Will Medicare pay for Ozempic for weight loss?

Asked by: Sterling Hoppe  |  Last update: November 6, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (55 votes)

Key takeaways: Medications used for weight loss, such as Ozempic (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide), can cost over $1,000 a month without insurance. Medicare, by law, does not cover prescription medications taken solely for weight loss.

How do I get Medicare to cover Ozempic?

To potentially obtain Medicare drug coverage for Ozempic, follow these steps.
  1. Research Part D plans. ...
  2. Ensure you qualify for Ozempic. ...
  3. Ensure you qualify for Medicare. ...
  4. Enroll in Original Medicare with Part D coverage or Medicare Advantage through the Medicare Plan Finder.
  5. Ask your provider to prescribe the drug.

What weight loss drugs are covered by Medicare?

Medicare has been barred from paying for weight loss drugs, unless they're used to treat conditions like diabetes or to manage an increased risk of heart disease. States can decide whether to cover obesity drugs under Medicaid, but the majority don't.

What diagnosis will cover Ozempic for weight loss?

Your insurance may only cover Ozempic when prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, its FDA-approved use. If this is the case, discuss other approved options with your healthcare provider - including approved GLP-1 weight-loss alternatives, such as Wegovy, Zepbound or Saxenda.

Is Medicare going to cover Ozempic in 2025?

Key Takeaways. The Biden administration proposed a new policy Tuesday that would allow Medicare and Medicaid to cover medications prescribed to treat obesity, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, in 2026. Under current rules, Medicare Part D doesn't cover medications used specifically for weight loss.

Does Your Health Plan Cover Ozempic?

24 related questions found

What tier is Ozempic on Medicare?

Medicare prescription drug plans typically list Ozempic on Tier 3 of their formulary. Generally, the higher the tier, the more you have to pay for the medication. Most plans have 5 tiers.

Is Ozempic hard to get covered by insurance?

One of the biggest hurdles with Ozempic is getting it covered by your insurance. Depending on your insurance plan, you might run into issues like formulary exclusions (where your plan doesn't cover Ozempic at all) or high copayments that make it difficult to afford.

Why won t my doctor prescribe Ozempic for weight loss?

This is because Ozempic is not approved as a weight loss drug by the FDA. The drug is currently FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes and reduce specific cardiovascular risks in people with type 2 diabetes.

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®.

Why does Medicare not pay for Ozempic?

The agency has also approved Ozempic to manage the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with both T2D and obesity. However, if a person does not have diabetes, Medicare will not pay for Ozempic. Medicare will only approve weight loss drugs for those with obesity that occurs alongside cardiovascular disease (CVD).

What is the strongest weight loss prescription pill?

Some of the strongest weight loss pills available today include: Naltrexone/bupropion (brand name Contrave) Phentermine/topiramate (brand name Qsymia) Orlistat (brand names Xenical, Alli)

How to get insurance to cover Ozempic for weight loss?

When Ozempic is covered by insurance, it's typically for Type 2 diabetes management, not weight loss. In some medically justified cases, insurance may cover Ozempic for weight loss. This may require prior authorization or proof of previous failed treatments.

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).

What weight loss drug will Medicare pay for?

While Medicare is forbidden to cover weight loss drugs, it can cover certain medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, when they're prescribed to treat conditions other than weight loss.

Can I get a prescription for Ozempic if I am not diabetic?

Ozempic is approved for diabetes management, but some doctors prescribe it to be used off-label (which is when a medication is used to treat a condition other than its FDA-approved criteria) for weight loss, too. “Typically, I prescribe Ozempic for diabetes and have more often prescribed Wegovy for weight loss,” Dr.

What to do if you can t afford Ozempic?

How to get Ozempic cheaper (or even for free)
  1. Explore health insurance options. ...
  2. Get Ozempic for $25 a month with a copay savings card. ...
  3. Look into Medicare Extra Help. ...
  4. Apply for a patient assistance program. ...
  5. Download a free coupon. ...
  6. Ask about alternative medications. ...
  7. Use funds from an HSA or FSA.

How do I get Ozempic if I have Medicare?

Because it's an outpatient prescription drug, Ozempic falls under Medicare Part D. Coverage for Ozempic differs between plans. If you have Original Medicare, you can buy a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan to get prescription drug coverage. If you have Medicare Advantage, most plans include prescription drug coverage.

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.

How did Kelly Clarkson lose weight?

Kelly Clarkson's weight loss was motivated by health concerns, including autoimmune and thyroid conditions. She combined diet changes, such as adopting a lectin-free diet, with regular exercise like walking. Clarkson's journey included using weight loss medication, although she emphasized a holistic approach.

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 weight can you lose on Ozempic in 3 months?

After taking Ozempic® for three months

In a study of 175 people with a mean BMI of 41.3, the average weight loss in people who didn't have type 2 diabetes was 6.3% body weight after taking semaglutide for 12 weeks.

How to get Wegovy for free?

Once you have a prescription, you can get Wegovy for free or at a discount in one of the following ways.
  1. Novo Nordisk's Wegovy Savings Card program. ...
  2. Prescription discount cards. ...
  3. Insurance coverage options for Wegovy. ...
  4. 90-day or mail-order refills. ...
  5. HSAs and FSAs. ...
  6. Government insurance programs for accessing Wegovy for free.

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.