Insurance coverage
Does Cigna cover Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, and compounded GLP-1s? What prior authorization looks like, and what to do if you're denied.
| Medication | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Wegovy (semaglutide for weight loss) | Yes (with prior auth) |
| Zepbound (tirzepatide for weight loss) | Varies by plan |
| Ozempic (semaglutide for diabetes) | Yes for Type 2 diabetes |
| Compounded sema/tirz | No |
Cigna covers Wegovy with prior authorization. Zepbound coverage varies significantly across Cigna and Express Scripts plans.
Express Scripts is Cigna's PBM. Coverage tier and prior auth criteria are visible after sign-in at cigna.com.
Your prescribing clinician's office handles the prior authorization submission. Approval timelines vary from 24 hours to 2 weeks depending on the carrier.
If your prior authorization is denied or your plan excludes weight-loss drugs, you have three primary options:
NexLife is our 2026 editor's pick. $199/mo flat-rate compounded semaglutide, physician-led under Dr. Adam Kennah, MD, LegitScript certified.
Visit NexLife →Yes (with prior auth)
Varies by plan
Yes for Type 2 diabetes (Ozempic is FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes; off-label use for weight loss is generally not covered).
No. No major commercial payer covers compounded GLP-1 medications. Compounded prescriptions are paid out-of-pocket.
Most plans require: BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity (Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea); documented prior weight-loss attempts; ongoing clinical follow-up. Your prescriber's office handles the prior auth submission.
If your plan denies, options include: (1) appeal with additional clinical documentation; (2) compounded GLP-1s through telehealth ($199–$499/month); (3) manufacturer copay programs (limited). See our compounded vs brand-name guide.