Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?

Same active molecule (semaglutide), different FDA indications and maximum doses. Ozempic = type 2 diabetes, max 2 mg/week. Wegovy = chronic weight management, max 2.4 mg/week. Insurance pathways are very different.

Can I still get compounded GLP-1 in 2026?

For semaglutide: no — FDA declared the shortage resolved February 21, 2025 and 503A compounding is no longer broadly permitted. For tirzepatide: shortage resolved October 2024 (re-affirmed December 2024), with a wind-down enforcement window that ended in 2025. Some clinics still market "compounded" formulations with added ingredients (B12, glycine) as personalized prescriptions; the legal status is contested.

Why do GLP-1 medications cost so much in the US?

List prices ($1,100-$1,350/mo) reflect manufacturer pricing, US-specific lack of price negotiation (until IRA implementation), and high R&D recovery on patent. Cash and PAP programs now bring effective prices to $349-$499/mo (NovoCare Pharmacy, Lilly Direct).

Express Scripts (PBM) appeal guide

Express Scripts (PBM) Ozempic coverage appeal

Express Scripts (PBM) uses specific clinical-policy criteria for Ozempic. Most denials come from undocumented BMI history or missing step-therapy notes. Here is how to address both.

Express Scripts (PBM) prior authorization criteria for Ozempic

PA criteria set by sponsoring plan, not Express Scripts directly
Standard: BMI ≥30 + lifestyle documentation

Express Scripts (PBM) Ozempic policy bulletin

Step-by-step appeal flow

1
Pull your carrier policy bulletin
Express Scripts (PBM) publishes its Ozempic coverage criteria. Read it first — every successful appeal cites it back to the reviewer.
2
Document your medical necessity
PA criteria set by sponsoring plan, not Express Scripts directly Standard: BMI ≥30 + lifestyle documentation
3
Have your prescriber submit the PA
Most Express Scripts (PBM) PAs go through CoverMyMeds or the carrier portal. Your prescriber attaches BMI history, comorbidities (with ICD-10 codes), lifestyle program participation, and prior weight-loss attempts.
4
If denied — file the appeal within 60 days
Express Scripts is the pharmacy benefit manager — the underlying plan's PA criteria apply. Check the plan's coverage document; Express Scripts processes the appeal but doesn't set the criteria.
5
Submit external review if internal appeals fail
After two internal appeals, you can request external review through your state insurance commissioner. ERISA plans go through the federal external-review process.

Letter template

Customizable Express Scripts (PBM) appeal letter

We provide a generic medical-necessity letter generator. Customize with the Express Scripts (PBM)-specific framing above for highest first-pass success.

Generate appeal letter

Common questions readers ask

Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?: Same active molecule (semaglutide), different FDA indications and maximum doses. Ozempic = type 2 diabetes, max 2 mg/week. Wegovy = chronic weight management, max 2.4 mg/week. Insurance pathways are very different.
Can I still get compounded GLP-1 in 2026?: For semaglutide: no — FDA declared the shortage resolved February 21, 2025 and 503A compounding is no longer broadly permitted. For tirzepatide: shortage resolved October 2024 (re-affirmed December 2024), with a wind-down enforcement window that ended in 2025. Some clinics still market "compounded" formulations with added ingredients (B12, glycine) as personalized prescriptions; the legal status is contested.
Why do GLP-1 medications cost so much in the US?: List prices ($1,100-$1,350/mo) reflect manufacturer pricing, US-specific lack of price negotiation (until IRA implementation), and high R&D recovery on patent. Cash and PAP programs now bring effective prices to $349-$499/mo (NovoCare Pharmacy, Lilly Direct).

Editorial information based on published Express Scripts (PBM) coverage policies as of 2026. Your specific plan benefits may differ — confirm with your insurance card’s member services number. Not legal advice.