"Ozempic Shortage: Navigating Challenges for US Diabetes Patients"

A nurse named April Peter shared on TikTok how her 69-year-old mother was able to get the weight loss drug Ozempic for free through Medicare. While Medicare typically does not cover Ozempic for weight loss purposes, Peter's mother was able to apply for the Ozempic Patient Assistance Program, which required her doctor's office to complete some paperwork. After approval, the medication was provided at no cost. However, patients seeking weight loss drugs like Ozempic or Mounjaro for non-diabetes purposes still face difficulties in obtaining coverage, as Medicare and other insurances require more research on the benefits of weight loss drugs for conditions like heart disease and fatty liver disease.