The healthcare field keeps changing, and a sign of this is the rise of new medicines like Zepbound, or tirzepatide. Sold as Mounjaro, Zepbound isn’t just another diabetes pill; it’s a special type of medication that helps with more than just blood sugar. It can also improve heart health and help with weight loss.
Understanding this potent medication, how it works, and crucially, whether your health insurance — especially Cigna — covers it, is crucial to your holistic diabetes care.
In this article, we’ll explain Zepbound coverage with Cigna. We’ll talk about who can get it, what it covers, and how much it might cost you. Our goal is to help you understand your health care better.
What is Zepbound?
Zepbound, scientifically known as tirzepatide and marketed under the brand name Mounjaro, represents a revolutionary advancement in managing type 2 diabetes.
This innovative medication works by mimicking the actions of two hormones that play a key role in regulating blood sugar levels: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).
The medicine makes patients feel full quickly and for a longer time, says Dr. Raoul Manalac, who works at Ro, a company that provides medical care at home.
Mounjaro and Zepbound are similar except for what they’re approved to treat: Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound for weight loss in people with obesity (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI of 27+). Both are once-weekly injections of tirzepatide.
Unlike regular diabetes drugs that only help with blood sugar, Zepbound does more. It looks at heart health and obesity too, which are common in people with diabetes.
How Does Zepbound works?
Zepbound works uniquely for type 2 diabetes by targeting GLP-1 and GIP receptors. It makes you feel full, helps insulin work better, and slows down how quickly food moves from your stomach to your intestines.
This, in turn, can lead to substantial weight loss for patients further enhancing its potential positive impact on overall health, especially for those also battling obesity.
Its ability to address multiple facets of diabetes care distinguishes it from traditional treatments and underscores its value in a comprehensive diabetes management plan.
Also Read: Does Zepbound Cause Hair Loss? Unraveling the Truth
What is the price of Zepbound with or without insurance?
Understanding the cost of Zepbound without getting lost in the details means looking at a few things. If you have insurance like Cigna, the price you pay could be much less compared to someone without any insurance.
On average, with an insurance plan, someone might pay about $1,059.87 every month for it. That’s a lot, but it’s important for the treatment. Without insurance, the price shoots up, costing around $13,800 a year.
That number is huge. But here’s some good news: If you’re struggling to pay for Zepbound, the company that makes it, Eli Lilly, offers a special savings card. With this card, your monthly cost could be much lower. This helps many people afford to manage diabetes with Zepbound.
Does Cigna Cover Zepbound?
Yes, the good news is that Cigna now covers Zepbound. Starting on December 1, 2023, this demonstrates their commitment to providing patients with access to innovative treatments for better health.
However, not everyone with Cigna insurance automatically gets coverage for Zepbound. There are certain medical requirements that need to be met for patients to qualify for full coverage of the medication. It’s important to know and meet these criteria if you want Zepbound coverage through Cigna.
Also Read: Does United Healthcare Cover Zepbound 2024?
Medical necessity criteria for Zepbound coverage with Cigna
Cigna follows specific medical necessity criteria for determining whether a patient qualifies for coverage of Zepbound. These criteria include:
- Age 18 years or older
- If you have type 2 diabetes and your blood sugar isn’t controlled with medications like metformin, sulfonylureas, GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, or SGLT2 inhibitors, you may be eligible.
- A BMI of at least 27 kg/m2 before using Saxenda, Wegovy, or Zepbound with certain health issues like heart disease, high cholesterol, prediabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or type 2 diabetes.
- Inadequate control of cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and elevated triglycerides despite treatment with appropriate medication regimens.
- A body mass index (BMI) of at least 30 kg/m2 before using Zepbound
- You should use Zepbound along with changing your behavior and eating fewer calories.
If you meet these criteria, you may be eligible for Zepbound coverage with Cigna. Still, it’s important to verify with your plan’s specifics and coverage details since there may be some variations or exceptions.
The price of Zepbound with Cigna plans?
The cost of Zepbound can vary significantly depending on whether or not you have insurance. With Cigna insurance, paying for this new treatment becomes much easier.
For people with Cigna insurance, Zepbound costs around $318 per month, much less than the $1,059.87 monthly cost for those without insurance.
This big price cut shows Cigna is working to make important healthcare easier to get and cheaper for those who need Zepbound’s special advantages. People considering Zepbound should check with their Cigna plan to know exactly what’s covered and if there are any extra costs.
How to check your Zepbound coverage?
To verify your Zepbound coverage through Cigna, follow these steps:
- Contact Cigna Customer Support: Start by calling the number on the back of your insurance card. Cigna’s customer support can provide specific details about your plan’s coverage.
- Discuss with Your Doctor: Your healthcare provider can also assist in understanding your coverage. They can provide the necessary medical documentation to support your need for Zepbound.
- Check Your Insurance Plan: Check your insurance plan’s benefits booklet or online portal to see about prescription medication coverage, especially focusing on any details about Zepbound or weight management medications.
- Pre-authorization: Ask if Zepbound requires pre-authorization for coverage under your plan. This process involves your doctor submitting information to Cigna to justify the medical necessity of Zepbound.
- Look into Special Programs: Certain insurance plans, like Cigna, might offer special programs or discounts for medications such as Zepbound. Ask about any available options.
Understanding insurance coverage is key. Follow these steps to check if Zepbound is covered by your Cigna plan and know your out-of-pocket costs.
Related: Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover ZepBound?
How can I get insurance coverage for Zepbound?
To get insurance for Zepbound, first, know your policy well. Check how it covers meds for obesity and diabetes. Follow these steps for a smooth process:
1. Gather Medical Documentation: Collect all the key health documents that explain why you require Zepbound. This includes your medical history, details about your condition, and the treatments you’ve previously attempted. Showing how your condition affects your everyday life and health can help you get coverage.
2. Consult with Your Healthcare Provider: Discuss with your doctor about wanting to use Zepbound. Your doctor needs to write a prescription and a letter explaining why you need Zepbound for your health condition and why other treatments haven’t worked.
3. Understand Pre-authorization Requirements: Before getting medications like Zepbound, you might need pre-authorization. It’s a step where your insurance checks if the medication is needed before covering it.
4. Submit Your Request: After you have everything you need and finish any forms, send your request to your insurance company. Make sure to include all the important papers like your doctor’s prescription, a letter explaining why you need it, and any other papers they ask for.
5. Explore Appeal Options: If your coverage request is rejected, don’t worry. You can appeal the decision. Check the denial letter for reasons and talk to your doctor for advice. Insurance plans usually have different appeal steps, so know your rights and the process.
Factors that impact Zepbound coverage with Cigna
Several factors play a crucial role in determining Zepbound coverage through Cigna, and understanding these can help you better prepare for a successful coverage application. These factors may include:
- Plan Type: Cigna offers various types of health insurance plans, each with its own set of rules and coverage options. For instance, plans that are HMOs might have different prerequisites for medication coverage compared to PPOs.
- State Regulations: The state you live in might have its own rules on health insurance coverage for weight management medications like Zepbound. Some states may cover these medications more extensively than others.
- Employer-Specific Plans: If your Cigna health insurance is provided through your employer, the specific benefits and covered medications can vary depending on your employer’s chosen plan options.
- Clinical Guidelines: Cigna checks out the newest medical info and evidence to determine its coverage. If fresh research or advice indicates that Zepbound is effective for additional conditions or patients, the coverage policies could be updated.
- Yearly Check-up and Plan Updates: Insurance coverage for specific medications, such as Zepbound, might change every year. It’s crucial to review your plan’s coverage details annually during enrollment to ensure Zepbound remains covered for the next year.
By knowing these things, people looking for Zepbound coverage from Cigna can more easily deal with insurance, get the right papers ready, and talk well with their doctors and insurance people.
Conclusion
Understanding how to get insurance to cover medications like Zepbound can be hard. But with the right information and a proactive approach, you can make it happen. Understand your Cigna plan, stay updated on coverage changes, and follow the recommended steps.
Stay persistent, and have open discussions with your doctor and insurer to ensure you get the coverage needed for Zepbound. Don’t hesitate to explore appeal options if your first request is denied. With effort and the right help, you can figure out how to get Zepbound coverage with Cigna insurance.
FAQ
Does Cigna cover Zepbound for weight loss?
Yes, Cigna covers Zepbound for weight loss under certain conditions. Usually, the patient needs to meet certain criteria we mentioned earlier, like body mass index (BMI) and other health conditions linked to weight. It’s a good idea to chat with your doctor and check your plan details to see if Zepbound is covered for managing weight.
How do I know if I’m eligible for Zepbound coverage under Cigna?
Eligibility for Zepbound coverage under Cigna depends on your specific insurance plan, the state you reside in, and the approval of pre-authorization requirements. It’s crucial to consult with Cigna customer support, review your plan’s details, and discuss with your healthcare provider to determine if Zepbound is covered for your condition.
What’s the best way to check my Zepbound coverage under a Cigna plan?
The best way to verify your Zepbound coverage under a Cigna plan is to directly contact Cigna’s customer support for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Plus, you can also refer to your insurance benefits booklet or sign in to your online account on the Cigna website to check the specifics of your plan, especially regarding prescription medication coverage.
