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Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs have become some of the better-known prescription diabetes drugs. But are they covered by insurance? If you have Medicare, Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs may be covered in specific cases.
What are Ozempic and GLP-1 medications?
Ozempic is a brand of semaglutide, a class of drug that helps lower blood sugar. It is part of a group of GLP-1 type 2 diabetes drugs. You might recognize other drugs in this group such as Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro. GLP-1 medications are sometimes used as weight loss drugs, but diabetes treatment is their official use.
So what do GLP-1 drugs do? And how do they cause weight loss? This group of drugs can be used as weight loss medication because of their effect on food in your gut. They cause your body to produce insulin after you eat, lowering blood sugar to a safe level. In doing so, they also slow food’s pace through your body. This can affect your appetite and cause you to eat less. Weight loss is a side effect of this process.
Does Medicare offer coverage for these drugs?
Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs are covered only in specific cases. Medicare Part D prescription drug plans often cover them as type 2 diabetes treatments. Outside of diabetes treatment, Medicare does not usually cover it.
Does Medicare cover Ozempic and GLP-1 drugs for weight loss?
Many people have reported losing weight on Ozempic. But while the side effects of Ozempic may include weight loss, it is not covered by Medicare for GLP-1 weight loss treatment. The same is true for Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro. Instead of using Ozempic for weight loss, consider talking to your doctor about other methods.
Medicare coverage can offer other ways to help keep you physically fit
How much do these medications cost?
Costs can vary a lot between different medications for diabetes. Ozempic costs with no insurance can reach almost $1,000 per month. This makes it quite expensive when used as a weight loss drug. If you have insurance covering it as a diabetes treatment, Ozempic can cost much less. The same is true of other GLP-1 medications. For example, in 2025 Wegovy without insurance coverage can cost around $1,350.* With insurance covering it, it’s more affordable. Use our drug search tool to find more information on costs and access.