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My Insurance Won’t Cover Semaglutide — What Can I Do?

If your semaglutide prescription was denied by insurance, don’t panic. This guide breaks down how to fight back with a prior authorization, ask about alternative meds, and explore safe, legal options like compounded semaglutide. Help is out there.

It’s frustrating, I know. You finally decide to take action on your health, talk to your doctor, maybe even get a prescription for semaglutide—and then your insurance says no.

If this happened to you, you’re not alone. Denials are incredibly common, especially when GLP-1 medications are prescribed for weight loss. But here’s the good news: you still have options. Whether you’re trying to appeal a denial, find a more affordable alternative, or explore other prescriptions that can help with appetite and metabolism, this guide will walk you through exactly what to do next.

Looking for a shortcut? If you’re already exploring compounded semaglutide, GobyMeds is one of the most reputable options we’ve found. They’re a telehealth provider offering compounded GLP-1 medications with medical oversight — no insurance needed.

📝 Step 1: Try a Prior Authorization (Don’t Skip This)
If your prescription was denied right away, there’s a good chance it’s because your doctor didn’t submit a prior authorization (PA) form yet. Most insurance plans require one before they’ll approve medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound—especially when used for weight management.

Here are some tips to improve your odds:

  • Make sure your doctor lists your BMI and any related health conditions (prediabetes, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, etc.)

  • Ask them to use the name of a specific medication, not just “GLP-1” or “weight loss shot”

  • If you’ve tried other weight loss methods, include that history in the notes (even things like lifestyle changes or failed diets)

  • Be persistent — some PAs get approved on the second or third attempt

💊 Step 2: Ask Your Doctor About Other Options
Even if semaglutide isn’t covered right now, there are other medications that may help with appetite, cravings, or metabolic health — and some are far easier to get approved.

Ask your doctor if any of these make sense for your situation:

  • Metformin – Often used off-label for weight loss in people with insulin resistance or PCOS

  • Bupropion (Wellbutrin) – A medication for depression that also helps with appetite and motivation

  • Topiramate – A migraine medication that also reduces appetite and snacking urges

Some of these can be used alone, or in combination. (For example, bupropion + naltrexone is the combo used in the brand-name drug Contrave.)

💡 Step 3: Try Prescription Discount Programs
Even if insurance doesn’t help, discount programs might.

  • GoodRx can sometimes get the cost of medications like metformin or bupropion under $20/month

  • Mark Cuban’s CostPlus Drugs is another solid option with transparent pricing

  • Manufacturer coupons (like for Wegovy or Zepbound) come and go — if you find one that applies to your situation, don’t wait

Just know that most of these programs don’t work for brand-name semaglutide unless you already have partial coverage. But they can still make other meds much more affordable.

🔍 Step 4: Know When to Consider Compounded Semaglutide
When brand-name options are out of reach, compounded semaglutide may be worth considering. Certain compounding pharmacies are allowed to make it during FDA-declared shortages—but not all compounders are trustworthy.

If you go this route, be cautious:

  • Look for pharmacies that are licensed and transparent about sourcing

  • Avoid sketchy pop-up websites or weight loss ads with no medical oversight

  • Ask about dosage, formulation, and whether you’ll have access to a medical provider

We recommend checking out GobyMeds, which offers semaglutide through licensed telehealth providers. They make the process clear, provide medical supervision, and don’t require insurance to get started.

✅ The Bottom Line
If your insurance won’t cover semaglutide, don’t give up. Between prior authorizations, alternate medications, discount programs, and safe compounding options, you still have choices—and we’re here to help you navigate them.

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