NEWSROOM

GLP-1 medications, also known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1Ras), mimic the hormone GLP-1 in the body. This hormone helps control blood glucose levels, insulin production, and feelings of fullness. GLP-1 medications treat type 2 diabetes and assist in weight management.

Aetna/Aetna Funding Advantage

• Do your plans cover Weight Loss Drugs (GLP-1) if deemed medically necessary? If so, how are they covered?
  • ​Yes
• ​Are there any clinical criteria for approval (e.g., BMI level, sustained weight min/max, step therapy such as a weight loss management program)? 
  • ​GLP-1 Coverage Details and Criteria:​
    • Clinical criteria can be found on the Aetna public site for providers, health care professionals also may obtain information by calling the Pharmacy Management Precertification Unit at 1-800-414-2386, or they can register to use the password-protected provider website. Visit www.aetna.com, select "Doctors & Hospitals" and choose "Physician Self-Service." Once registration is completed, healthcare professionals may use our online Precertification/medical exception email request form.
    •  Clinical Policy Bulletins on the public provider site here, can be shared with members/providers for criteria. The bottom of the page has a “Pharmacy Criteria” search box.
• Are there coverage limits (e.g., 6 months, one year, etc.)?
  • ​Because coverage approval can vary depending on the member's plan, please direct members to the CPB link and their specific plan benefits to check if coverage is approved. The Clinical Policy Bulletins available on the public provider site can be shared with members and providers for reference on eligibility criteria. At the bottom of the page, there is a “Pharmacy Criteria” search box that can be utilized.
• Is the coverage full or is it at 50%?
  • ​Because coverage approval can vary depending on the member's plan, please direct members to the CPB link and their specific plan benefits to check if coverage is approved. The Clinical Policy Bulletins available on the public provider site can be shared with members and providers for reference on eligibility criteria. At the bottom of the page, there is a “Pharmacy Criteria” search box that can be utilized
• Do members need to be enrolled in a comprehensive weight loss program before or concurrently receiving the weight loss drug?
  • ​Because coverage approval can vary depending on the member's plan, please direct members to the CPB link and their specific plan benefits to check if coverage is approved. The Clinical Policy Bulletins available on the public provider site can be shared with members and providers for reference on eligibility criteria. At the bottom of the page, there is a “Pharmacy Criteria” search box that can be utilized.
• Supporting Collateral:
  • ​Middle Market Formulary: The formularies indicate which brands are covered, the pharmacy tier, and if step therapy/prior authorization is required. Find a Medication: Prescription Drug List (Formulary), Coverage & Costs | Aetna
    • ​Middle Market (Fully Insured) – Advanced Control Plan – California
    • Middle Market and Small Group (AFA) - Advanced Control Plan
  • Small Group Formulary:
    • ​For the AFA small group level-funded plans, coverage for weight loss medications is excluded.
    • On the CA ACA plans the following applies:
  • There are two separate formularies, one for HMO and one for PPO.
    • ​2024 Aetna Health Exchange – California ACA PPO drug guide
    • 2024 Aetna Health Exchange California HMO drug guide
  • ​2025 Formulary links:
    • ​Aetna Health Exchange Plan-California-OA Managed Choice, PPO
    •  Aetna Health Exchange – HMO
• Covered Medications:
  • ​Here are the 2025 ACA PPO formulary medications for this class (found HERE):​
  • The HMO formulary includes the following:
    • Trulicity – Tier 2 (page 79), ST/Ql
    • Victoza – Tier 3 (page 79), ST/Ql
    • Xultophy - Tier 3 (page 80), ST

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (NV)

• Do your plans cover Weight Loss Drugs (GLP-1) if deemed medically necessary? If so, how are they covered?
  • ​Yes
• Are there any clinical criteria for approval (e.g., BMI level, sustained weight min/max, step therapy such as a weight loss management program)?
  • ​Click HERE to access Approval Criteria (page 2).
• Are there coverage limits (e.g., 6 months, one year, etc.)?
  • ​Prior authorization – 1 year.
• Is the coverage full or is it at 50%?
  • ​Click HERE to access Approval Criteria (page 2).
• Do members need to be enrolled in a comprehensive weight loss program before or concurrently receiving the weight loss drug?
  • Click HERE to access Approval Criteria (page 2).​
• Supporting Collateral:
  • ​Click HERE to view the GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and GIP-GLP-1 Receptor Agonists NTL list.
• Covered Medications:
  • ​Glucogon-Like-Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists:
    • ​Ozempic (semaglutide)
    • Rybelsus (semaglutide)
    • Trulicity (dulaglutide)
    • Victoza (liraglutide)
    • Adlyxin (lixisenatide)
    • Bydureon (exenatide extended release) Bydureon BCise (exenatide extended release)
    • Byetta (exenatide)
  •  Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP)/Glucogon-Like-Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists:
    • ​Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

CCHP Health Plan

• Do your plans cover Weight Loss Drugs (GLP-1) if deemed medically necessary? If so, how are they covered?
  • ​CCHP does not cover any drugs solely for weight loss.
• Are there any clinical criteria for approval (e.g., BMI level, sustained weight min/max, step therapy such as a weight loss management program)?
  • ​N/A.
• Are there coverage limits (e.g., 6 months, one year, etc.)?
  • ​N/A.
• Is the coverage full or is it at 50%?
  • ​N/A.
• Do members need to be enrolled in a comprehensive weight loss program before or concurrently receiving the weight loss drug?
  • ​N/A.
• Supporting Collateral:
  • ​N/A.
• Covered Medications:​
  • Dulaglutide: Brand name Trulicity
    • Trulicity for Diabetes type 2 is covered as of 1/15/2025 (subject to change).
  • Exenatide: Brand names Byetta and Bydureon
    • Byetta and Bydureon for Diabetes type 2 is covered as of 1/15/2025 (subject to change).
  • Liraglutide: Brand names Victoza and Saxenda
    • Liraglutide for Diabetes type 2 is covered as of 1/15/2025 (subject to change). 
  • Lixisenatide: Brand Name Adlyxin
    • Not covered. 
  • Semaglutide: Brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus
    • Ozempic and Rybelsus for Diabetes type 2 is covered as of 1/15/2025 (subject to change). 
  • Wegovy for cardiovascular risk reduction only is covered as of 1/15/2025 -needs PA/criteria to be met (subject to change).
  • Tirzepatide: Brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound
    • Mounjaro for Diabetes type 2 is covered as of 1/15/2025 (subject to change).

Cigna

• Do your plans cover Weight Loss Drugs (GLP-1) if deemed medically necessary? If so, how are they covered?
  • ​Yes.
• Are there any clinical criteria for approval (e.g., BMI level, sustained weight min/max, step therapy such as a weight loss management program)?
  • ​Only fully insured HMO plans allow a medical necessity override for weight loss drugs. This override requires a diagnosis of morbid obesity and approval from the provider. Otherwise, GLP-1 medications are covered solely for diabetes management and weight control. All plans include coverage for diabetes-related GLP-1s.
  • For OAP plans under Level Funded plans, clients have the option to elect coverage for these weight loss drugs, which typically results in a pricing increase of 2.5-3%.
  • If this optional coverage is chosen, prior authorization is required to ensure that the medications are prescribed according to FDA guidelines. Once approved, these medications will be covered under Cigna’s formulary, and the specific coverage details will depend on the drug in question if the weight loss rider is purchased.
• Are there coverage limits (e.g., 6 months, one year, etc.)?
  • ​Pending
• Is the coverage full or is it at 50%?
  • Pending​
• Do members need to be enrolled in a comprehensive weight loss program before or concurrently receiving the weight loss drug?
  • ​Pending
• Supporting Collateral:
  • ​Click HERE for more details about the buy-up rider.
     Log in to the myCigna® App or myCigna.com® to use the Price a Medication tool to see how much your medication costs.
• Covered Medications:
  • ​These medications may need approval from Cigna Healthcare before the plan will cover them. They may also have quantity limits.
    • Adipex-P®
    • benzphetamine
    • Contrave®
    • diethylpropion/diethylpropion ER
    • ImcivreeTM 4
    • LomairaTM
    • Orlistat
    • phendimetrazine/phendimetrazine ER
    • phentermine
    • Qsymia®
    • Saxenda®
    • Wegovy®
    • Xenical®
    • ZepboundTM

Health Net

• Do your plans cover Weight Loss Drugs (GLP-1) if deemed medically necessary? If so, how are they covered?

  • Yes. All weight loss drugs require prior approval based on Health Net’s drug use guidelines

• Are there any clinical criteria for approval (e.g., BMI level, sustained weight min/max, step therapy such as a weight loss management program)?
  • ​​For approval, Health Net Medical Necessity criteria must be met based on:
    • BMI (Body Mass Index)
    • Documentation of member’s baseline and current height and body weight within the last 30 days
    • Other medical issues
    • Documentation supporting member’s participation in a Health Net-approved weight loss program (e.g., Weight Watchers) or other weight loss programs recommended by the prescriber that involves:
      • a reduced calorie diet
      • increased physical activity and
      • behavioral modification.
• Are there coverage limits (e.g., 6 months, one year, etc.)?
  • ​No, however, Health Net will requalify.
• Is the coverage full or is it at 50%?
  • ​Benefits will depend on the plan enrolled on.
• Do members need to be enrolled in a comprehensive weight loss program before or concurrently receiving the weight loss drug?
  • ​Yes, documentation supporting member’s participation in a Health Net-approved weight loss program (e.g., Weight Watchers) or other weight loss programs recommended by the prescriber that involves:
    • a reduced calorie diet
    • increased physical activity and behavioral modification.
• Supporting Collateral:
  • ​To request prior authorization, the prescriber must complete and fax a Prior Authorization form (PDF) to 866-399-0929.
  • To access Pharmacy Prior Authorization Guidelines, please refer to:
    Health Net Commercial Drug Coverage Policies | Health Net
  • To access the List of Covered Drugs based on your group size, please refer to:
    Employer Group Drug List | Health Net
• Covered Medications:​

  • Drug Name	FDA Approved Indications	Notes
    Ozempic Self-injection Dosing once a week	OZEMPIC® is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated as: • an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. • to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease.	Weight Loss – Not Covered Coverage Requires prior authorization. Based on BMI and other medical conditions
    Saxenda (self-injected medication) Dosing is daily	SAXENDA® is a glucagon−like peptide−1 (GLP−1) receptor agonist indicated: • as an adjunct to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management. • to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease. Requires 6 months participation in a lifestyle modification / weight loss program that includes a lifestyle program, a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity before requesting prior authorization. Adult patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of: 30 Kg/m2 or greater or 27Kg/m2 or greater in the presence of at least one weight-related medical condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia	Weight Loss – is Covered Coverage Requires prior authorization. Based on BMI and other medical conditions
    Wegovy (self-injected medication) Dosing is weekly	WEGOVY® is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated in combination with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity: • to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke) in adults with established cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight. • to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in: • Adults and pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with obesity • Adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition. Requires 6 months participation in a lifestyle modification /weight loss program that includes a lifestyle changes, a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity before requesting prior authorization. Adult patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of: 30 Kg/m2 or greater or 27Kg/m2 or greater in the presence of at least one weight-related medical condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia	Weight loss is covered. Coverage Requires prior authorization. Based on BMI and other medical conditions.
    Zepbound (self-injected medication) Dosing is weekly	ZEPBOUND® is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity: to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults with obesity or adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition. to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity. Requires 6 months participation in a lifestyle modification /weight loss program that includes a lifestyle changes, a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity before requesting prior authorization. Adult patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of: 30 Kg/m2 or greater or 27Kg/m2 or greater in the presence of at least one weight-related medical condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia	Weight loss is covered. Coverage Requires prior authorization. Based on BMI and other medical conditions
    Mounjaro Dosing is weekly	MOUNJARO® is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus	Weight loss is not covered

Hometown Health

• Do your plans cover Weight Loss Drugs (GLP-1) if deemed medically necessary? If so, how are they covered?
  • ​No, Hometown Health only covers these drugs with qualifying Diabetes diagnosis codes, not for weight loss.
    The coverage varies by plan, tier, and drug.
• Are there any clinical criteria for approval (e.g., BMI level, sustained weight min/max, step therapy such as a weight loss management program)?
  • ​N/A.
• Are there coverage limits (e.g., 6 months, one year, etc.)?
  • N/A.​
• Is the coverage full or is it at 50%?
  • ​N/A.
• Do members need to be enrolled in a comprehensive weight loss program before or concurrently receiving the weight loss drug?
  • ​N/A.
• Supporting Collateral:
  • ​N/A.
• Covered Medications:
  • ​N/A.

Nippon Life Benefits

• Do your plans cover Weight Loss Drugs (GLP-1) if deemed medically necessary? If so, how are they covered?
  • ​Weight loss drug coverage can vary by plan and state requirements.
     If a plan allows for weight loss drugs, coverage is subject to medical necessity which includes a Prior Authorization review.
• Are there any clinical criteria for approval (e.g., BMI level, sustained weight min/max, step therapy such as a weight loss management program)?
  • ​Prior authorization may require certain criteria is met such as, but not limited to, a minimum BMI reading and participation in a comprehensive weight management program.
• Are there coverage limits (e.g., 6 months, one year, etc.)?
  • ​Benefits are subject to plan provisions including eligibility at the time services are rendered.
• Is the coverage full or is it at 50%?
  • ​Varies by plan and state requirements
• Do members need to be enrolled in a comprehensive weight loss program before or concurrently receiving the weight loss drug?
  • ​Prior authorization may require certain criteria is met such as, but not limited to, a minimum BMI reading and participation in a comprehensive weight management program.
• Supporting Collateral:
  • ​N/A.
• Covered Medications:
  • ​Pending

Sutter Health Plan

• Do your plans cover Weight Loss Drugs (GLP-1) if deemed medically necessary? If so, how are they covered?
  • ​Yes, if the drug is listed on the SHP Pharmacy Formulary.
    The member must obtain prior authorization for the necessary treatment of morbid obesity.
    Weight Loss Drugs are covered through Pharmacy benefits. Based on the Tier the medication falls under.
• Are there any clinical criteria for approval (e.g., BMI level, sustained weight min/max, step therapy such as a weight loss management program)?
  • ​The CVS Caremark PA Guideline requires the Patient to have a documented diagnosis of morbid obesity as defined by:
    • A current body mass index (BMI) of greater than or equal to 40 kilograms per square meter OR
    • A documented BMI of greater than or equal to 35 kilograms per square meter AND the patient has one or more comorbid conditions (cardiovascular disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, elevated waist circumference) OR other obesity-related medical condition (sleep apnea)
  • And that all the following are met:
    • There is documentation that the patient is actively enrolled in a weight loss program that involves a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity adjunct to therapy
    • The patient’s age is appropriate according to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeling for the requested drug
    • The patient is NOT receiving TWO drugs for weight loss at the same time
    • The patient does NOT have any contraindications to the requested drug
    • The requested drug is being used for an FDA-approved indication
• Are there coverage limits (e.g., 6 months, one year, etc.)?
  • ​No, it is based on medical necessity.
• Is the coverage full or is it at 50%?
  • ​It depends on the Pharmacy benefits for the specific plan, and the Tier determined by the SHP Formulary.
• Do members need to be enrolled in a comprehensive weight loss program before or concurrently receiving the weight loss drug?
  • ​Yes, documentation is required that the patient is actively enrolled in a weight loss program that involves a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity adjunct to therapy.
• Supporting Collateral:
  • ​Click here to view the general Pharmacy Benefits Flyer. The EOCs for each plan also have related information under Pharmacy Exclusions and Limitations.
• Covered Medications:
  • ​SHP Pharmacy Formulary: https://www.sutterhealthplan.org/pdf/sutter-health-plus/shp-formulary.pdf
    • ​Dulaglutide: Brand name Trulicity. Listed on Page 51.
    • Liraglutide: Brand names Victoza and Saxenda. Listed on page 16.
    • Semaglutide: Brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. Listed on pages 51, 16, 51.
    • Tirzepatide: Brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound. Listed on page 51, 16.

Total Benefit Solutions

• Do your plans cover Weight Loss Drugs (GLP-1) if deemed medically necessary? If so, how are they covered?
  • Weight Loss Drugs are not regularly covered by our plans for fully insured customers. Some exceptions can be made with our underwriting departments approval. However, our CVS Weight management program along with some other prior authorization bundles are available for self-insured customers who want to cover weight loss drugs.
  • Our CVS Weight Management program provides support to members taking anti-obesity medications and includes expanded access to programs for proactive weight management. We have a three-pronged approach to coverage, cost and care that helps manage GLP-1 pharmacy expenses. We offer coverage that uses plan design and formulary options as the foundation and utilization management to bolster the care offered to members.
  • With the rise of GLP-1 medications, both for anti-obesity and diabetes, a holistic approach to weight management can help you achieve your overall benefit goals. CVS Weight Management offers a solution to effectively manage GLP-1 medications. It first starts with benefits coverage. Today we see approximately two-thirds of self-funded plan sponsors include GLP-1s in their anti-obesity coverage. For those that cover anti-obesity, formulary management is essential to effective cost management. Through size, scale and negotiations with manufacturers, we drive lower net costs within the therapeutic class and lower plan and member costs.
  • Our robust utilization management solutions ensure medications are used based on labeled indication and according to clinical guidelines. For anti-diabetic GLP-1s, we ensure clinically-appropriate use that limits member disruption. For anti-obesity products, we align to current clinical guidelines to ensure members meet body mass index (BMI) and weight loss thresholds to initiate and continue therapy.
  • ​CVS Weight Management can be integrated with Aetna pharmacy benefits through a required co-therapy integration or voluntary participation. If you select the required co-therapy integration, members are required to enroll and participate in the program to have access to anti-obesity medication. You can also elect to make this program voluntary for members, allowing them access to the support they need without an impact on their drug coverage
• Are there any clinical criteria for approval (e.g., BMI level, sustained weight min/max, step therapy such as a weight loss management program)?
  • ​To be eligible for the CVS Weight Management program, members must be:
    • Age 18+
    • MI ≥27 and an obesity-related comorbid condition
    • BMI ≥30 + with/without comorbid condition.
      * Obesity-related comorbid conditions include but are not limited to diabetes, prediabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, CAD, osteoarthritis and obstructive sleep apnea. Exclusion criteria apply.
  • *OR Members currently taking an Anti-Obesity Medication (AOM) Members take a screening to determine their eligibility. Members may be excluded from the program based on certain clinical criteria
• Are there coverage limits (e.g., 6 months, one year, etc.)?
  • ​Our CVS Weight Management program prescribes GLP-1 medications for weight loss under certain circumstances. As a best practice, we believe members should consult their primary care physician or other trusted provider to receive a prescription for weight loss medications.
• Is the coverage full or is it at 50%?
  • ​Plan sponsor cover Weight Loss Drugs within their pharmacy plan.
• Do members need to be enrolled in a comprehensive weight loss program before or concurrently receiving the weight loss drug?
  • Program options 
    • No Benefit Integration (Voluntary) – This is the Aetna International default recommendation.
      • In a voluntary model, members are not required to engage in the program before or during weight management medication use, but for those that do receive the same program support
    • Required Benefit Integration
      • ​In a required model, members would have to engage in the program while on a weight management medication to maintain plan designated cost share for the medication and are offered the option to participate before use of the medication.
• Supporting Collateral:
  • Click here for more information on GLP-1 and the CVS Weight Management Program and use the below link:
    • https://www.aetna.com/employers-organizations/glp1-benefits-coverage.html
• Covered Medications:
  • ​Our CVS Weight Management program prescribes GLP-1 medications for weight loss under certain circumstances. As a best practice, we believe members should consult their primary care physician or other trusted provider to receive a prescription for weight loss medications.

UnitedHealthcare

• Do your plans cover Weight Loss Drugs (GLP-1) if deemed medically necessary? If so, how are they covered?
  • ​Covered for CA small business fully insured plans.
• Are there any clinical criteria for approval (e.g., BMI level, sustained weight min/max, step therapy such as a weight loss management program)?Are there coverage limits (e.g., 6 months, one year, etc.)?​
  • (BMI) of greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 or 27 kg/m2 with an obesity-related comorbidity.
  • Motivation-based wellness program participation and prior authorization are required before drug coverage.
• Are there coverage limits (e.g., 6 months, one year, etc.)?
  • ​No, limitations are noted currently, but Prior Authorization and Supply Limits apply.
• Is the coverage full or is it at 50%?
  • ​GPL-1 covered medications in the PDL, cost-share applies based on Tier and the member’s Rx plan benefit.
• Do members need to be enrolled in a comprehensive weight loss program before or concurrently receiving the weight loss drug?
  • ​Motivation-based wellness program participation and prior authorization are required before drug coverage.
• Supporting Collateral:
  • ​N/A
• Covered Medications:
  • Pl​ease refer to the CA SB PDL lists for the GLP-1 medications covered.  They all fall under Tier 3 of the member’s Rx plan benefit. 
    NOTED:
    • PA (prior authorization required)
    • M (may be covered under the medical benefit with prior authorization for HMO plans
    • SL (supply limits) as outlined in the PDL