Will insurance cover Ozempic for diabetes?

Asked by: Johnnie Gaylord  |  Last update: October 29, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (44 votes)

Most insurance plans cover Ozempic (semaglutide) when it's used as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes. When it's used in people without diabetes for weight-loss purposes, however, it's much less likely to be covered.

How do I get my insurance to approve 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.

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.

Is Ozempic covered by insurance for diabetics?

Ozempic is covered by most insurance companies when you're using it to help with diabetes. It's harder to get insurance to cover Ozempic for weight loss.

Why would Ozempic be denied by insurance?

If your health insurance provider has denied coverage for Ozempic for pre-diabetes or weight management, it means they consider its use for these conditions to be outside their approved coverage criteria.

Insurance companies changing coverage for weight loss drugs

44 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 is needed to qualify for Ozempic?

A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher if the individual has weight-related health problems, is generally required for Ozempic qualification.

How much do diabetics pay for Ozempic?

How much is Ozempic without insurance? According to the drug's manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, Ozempic's retail price is $968.52 per one-month supply. This is what you would pay out of pocket, without insurance or any other savings programs applied. There are several reasons for the high cost.

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.

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 won t my insurance company pay for 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 do I need to tell my 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.

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)

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.

How much weight can you lose on Ozempic?

Ozempic and similar drugs now yield an average weight loss of 15 to 20 percent, significantly higher than previous options. About one-third experience around 10 percent loss of body weight.

Can my family doctor prescribe Ozempic?

Any licensed healthcare provider can prescribe compounded semaglutide if you meet the criteria and they feel you'll benefit from the medication. Once you have a prescription, you can fill it anywhere compounded medications are available.

What insurance will pay for Ozempic?

Ozempic is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices could help offset the cost.

How do you qualify for Ozempic for diabetes?

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.

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.

What A1C level is needed for Ozempic?

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that a reasonable goal for most adults with type 2 diabetes is an A1C less than 7%. Your health care professional will tell you what goal is right for you. A majority of adults taking Ozempic® reached an A1C under 7% and maintained it.

Who is not a good candidate for Ozempic?

Those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), pancreatitis, or gallbladder disease are not suitable candidates for Ozempic. In addition, this treatment is not intended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

How overweight do I have to be to get Ozempic?

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. Ozempic is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss but is mostly used to treat people with diabetes, she says.