Is Ozempic Covered by Manulife?
By Krista DeKuyper | May 15, 2023 |
The rise of Ozempic has not gone unnoticed. While usually used by people with Type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has quickly been used by individuals who are looking to lose weight. So the question is, is Ozempic covered by Manulife? In this article, we’ll explore what Ozempic is, how Manulife insurance covers it, and whether it’s covered for weight loss purposes. So, let’s dive right in!
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a prescription medication used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It’s a once-weekly injectable medicine that belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Ozempic works by stimulating insulin production, reducing the amount of sugar that your liver makes, and slowing down the digestion of food.
While Ozempic is primarily used to assist with blood sugar control in individuals with Type 2 diabetes, some people have reported using the medication to aid in weight loss. It’s believed that the medicine slows down the digestion of food, which in turn, makes a person feel fuller for a longer period of time. This feeling of fullness can help individuals consume fewer calories throughout the day. While some studies have shown positive results in weight loss, it’s important to note that Ozempic should not be used specifically for weight loss purposes and should only be taken under the guidance of a medical professional.
Is Ozempic Covered by Manulife?
It depends. If you have Type 2 diabetes and an insurance plan through Manulife, then Ozempic will be covered. However, it will not be covered if you’re looking to use it to lose weight.
Criteria for Ozempic Coverage
To be eligible for coverage of Ozempic, Manulife requires that the patient must have documented evidence of a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, have tried and failed traditional oral medication, and adhere to the required monitoring and documentation of the therapy.
Are weight loss drugs covered by manulife?
Generally no. Weight loss drugs are under the umbrella called lifestyle drugs. Lifestyle drugs include prescription birth control drugs, glucose sensors, oral erectile dysfunction drugs, smoking cessation drugs and aids, medical marijuana, Intra Uterine Devices (IUDs) and diaphragms, anti-obesity drugs, vaccines etc. Most individual health plans do not cover these types of drugs. However there is 1 plan that does cover weight loss drugs.
Manulife CoverMe Guaranteed Issue Enhanced Health and Dental Plan
The Manulife CoverMe Guaranteed Issue Enhanced Health and Dental Plan does cover $500 for lifestyle drugs. With this plan, you can get coverage for anti-obesity drugs if that’s what you wish. However, you will need to thoroughly read the terms and conditions to find out whether Ozempic is covered by Manulife CoverMe Guaranteed Issue Enhanced Health and Dental Plan
Click here to see a sample policy that indicates limitations, exclusions, and conditions
Conclusion
In conclusion, Manulife insurance coverage usually extends Ozempic coverage for people with Type 2 diabetes. However, if you’re looking to use it to lose weight, it is not covered by most Manulife plans except for Manulife Guaranteed Issue Enhanced Plan.
If you’re looking to apply to Manulife CoverMe Guaranteed Issue Enhanced Health and Dental Plan or look at a quote, use our instant quoting tool!
