Mounjaro is a combination of two drugs, phentermine and topiramate, that work together to suppress appetite and promote weight loss. It has been shown to be effective in helping individuals with obesity achieve their weight loss goals. However, like many other medications, the cost can be a barrier for some people.
This is where insurance coverage comes in. Many people wonder, “Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover Mounjaro for weight loss?”
In this article, we will explore the eligibility and tips for getting coverage with Blue Cross Blue Shield, as well as we also give some tips on what to do if your insurance does not cover Mounjaro.
Understanding Mounjaro
Mounjaro injection is primarily used for weight management in adult patients who struggle with obesity or weight-related health issues like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
It helps bring down blood sugar levels and A1C levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. This drug combines with two different medications – phentermine and topiramate. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that affects the central nervous system, which reduces our cravings and increases feelings of fullness.
In contrast, topiramate is a medication originally developed to treat seizures and migraines. It works in weight loss by increasing the feeling of fullness, making food taste less appealing, and increasing calorie expenditure.
Mounjaro facilitates weight loss most effectively when used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. It is an injectable medication that is administered once a week and should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
According to Drugs, in clinical trials, patients who received a 15 mg dose of Mounjaro for weight loss experienced an average body weight reduction of 20.9% over a period of 72 weeks, compared to a 3.1% reduction in the placebo group.
It’s not meant to be utilized as the first line of treatment for weight loss but is instead recommended for people who have not had adequate success with diet and exercise alone.
Also Read: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Wegovy For Weight Loss?
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover Mounjaro for weight loss?
Yes, in some cases, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) does provide coverage for Mounjaro for weight loss. However, this depends on the individual’s policy and the guidelines set by BCBS.
The insurer often considers factors like the individual’s overall health status, the severity of obesity, the presence of other weight-related health conditions, and the failure of previous weight management attempts through diet and exercise.
BCBS usually requires a doctor’s prescription for Mounjaro and may ask for documented proof that alternative weight loss methods were unsuccessful.
Keep in mind that coverage can vary greatly from one policy to another and even from state to state. Therefore, it’s important to contact BCBS directly or check your specific insurance policy to confirm if Mounjaro is covered for weight loss treatment.
Related: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Wegovy?
Understanding The Eligibility For Coverage
To be eligible for coverage by Blue Cross Blue Shield for Mounjaro for weight loss, you must need to meet the following criteria:
- Being a resident of the U.S., Canada, or Puerto Rico.
- Working for a company that provides BCBS coverage.
- Your age must be between 18 to 64 years old.
- The person must be diagnosed with obesity, defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30, or a BMI over 27 if accompanied by weight-related health conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
- The individual has tried and failed at previous weight-loss attempts, including diet changes and exercise.
- The individual has a prescription for Mounjaro from a healthcare provider.
- In some cases, you may be required to participate in a medically supervised weight loss program for a specific duration before coverage for Mounjaro is approved.
- You must not have any contraindications to Mounjaro, such as pregnancy or certain mental health conditions.
Remember, these criteria can vary depending on your specific BCBS policy and state regulations. Always check with your provider for the exact requirements of your policy.
Related: Does United Healthcare cover Wegovy for Weight loss
Tips To Get Coverage With Blue Cross Blue Shield
If you are interested in taking Mounjaro for weight loss, here are some tips you can take to increase the chances of getting coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield:
- Make sure to ask your health insurance provider about any potential coverage options for Mounjaro.
- If you’ve tried other weight loss methods without success, it can help demonstrate the need for Mounjaro.
- If necessary, get a doctor’s prescription for Mounjaro and submit it along with your coverage application.
- Ask if your BCBS plan covers any generic or alternative medications. If so, ask your healthcare provider if they recommend any of these alternatives.
- Consider joining a medically supervised weight loss program, as it may be required for insurance coverage.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you have the necessary coverage for medications like Mounjaro and others.
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What should you do if BCBS does not cover Mounjaro for weight loss?
If Blue Cross Blue Shield does not cover Mounjaro for weight loss, here are some options to consider:
- Search for patient assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies to help afford medications.
- Check for discounts or coupons on websites like GoodRx to reduce the cost of prescription medications.
- Talk with your doctor about alternative drugs that may be covered by your insurance company for weight loss.
- Consider generic versions of medications, which often cost less than brand-name versions but provide the same benefits.
- Explore out-of-pocket payment plans offered by some healthcare providers to pay for treatments over time.
How To Check The Coverage?
To determine if Blue Cross Blue Shield covers Mounjaro for weight loss, there are a few steps you can take:
- First, reach out to your insurance provider directly. The customer service number is usually found on the back of your insurance card.
- Ask about your policy’s coverage for prescription weight loss medications, specifically Mounjaro.
- Ask about any requirements or criteria that must be met in order to qualify for this coverage.
- Ask if your policy covers the cost of a doctor’s visit to get a Mounjaro prescription.
- You can also visit your provider’s website. Most insurers have online tools that let you check what drugs are covered under your plan.
If you follow all these steps, you’ll discover whether Mounjaro or any other medication is covered by your insurance company.
What insurance covers Mounjaro for weight loss?
Many insurance companies may cover Mounjaro for weight loss, but it depends on the specific policy, state regulations, and personal medical conditions. Some insurance companies that may cover Mounjaro include:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Humana
- Anthem
- Kaiser Permanente
Remember, it’s important to directly contact your insurance provider to confirm if Mounjaro or any other weight loss treatment is covered.
Conclusion
Blue Cross Blue Shield may cover Mounjaro for weight loss in some cases but this is highly dependent on individual policies and certain eligibility criteria.
It’s important to check directly with BCBS or review your specific insurance policy to understand if Mounjaro is covered. If BCBS does not cover Mounjaro, consider exploring patient assistance programs, discounts, and alternative medications like GlucoBerry, GlucoTrust, Zotrim, GlucoGold, etc.
Remember, your health comes first! Always consult your doctor before deciding on weight loss treatment.
FAQ
Will insurance cover Mounjaro for PCOS?
Insurance companies typically provide coverage for Mounjaro in cases of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. In the case of BCBS, it might cover it if prescribed by a doctor as part of PCOS management and if other criteria as mentioned above are satisfied.
What are the long term Mounjaro side effects?
Mounjaro can be effective in weight loss, but you must also be aware of and monitor for potential long-term side effects. These may include:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with type 2 diabetes
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
How can I get Mounjaro covered by insurance?
To get Mounjaro covered by insurance, it’s generally required to:
- obtain a prescription from a healthcare provider.
- provide proof that previous weight loss attempts were unsuccessful.
- meet certain criteria, like having a BMI over a certain threshold or having weight-related health conditions.