic and Wegovy are the same drug, Wegovy is given at a higher dose.)

Do you gain weight back after using Wegovy?

Most people do regain weight after stopping Wegovy. One study looked at people a year after stopping semaglutide and lifestyle intervention, which consisted of diet counselling every 4 weeks and 150 minutes of physical activity per week. The study showed they regained two-thirds of the weight they'd lost on the drug.

What kind of diet should I be on while taking Wegovy?

In fact, your appetite will be curbed to a certain extent, so eating nutritious factors in critically. For someone taking Wegovy, a good diet plan includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

What does Medicare Part B cover in full?

Part B helps pay for covered medical services and items when they are medically necessary. Part B also covers some preventive services like exams, lab tests, and screening shots to help prevent, find, or manage a medical problem. Cost: If you have Part B, you pay a Part B premium each month.

What are the 4 things Medicare doesn't cover?

does not cover:
  • Routine dental exams, most dental care or dentures.
  • Routine eye exams, eyeglasses or contacts.
  • Hearing aids or related exams or services.
  • Most care while traveling outside the United States.
  • Help with bathing, dressing, eating, etc. ...
  • Comfort items such as a hospital phone, TV or private room.
  • Long-term care.

Who is eligible for Medicare Part B reimbursement?

1. How do I know if I am eligible for Part B reimbursement? You must be a retired member or qualified survivor who is receiving a pension and is eligible for a health subsidy, and enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B. 2.