Henry Armstrong
What Insurance Plans Cover Weight Loss Medication?
If you’re struggling to lose weight, you may be wondering if your insurance will cover weight loss medication. The good news is that many insurance plans do cover weight loss medication, but coverage varies depending on the plan.
In this article, we’ll discuss which insurance plans cover weight loss medication, how to get insurance to cover weight loss medication, and the best weight loss medication covered by insurance. We’ll also provide tips for saving money on weight loss medication.
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Always speak to your doctor before starting any new medication.
Here are some of the key points we’ll cover in this article:
- Which insurance plans cover weight loss medication?
- How to get insurance to cover weight loss medication
- The best weight loss medication covered by insurance
- Tips for saving money on weight loss medication
Weight loss medication is a type of medication that is used to help people lose weight. It is typically prescribed by doctors to people who are obese or overweight and have not been able to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
There are a number of different types of weight loss medication available, and each type works in a different way. Some weight loss medications suppress appetite, while others block the absorption of fat or increase the burning of calories.
How Does Weight Loss Medication Work?
Weight loss medication works in a variety of ways to help people lose weight. Some weight loss medications suppress appetite, making people feel less hungry and eat less food. Other weight loss medications block the absorption of fat or increase the burning of calories.
What Are the Different Types of Weight Loss Medication?
There are a number of different types of weight loss medication available, and each type works in a different way. The most common types of weight loss medication include:
- Appetite suppressants: Appetite suppressants make people feel less hungry and eat less food. Some examples of appetite suppressants include phentermine and diethylpropion.
- Lipase inhibitors: Lipase inhibitors block the absorption of fat from food. Some examples of lipase inhibitors include orlistat and cetilistat.
- Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists: GLP-1 receptor agonists are a newer type of weight loss medication that has been shown to be very effective. GLP-1 receptor agonists work by increasing the production of insulin and decreasing the production of glucagon. This helps to reduce appetite and increase the burning of calories. Some examples of GLP-1 receptor agonists include semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and dulaglutide (Trulicity).
What Insurance Plans Cover Weight Loss Medication?
Whether or not insurance covers weight loss medication depends on a number of factors, including your insurance company, your individual policy, and the reason why you are seeking weight loss medication.
Medicare
Medicare Part D does cover some weight loss medications, but coverage varies depending on the plan. Some Medicare Part D plans may only cover weight loss medications for people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Other Medicare Part D plans may cover weight loss medications for people with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have a weight-related medical condition, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
Medicaid
Medicaid coverage for weight loss medication also varies depending on the state. Some states may cover weight loss medications for people who have a BMI of 30 or higher. Other states may cover weight loss medications for people with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have a weight-related medical condition.
| Rank | Insurance Plan | Weight Loss Medications Covered |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aetna | Orlistat (Xenical), Phentermine, Qsymia, Contrave, Wegovy, Ozempic |
| 2 | Blue Cross Blue Shield | Orlistat (Xenical), Phentermine, Qsymia, Contrave, Wegovy, Ozempic |
| 3 | Cigna | Orlistat (Xenical), Phentermine, Qsymia, Contrave, Wegovy, Ozempic |
| 4 | Humana | Orlistat (Xenical), Phentermine, Qsymia, Contrave, Wegovy, Ozempic |
| 5 | UnitedHealthcare | Orlistat (Xenical), Phentermine, Qsymia, Contrave, Wegovy, Ozempic |
| 6 | Medicare | Orlistat (Xenical), Phentermine, Qsymia, Contrave, Wegovy, Ozempic |
| 7 | Medicaid | Coverage varies by state, but some Medicaid plans cover weight loss medications for people with a BMI of 30 or higher or for people with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have a weight-related medical condition. |
| 8 | Kaiser Permanente | Orlistat (Xenical), Phentermine, Qsymia, Contrave, Wegovy, Ozempic |
| 9 | HCA Healthcare | Orlistat (Xenical), Phentermine, Qsymia, Contrave, Wegovy, Ozempic |
| 10 | Ascension | Orlistat (Xenical), Phentermine, Qsymia, Contrave, Wegovy, Ozempic |
Please note that this table is only a general guide. Coverage may vary depending on your individual plan, so be sure to check with your insurance company to confirm your coverage. Additionally, coverage may vary depending on the reason why you are seeking weight loss medication.
It is important to talk to your doctor about the best weight loss medication for you and to check with your insurance company to see if they cover it.tunesharemore_vert
Private Insurance Plans
Private insurance plans vary widely in their coverage for weight loss medication. Some private insurance plans may cover weight loss medications for people who have a BMI of 30 or higher. Other private insurance plans may cover weight loss medications for people with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have a weight-related medical condition. Some private insurance plans may not cover weight loss medication at all.
How to Get Insurance to Cover Weight Loss Medication
To get insurance to cover weight loss medication, you will typically need to get a referral from your doctor. Your doctor will need to write a prescription for weight loss medication and state the medical condition that you are being treated for.
Once you have a prescription from your doctor, you will need to check with your insurance company to see if they cover weight loss medication and how much coverage they provide. You may also need to pre-authorize your weight loss medication with your insurance company.
Here are some tips for getting insurance to cover weight loss medication:
- Get a referral from your doctor.
- Check your insurance policy to see if they cover weight loss medication and how much coverage they provide.
- Pre-authorize your weight loss medication with your insurance company.
- If you are denied coverage, you can appeal the decision with your insurance company.
Best Weight Loss Medication Covered by Insurance
The best weight loss medication covered by insurance depends on your individual needs and your insurance coverage. However, some of the most popular weight loss medications that are covered by insurance include:
- Orlistat (Xenical)
- Phentermine
- Qsymia
- Contrave
- Wegovy
- Ozempic
Orlistat (Xenical) is a lipase inhibitor that blocks the absorption of fat from food. It is a good option for people who are struggling to control their calorie intake.
Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that makes people feel less hungry. It is a good option for people who are struggling to control their hunger.
Qsymia and Contrave are both combination weight loss medications that contain an appetite suppressant and a lipase inhibitor. They are good options for people who are struggling to control both their appetite and their calorie intake.
Wegovy and Ozempic are both GLP-1 receptor agonists that have been shown to be very effective for weight loss. They are good options for people who have not been successful with other weight loss medications.
What insurance plans cover weight loss medication ?: Conclusion
Whether or not insurance covers weight loss medication depends on a number of factors, including your insurance company, your individual policy, and the reason why you are seeking weight loss medication. However, there are a number of weight loss medications that are covered by insurance, and your doctor can help you find the best option for you.
FAQs
Q: What are the side effects of weight loss medication?
The side effects of weight loss medication vary depending on the type of medication. Some common side effects of weight loss medication include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and constipation.
Q: How long does it take weight loss medication to work?
The amount of time it takes weight loss medication to work varies depending on the type of medication. Some weight loss medications start working immediately, while others may take several weeks or months to start working.
Q: Is weight loss medication safe?
Weight loss medication is generally safe for most people when taken as directed by a doctor. However, there are some risks associated with taking weight loss medication, such as the risk of side effects and the risk of becoming addicted to the medication.
Q: How much does weight loss medication cost?
The cost of weight loss medication varies depending on the type of medication and your insurance coverage. Some weight loss medications can be very expensive, especially if you do not have insurance coverage.
Q: What are some alternatives to weight loss medication?
There are a number of alternatives to weight loss medication, such as diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. However, weight loss medication can be a helpful option for people who have not been successful with other weight loss methods.
If you are considering taking weight loss medication, be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
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