Gauthier S, Albert M, Fox N, Goedert M, Kivipelto M, Mestre-Ferrandiz J, et al
Activates melanocortin-1 receptors in melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production and increasing skin pigmentationproducing darker skin tones with reduced UV exposure requirements

Try the BMI Calculator Table of contents The coverage split: diabetes vs weight loss How UnitedHealthcare structures GLP-1 coverage across plan types The prior authorization requirements you'll face What most articles get wrong about "medical necessity" The employer exclusion problem Brand-name vs compounded: coverage differences How to check your specific plan's coverage The step-therapy protocol UnitedHealthcare requires Out-of-pocket costs when coverage is approved What to do when your claim is denied The Medicare Advantage exception FAQ Sources The coverage split: diabetes vs weight loss UnitedHealthcare treats GLP-1 medications as two separate drug categories depending on the diagnosis code your provider submits: For Type 2 diabetes (ICD-10 code E11.x): Ozempic (semaglutide), Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and Victoza (liraglutide) are typically Tier 3 or Tier 4 covered medications Prior authorization required but approval rates exceed 75% when BMI and A1C criteria are met Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) covered on most formularies as alternative to injectable options For obesity or weight management (ICD-10 code E66.x): Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are excluded on approximately 60% of employer-sponsored UnitedHealthcare plans When covered, placed on specialty tier (Tier 4 or 5) with 25-40% coinsurance Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg) has slightly higher coverage rates than Wegovy or Zepbound but still excluded on many plans The critical distinction: the FDA-approved indication determines coverage, not the medication itself

Retrieved from Kim, J
In the United States, obesity is a condition that affects as much as nearly 42% of the population and is associated with over $170 billion in medical costs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention