What BMI for insurance to pay for Ozempic?
Asked by: Prof. Dahlia Ondricka III | Last update: July 17, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (61 votes)
How do you qualify for insurance to cover Ozempic?
Insurance may cover Ozempic costs depending on why a doctor prescribes this medication to an individual. Insurance policies do not always cover Ozempic for high cholesterol. If a doctor prescribes this medication for diabetes or obesity or to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, insurance may cover it.
How much does your BMI 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.
What diagnosis will cover Ozempic?
Most insurance companies will only cover Ozempic for its FDA-approved indication of treating type 2 diabetes. Some plans require additional criteria to be met, such as having tried other medications for diabetes first or having a certain severity of disease.
What do you need to qualify for Ozempic?
- You have Type 2 diabetes.
- Your A1C level is uncontrolled with other interventions.
- You have cardiovascular disease or are at a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
- You have kidney disease or heart failure.
Ozempic and Other Weight-Loss Drugs: How to Get Health Insurance to Pay | WSJ Your Money Briefing
What BMI will insurance 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)
Why won't my 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.
What weight related conditions are covered by Ozempic?
Ozempic can help people lose weight, which can reduce the risk for many other serious health conditions, such as heart problems. Semaglutide treatments can also be used as an alternative to bariatric surgery for some patients who are obese.
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 is the minimum BMI for semaglutide?
Here are the details on how to qualify for semaglutide: You probably need a specific BMI for semaglutide. Semaglutide BMI requirements are usually 30 or more or 27 or more with at least one weight-related health condition like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.
What to say to your doctor to get Ozempic?
Tell your provider why you're interested in Ozempic — a good doctor won't judge you or your desire to use a weight loss medication. They'll likely ask about your medical history, go over your eligibility, and consider anything that might make you a bad candidate for Ozempic.
How much is Ozempic with insurance?
Like all medications, the cost of Ozempic with insurance depends on your actual plan, your yearly deductible, and copay amounts. That said, it's possible to pay as little as $25 per month or even nothing at all, depending on your plan's copay rules and coverage.
How to convince insurance to cover Ozempic?
Prior authorization: If your doctor prefers that you receive Ozempic, they may need to complete a Prior Authorization form to be reviewed and approved by your insurance company. This form will help explain the medical reason why you need Ozempic over other options.
How do I get prior approval for Ozempic?
If your insurance company requires prior authorization for Ozempic, your healthcare provider will submit a request. This involves sharing your detailed medical history, including current conditions and medications you've already tried.
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.
What is the BMI cutoff for Ozempic?
To be eligible for Ozempic treatment for weight loss, patients must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related medical condition such as high blood pressure or sleep apnea.
What are the criteria for Ozempic to be covered by insurance?
Ozempic is more likely to be covered by insurance if it's prescribed for diabetes, not weight loss. The FDA has only approved Ozempic for those who have diabetes. For example, Medicare is not allowed to cover weight loss drugs, but it will cover Ozempic if it's prescribed for diabetes.
Can I get Ozempic if my BMI is 25?
Using Ozempic for weight loss
In 2021, the FDA approved Semaglutide for chronic weight management in adults with a weight condition and a BMI of 25 or more. While Ozempic can work as a weight loss drug, it is not a miracle pill. Quick fix weight loss tricks are unsustainable and can have long term effects on the body.
How do you qualify for Ozempic?
Those who have a body mass index (or BMI) of 30 or greater are eligible along with those who have a BMI of 27 or greater who also have other health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol that make weight loss important.
How much does Ozempic cost at Walmart?
Ozempic at Walmart typically costs between $900 and $1,000 for a one-month supply, but this can vary. Several key factors influence the price range: Dosage: Different doses, like 0.25 mg or 1 mg, have different costs.
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 BMI qualifies you 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.
What can I do if my insurance won't cover Ozempic?
- File an Appeal. If your claim was denied, you can appeal the decision. ...
- Request a Prior Authorization. ...
- Explore Drug Discounts and Coupons. ...
- Consider Compounded Semaglutide. ...
- Switch to a Covered Alternative.
What BMI is covered by insurance?
The Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to cover obesity screening and counseling at no cost to you. If your initial screening shows a BMI that is over 30, you may qualify for additional services as well. Remember that coverage can vary significantly depending on where you live.