Many people resort to weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro when they cannot lose weight from working out and dieting. These drugs are mainly available for diabetics but have a side effect that helps in shedding weight.
When it comes to health insurance and Medicare, it only covers the cost of these drugs if you have diabetes. However, if you’re using these solely for weight loss, then be ready to pay out of pocket.
This is because the Trump administration has refused to approve Biden’s proposal. They have declined Medicaid and Medicare to pay for weight loss drugs like Zepbound (Made by Eli Lilly) and Wegovy (Made by Novo Nordisk).
In some cases, the medical insurance may cover Mounjaro and Ozempic for obese people who are dealing with sleep apnea or have heart conditions. The insurance program under Medicaid has the right to deny coverage to other users who are using medications to fight obesity.
Even by 2025, most employers still won’t cover GLP-1 weight loss medications.
Current coverage: Below 15%, rising slowly.
Current cost without coverage: $1,000+ monthly.
Current options for most Americans: Nearly zero.Here’s how to bridge this gap: pic.twitter.com/wB3bDizXpW
— Ryan Lissack (@ryanlissack) May 7, 2025
When Biden was president, the administration’s goal was to make these medicines more affordable. They saw how obesity could cause more illnesses, and intervention may help people. Almost 3 million people benefited from this as these medications may reduce up to 20% of weight.
Currently, if you’re planning to use weight loss drugs just like your favorite celebrity, you’ll have to endure paying out of pocket. Each dose may come between $350 and $500/month. This is when the companies decided to reduce the price after the announcement of no insurance cover.
If you’re using Ozempic, you may have to pay $998/month. This drug isn’t given as a standalone weight loss drug, but you may get it prescribed. For Wegovy, you’ll be paying $1,349/month. This is an FDA-approved drug that helps in reducing BMI. For this drug prescription, you may need to get checked first to fit the criteria.
Ozempic is a prescription medication mainly used to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.
Its active ingredient is called semaglutide. credit: ZachDfilms pic.twitter.com/30z2vZkjEH— HOW THINGS WORK (@HowThingsWork_) April 18, 2025
Used by Meghan Trainer, Mounjaro is another weight loss drug that’s predominantly for diabetes. You’ll be paying $1,079 without health insurance. This drug isn’t FDA approved for weight loss as it is tirzepitide and not semiglutide like others above. It does help regulate blood glucose levels.
Another tirzepitide is Zepbound, which will cost you $1,086. Its sole use is for sleep apnea, but it also helps with weight loss. According to your weight loss goals, do some research and pick the right medication. For now, you’ll have to pay, but there may be a chance to get these under Medicare later. According to the budget, $35 billion coverage for medical insurance is determined, but it may take some time before it comes into action.
