Does insurance cover Wegovy? Detailed guide on coverage and costs

Thinking about starting Wegovy but worried about the cost? Find out if your insurance has you covered.

Key highlights

  • Insurance companies may or may not cover Wegovy, depending on your insurance plan and provider's eligibility criteria for coverage.
  • Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), and employee-sponsored insurance plans may cover Wegovy if you meet their eligibility criteria.
  • Private insurance companies such as Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield may cover Wegovy under certain conditions.
  • If you have commercial insurance with less than $849 out-of-pocket expenses, you can apply for the Novo Nordisk Wegovy Saving Card. You will pay $0 for a monthly supply of Wegovy.
  • To find out if your insurance provider covers Wegovy, call the phone number on your insurance card.

Wegovy is an FDA-approved medication for chronic weight management in adults with obesity and overweight with at least one weight-related health condition when used along with increased physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 8 people have obesity, and approximately 1 billion people in the world are living with obesity. Wegovy has become a blockbuster weight loss drug to address this growing health crisis. In 2024, Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy generated $8 billion in global sales, nearly double the sales from the previous year.

The list price of Wegovy is $1,349.02 per package. The average retail price at pharmacies is $1,400 to $1,600 per package. The high cost of medication is a barrier for many patients. The good news is that there are several ways to get insurance coverage for Wegovy, and you could pay as low as $0 for Wegovy if eligible for the Wegovy Savings Card.

This article provides a detailed overview of health insurance coverage for Wegovy, including factors affecting coverage, how to determine your benefits, and strategies for managing costs.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, with semaglutide as an active ingredient. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the body after food intake to give you a feeling of fullness. The active ingredient in Wegovy, semaglutide, has 94% structural similarity to glucagon-like peptide-1. The medication works in the following ways to promote weight reduction:

  • It occupies GLP-1 receptors in the brain and affects the hunger control centre (lateral hypothalamus) to suppress appetite and make you feel satiated earlier and for a longer time.
  • Wegovy delays the rate of stomach emptying by relaxing the muscles. The food moves slowly from the stomach to the intestines and stays longer in the stomach, which reduces food cravings.
  • The medication promotes insulin release from beta cells of the pancreas and inhibits glucagon secretion from the liver. These actions lower blood sugar levels.

Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in patients with obesity (body mass index 30 kg/m² or more) and overweight (BMI 27 kg/m² or more) with at least one weight-related health condition such as heart diseases, high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol levels, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea.

On March 08, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Wegovy for reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in adult patients with cardiovascular diseases and obesity or overweight as an adjunct to dietary modifications and increased physical activity.

A clinical trial study demonstrates that patients showed a mean weight loss of 10-15% or 10 to 15 kg with Wegovy (2.4 mg once weekly) after 68 weeks. In contrast, participants taking the placebo lost 2-3% of body weight. Additionally, approximately 70-80% of semaglutide (Wegovy) users lost more than 5% of body weight.

Factors affecting Wegovy coverage

Many insurance plans cover Wegovy, but coverage depends on your specific insurance plan, provider, and eligibility criteria.

The following factors influence insurance coverage of Wegovy:

Type of health insurance

Cover can vary between different types of health insurance plans (e.g. employer-sponsored, Medicare, Medicaid).

  • Commercial insurance: Commercial insurance coverage varies widely among different plans and providers. A few companies cover Wegovy when indicated for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events but do not cover drugs for weight loss.
  • Medicare: Medicare will not typically cover Wegovy if used for weight loss. However, most Medicare plans will cover Wegovy if used for cardiovascular risk reduction.
  • Medicaid: Medicaid coverage for Wegovy varies by state. You can check your state’s Medicaid formulary if it has listed Wegovy as a preferred medication.

Individual requirements

The eligibility requirements for Wegovy insurance coverage may include:

  • Body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or more, or BMI of 27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related health condition such as heart disease, high cholesterol levels, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and hypertension, or established cardiovascular disease in obese and overweight patients.
  • Documented record of previous weight loss attempts with diet, exercise, and weight loss medications.
  • A valid prescription for an FDA-approved indication from a licensed healthcare professional.

Exclusion criteria

Most insurance companies do not provide coverage if you take Wegovy for obesity only. However, there are proposals to expand coverage for anti-obesity medications, including GLP-1 agonists

Insurance coverage criteria will vary depending on your insurance company’s policies and your specific plan. Contact your insurance provider for coverage details.

Does insurance cover Wegovy for weight loss?

Some insurance companies may cover Wegovy for weight loss, while others may not. It depends on your insurance plan’s coverage details for weight loss medications. It is recommended to verify with your insurance provider by contacting the number on your insurance card or checking the drug formulary (list of covered drugs) in your policy. Generally, most insurance companies do not cover weight loss medication as these are not considered a medical necessity.

Does insurance cover Wegovy for heart disease?

Many insurance companies including Medicare (and Medicare Part D) cover Wegovy for the prevention of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke in patients with existing cardiovascular diseases and either obesity or overweight. However, get detailed information about insurance coverage from your insurance provider to verify whether they offer coverage for Wegovy when used for cardiovascular benefits.

Types of insurance that may cover Wegovy

The following insurance plans may cover Wegovy:

Private or commercial insurance

Major insurance providers like Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and UnitedHealthcare usually cover Wegovy. However, some insurance companies may only cover Wegovy when used for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and may not cover it when you have a prescription for weight loss. Coverage for Wegovy varies among different insurance companies.

If you plan to start your treatment with Wegovy, verify with your insurance provider whether they cover Wegovy and find out the coverage details specific to your insurance plan. Most insurance companies require prior authorization before they cover the medication. To get insurance coverage, you will need to get a letter (see example Wegovy coverage request letter) from your healthcare professional to submit to your insurance company.

You can also visit the NovoCare website, which lists various ways to save on Wegovy, such as the Wegovy saving card program.

Medicare

Medicare plans are not permitted to cover weight loss medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound, according to the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) 2003.

On March 24, 2024, the FDA approved Wegovy for reducing the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in patients with existing cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight. After the FDA approved this new indication for Wegovy, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a memo stating that Medicare Part D plans can now include the medication in their formularies for this new medically accepted indication that is not specifically excluded from Medicare coverage. Since Wegovy is a self-administered injectable medication, it falls under Medicare Part D, which covers outpatient prescription drugs through private drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans. It will not be covered under Medicare Part B (which includes drugs administered by healthcare professionals only).

Medicaid

Medicaid coverage for Wegovy depends on the rules and regulations of your state. Some states list Wegovy as a preferred medication on their formulary. They require prior authorization before Medicaid covers Wegovy. Medicaid may cover the medication in a limited quantity or for a limited period. You can check your state’s Medicaid formulary to confirm whether it covers Wegovy.

The following states have listed Wegovy as a preferred drug:

Veterans Affairs (VA)

Veteran Affairs (VA) covers Wegovy if you meet the following inclusion criteria:

  • Your body mass index (BMI) is 30 kg/m² or more or your BMI is 27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related health probably, such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, steatotic liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction, osteoarthritis, metabolic syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea.
  • You have verified participation in a comprehensive lifestyle intervention (CLI) that focuses on weight management through dietary modifications, increased physical activity, and behavioral changes.

Additionally, you must meet at least one of the following additional inclusion criteria:

  • You have tried and failed with at least one VA National Formulary medication for chronic weight management, prescribed at a therapeutic or maximally tolerated dose, which must be documented as ineffective (e.g., resulting in less than a 5% reduction in body weight), not well tolerated, or medically inadvisable, with a justified rationale.
  • You have type 2 diabetes, managed with semaglutide (Ozempic) and require additional weight loss to achieve at least a 5% reduction in initial body weight.
  • You have a BMI of 40 kg/m² or higher.
  • You have a BMI between 35 and 40 kg/m² with a significant or difficult-to-manage weight-related condition or an inability to achieve the required weight loss for surgery.
  • You have a BMI between 27 and 40 kg/m² with a history of myocardial infarction, stroke, or symptomatic peripheral arterial disease.

Employer-sponsored plans

According to KFF, Employer-sponsored insurance coverage for Wegovy varies depending on the company size and specific health plan policies. Here’s how it typically works:

  • Limited coverage: Only 18% of large employers (firms with 200+ workers) currently cover GLP-1 drugs, like Wegovy, primarily for weight loss.
  • Coverage conditions: Among the firms that do cover these drugs for weight loss:
    • 24% require employees to meet with a professional (e.g., dietitian, psychologist, therapist) before approval.
    • 8% require employees to enroll in a weight loss or lifestyle program before approval.
    • 10% require participation in a lifestyle or weight loss program while using the medication.
    • 26% have other conditions, such as prior authorization or stricter eligibility requirements (e.g., higher BMI thresholds).
    • 53% of firms have some type of condition or requirement before covering these medications.
  • Cost concerns: Employers are mindful of the financial impact of covering GLP-1 drugs:
    • 33% believe it will significantly increase prescription drug spending.
    • Larger companies (5,000+ workers) are more likely to see a major cost impact.
  • Future coverage trends:
    • Among large employers that do not currently cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, 62% say they are not likely to add coverage within the next year.
    • 23% are somewhat likely to start covering them, while only 3% are very likely to do so.

Overall, larger companies are more likely to offer coverage, but even when covered, employees may face strict conditions before gaining access to Wegovy for weight loss.

How to get Wegovy covered by insurance

Here are a few steps to get Wegovy covered by insurance:

Review plan documents

Review the details of your plan’s formulary and read all relevant coverage documents. Find out if weight loss medications such as Wegovy are included in the drug formulary. If yes, find out the eligibility criteria and if a prior authorization is required. To find out the associated out-of-pocket costs (copays) and deductibles, see if your insurance company has listed the medication as a preferred or nonpreferred, and under which drug tier.

Contact your insurance provider

To find out coverage details and other relevant information, contact your insurance company. Ask for relevant details such as:

  • Do I need any authorization to get Wegovy covered by insurance?
  • Have I met all the deductibles for this year?
  • How can I get the best price?
  • Is there any difference between the prices of a 30-day supply and a 90-day supply?
  • If I meet the deductibles, how much will I pay for Wegovy for the rest of the year?
  • Does my plan have any limit on out-of-pocket costs?

Use online tools

You can use online resources such as the NovoCare Wegovy coverage page. Follow the step-by-step process and once done, the tool will show you coverage details specific to your insurance plan You can also check the official websites of your insurance provider to verify their policies for weight loss medications.

Consult with your healthcare provider

Most insurance companies require prior authorization from healthcare professionals. Ask your healthcare provider for a Wegovy coverage letter so you can send it to your insurance provider.

Why is Wegovy not covered by insurance?

Most insurance companies do not cover Wegovy when prescribed for weight loss because obesity is still considered a lifestyle choice and not a disease. Weight loss medications are still not considered a medical necessity. However, since Wegovy was approved for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with existing cardiovascular diseases and either obesity or overweight, most companies provide insurance coverage when used for this new indication.

Understanding Wegovy costs with insurance

If you have insurance coverage for Wegovy, the price of the medication depends on your insurance plan. For example, if you have commercial insurance that covers Wegovy, you will need to pay $0 to $25 for a monthly supply of Wegovy with Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy Saving copay card.

You may need to meet your deductibles before your insurance company covers the medication. Once you meet your out-of-pocket costs, the insurance company should start to cover all or part of the medication costs if it’s covered. To find out your copays, check your insurance plan’s drug formulary to determine which drug tier Wegovy is listed.

Understanding Wegovy costs without insurance

The manufacturer of Wegovy, Novo Nordisk, has an estimated list price of $1,349.02 per package. without insurance The typical retail price of the medication is $1,300-1,400 at various pharmacies.

If you do not have insurance and your out-of-pocket expenses are less than $849, you can get Wegovy for $650 per month by using the Wegovy savings card.

Maximizing your Wegovy coverage

Here are a few practical tips for maximizing the benefits and minimizing the costs of Wegovy:

Meet eligibility criteria

Work with your doctor to document your medical necessity for Wegovy. Review the eligibility criteria of your insurance plan and Wegovy savings card program to check if you are eligible for copay assistance.

Prior authorization

Insurance companies require prior authorization from licensed healthcare professionals. Your doctor may need to write a Wegovy coverage letter, detailing the medical necessity of the medication.

Appealing denials

If your insurance company denies your request for insurance coverage, you have a limited time to request an appeal. File an appeal as soon as possible. You will likely need supporting documentation from your doctor to justify your medical necessity for the medications.

Explore savings programs

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, offers a Wegovy Saving Card program. With the Wegovy Saving Card, you can get Wegovy in as low as $0 if:

  • Your commercial insurance covers Wegovy, and;
  • Your out-of-pocket expenses are $849 per month or less.

If you do not meet this criteria, you can get Wegovy for $650 per month if:

  • Your commercial insurance does not cover Wegovy, or;
  • You do not have any insurance, or;
  • Your commercial insurance covers Wegovy, but your out-of-pocket expenses are more than $849 per month.

Additionally, you can check out pharmacy discount cards provided by companies like GoodRx, Singlecare, BuzzRx, and WellRx, which can reduce medication costs by 9-27%.

Consider Wegovy alternatives

If Wegovy is not covered, you can try the following Wegovy alternatives:

  • Other GLP-1 medications such as tirzepatide (Zepbound or liraglutide (Saxenda).
  • Ozempic (semaglutide) is also used off-label for weight management. Talk to your healthcare provider if it is the right choice for you.
  • Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate)
  • Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion)
  • Orlistat
  • Compounded semaglutide, which is a custom-made medication with the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as Wegovy.

Wegovy coverage by specific insurers

Aetna coverage for Wegovy

Aetna covers Wegovy for chronic weight management with prior authorization. Below are the eligibility criteria and Aetna plans that may cover it based on the provided policy information.

Eligibility criteria for Aetna coverage of Wegovy

For adults (18 years and older)

Coverage is approved when one of the following sets of criteria is met:

1. Ongoing Therapy (Continuation Request)

  • The patient is 18+ years old, and;
  • Has completed at least 3 months of Wegovy at a stable maintenance dose and;
    • Lost at least 5% of baseline body weight or
    • Has maintained the initial 5% weight loss (documentation required)

OR

2. New Therapy Initiation

  • Wegovy will be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, and;
  • The patient participated in a comprehensive weight management program (behavioral modification, diet, activity) with follow-up for at least 6 months, and;
    • BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², or
    • BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia)
For pediatric patients (12–17 years old)

1. Continuation request

  • The patient has titrated to a stable maintenance dose, and;
    • Has shown BMI reduction from baseline, or;
    • Maintained previous BMI reduction (documentation required)

OR

2. New therapy initiation

  • Wegovy will be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, and;
  • The patient participated in a comprehensive weight management program for at least 6 months and;
  • Initial BMI is at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex (obesity)

Limitations

  • Not to be used with other semaglutide products or GLP-1 receptor agonists
  • Not studied for use with other weight-loss products
  • Not studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis

This service is outpatient only.

Note: Coverage always depends on the specific plan benefits. Members should check with Aetna customer service or their benefits summary for confirmation.

United Healthcare coverage for Wegovy

UnitedHealthcare covers Wegovy for cardiovascular risk reduction only. It also requires prior authorization.

Eligibility criteria for initial authorization

You must meet all of the following conditions to be eligible:

  1. Purpose: Treatment is prescribed to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attack, stroke).
  2. Age Requirement: The patient must be 45 years or older.
  3. Medical Documentation (required):
    • BMI ≥ 27 kg/m²
    • Established cardiovascular disease, shown by any one of the following:
      • Prior myocardial infarction (MI)
      • Prior ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
      • Symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD), such as:
        • Intermittent claudication with ABI < 0.85
        • Prior PAD revascularization
        • Amputation due to atherosclerotic disease
  4. Lifestyle Requirement: Wegovy must be used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
  5. Medication Requirement (based on condition):
    • Post-MI patients must be on:
      • Cholesterol-lowering drug (e.g., statin or PCSK9 inhibitor)
      • Beta-blocker (e.g., carvedilol, metoprolol, or bisoprolol)
      • ACE inhibitor, ARB, or ARNI
      • Antiplatelet (e.g., aspirin or clopidogrel)
    • Post-stroke patients must be on:
      • Cholesterol-lowering drug
      • ACE inhibitor, ARB, or ARNI
      • Antiplatelet
    • PAD patients must be on:
      • Cholesterol-lowering drug
      • ACE inhibitor, ARB, or ARNI
      • Antiplatelet
        (Unless contraindicated or not tolerated)
  6. Exclusion criteria:
    • No diagnosis of diabetes or HgA1c > 6.5%
    • No NYHA Class IV heart failure

Duration of Approval: 12 months

Reauthorization criteria

Wegovy reauthorization will be approved if:

  1. BMI remains ≥ 27 kg/m²
  2. Continued use with:
    • Reduced-calorie diet
    • Increased physical activity
  3. No presence of:
    • Diabetes or HgA1c > 6.5%
    • NYHA Class IV heart failure

Reauthorization duration: 12 months

State mandates, specific benefit plans, and federal regulations may affect coverage. Moreover, other utilization management policies may also apply.

Cigna coverage for Wegovy (semaglutide)

Wegovy is covered with prior authorization for weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction in adults and adolescents based on the following medical criteria:

Adult weight loss (≥18 years)

Initial therapy – Approved for 7 months if all of the following are met:
  • The patient is 18 years or older
  • Has completed ≥3 months of behavioral modification and dietary restriction
  • One of the following applies:
    • Baseline BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², OR;
    • Baseline BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² with at least one of the following comorbidities:
      • Hypertension (high blood pressure), type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), cardiovascular disease, PCOS, COPD, osteoarthritis, asthma coronary artery disease, or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease/NAFLD.
  • Will use Wegovy with behavioral modification and a reduced-calorie diet
Continuation therapy – Approved for 1 year if all of the following are met:
  • The patient is 18+ years old
  • Meets one of the BMI-based criteria above
  • Has achieved ≥5% weight loss from baseline
  • Will continue Wegovy with behavioral modification and diet

Pediatric weight loss (12 to <18 years)

Initial therapy – Approved for 7 months if all of the following are met:
  • Age 12 to <18 years
  • Completed ≥3 months of lifestyle changes (diet + behavioral modification)
  • Baseline BMI ≥ 95th percentile for age and sex
  • Will use Wegovy with behavioral modification and a reduced-calorie diet
Continuation therapy – Approved for 1 year if all of the following are met:
  • Age 12 to <18 years
  • Baseline BMI ≥ 95th percentile
  • ≥1% reduction in BMI
  • Continued use with behavioral modification and reduced-calorie diet

Cardiovascular risk reduction (adults only)

Initial therapy – Approved for 1 year if all of the following are met:
  • Patient is 18+ years with BMI ≥ 27 kg/m²
  • Has established cardiovascular disease, shown by:
    • Prior myocardial infarction (MI)
    • Prior stroke
    • Symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with one of:
      • ABI < 0.85
      • Prior PAD revascularization
      • Amputation due to atherosclerosis
  • Will use Wegovy with:
    • Optimized pharmacotherapy for cardiovascular disease
    • Behavioral modification and a reduced-calorie diet
Continuation therapy – Approved for 1 year if all of the following are met:
  • The same BMI and cardiovascular condition criteria as above
  • Continued use with optimized CVD treatment, behavioral modification, and diet

Note: BMI and comorbidity references are based on baseline values prior to starting Wegovy or other GLP-1/GIP therapies. Moreover, State mandates and individual plan benefits may impact coverage.

Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage For Wegovy

Blue Cross Blue Shield may or may not cover Wegovy. In 2025, the company changed the tier for Wegovy insurance, stating that Wegovy will not be covered under FEP Blue Focus. However, it may still be obtained through a formulary exception process.

Request Wegovy Coverage (formulary exception)

If your plan does not cover Wegovy, your healthcare provider will need to submit a formulary exception request. Approval is based on whether your medical case meets BCBS exception criteria.

A formulary exception does NOT change your out-of-pocket costs. You cannot request a tier exception, even if your drug is approved.

What to do if your insurance denies coverage?

Here are a few steps to follow if your insurance denies the coverage:

  1. Check notifications carefully: Review all documents to see if your claim was approved, delayed, partially paid, or denied. If a resubmission is needed, follow the instructions provided by your insurance company.
  2. Clarify any unclear reasons: If the denial is vague, contact your insurance provider. Correct the mistakes or missing details after the follow-up.
  3. File an appeal if needed: If you believe the denial was incorrect, follow the insurer’s appeal process. Submit all necessary documents, such as explanations and any required supporting records, with the help of your healthcare provider.
  4. Submit on time: Submit claims and appeals within the deadline to avoid automatic rejection due to late submission.
  5. Understand the appeal process: Check how the insurance company handles claims and appeals. It will also help you respond efficiently and reduce the chance of future denials.
  6. Keep detailed records: Maintain logs of claim status, communications, and any follow-ups to track progress, strengthen appeals, and escalate disputes when necessary.
  7. Seek assistance when necessary: If claim issues persist, contact your state’s insurance commissioner for guidance on resolving disputes.

Wegovy and insurance FAQs

What if my insurance doesn’t cover Wegovy?

If your insurance plan does not cover Wegovy, you can use Wegovy saving cards, pharmacy discount coupon cards, and alternatives to Wegovy such as compounded semaglutide.

How can I get Wegovy at an affordable price?

You can get Wegovy at an affordable price with the help of Wegovy saving cards, insurance coverage, and pharmacy discount coupons.

Can I use a savings card with insurance?

You are eligible to use the Wegovy saving card if your commercial insurance plan covers Wegovy.

What are the alternatives if Wegovy is not covered?

You can try the Novo Nordisk Wegovy saving card, pharmacy discount coupons, compounded semaglutide, alternative GLP-1 medications such as tirzepatide and liraglutide, orlistat, Contrave, and Qsymia if your insurance company does not cover Wegovy.

Alternatives if insurance doesn’t cover Wegovy

If your insurance does not cover Wegovy, you can try the following alternative options:

Wegovy Savings Card

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, offers a Wegovy saving card. If your commercial insurance covers Wegovy and your monthly out-of-pocket expenses are $849 or less, you can get a monthly supply of Wegovy for $0 with the Wegovy saving card. This offer can save you $225 per month.

If your insurance company does not cover Wegovy, or the company covers Wegovy but your out-of-pocket expenses are greater than $849 per month, or you are uninsured, you can get a monthly supply of Wegovy for as little as $650 per month.

Pharmacy discount programs

Pharmacy discount card websites like GoodRx, Singlecare, BuzzRx, and WellRx offer a variety of pharmacy discount coupons for Wegovy. You can save 9-27% of the cash price of the medication with the help of these discount coupons.

Compounded semaglutide

Compounded semaglutide is a tailor-made version of semaglutide that is dispensed by compounding pharmacies to meet the unique needs of patients. The medication has the same active ingredient as Wegovy. Compounded semaglutide is a cheaper alternative to Wegovy that costs $200-300 for a monthly supply and is easily accessible to patients even during drug shortages.

Bottom line

Many insurance plans cover Wegovy, but coverage depends on your specific insurance plan and eligibility criteria. Private insurance companies such as Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare offer insurance coverage for Wegovy with specific requirements.

If you have commercial insurance and your out-of-pocket expenses are less than $849, you can use Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy Saving card and get a monthly supply of the medication for as low as $0. If your out-of-pocket expenses are more than $849 or you do not have commercial insurance, you can still get it at $650 per month.

Before starting the medication, verify your insurance coverage with the help of your healthcare provider. You may need prior authorization with the help of your licensed healthcare provider. If your insurance does not cover Wegovy, you can also try alternatives such as compounded semaglutide, liraglutide, Zepbound, Qsymia, Contrave, and Orlistat.

Take control of your weight loss journey. Contact your insurance provider to discuss your Wegovy coverage and take the next step toward your weight management goals.

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    1. Wegovy: Prescribing information

    2. KFF: A New Use for Wegovy Opens the Door to Medicare Coverage for Millions of People with Obesity

    3. Wegovy: Ways to save on Wegovy

    4. The New England Journal of Medicine: Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity

    5. Reuters: Novo Nordisk: 80% of U.S. Wegovy patients with insurance paying less than $25/month

    6. NovoCare: What is the list price for Wegovy® and will it impact me?

    The content on this website is intended for information purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information on this website should not be relied upon and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always speak to your doctor regarding the risks and benefits of any treatment.