Does Medicare Cover Victoza?

Medicare Benefits Solutions
Dec 27, 2021

Since Victoza is a prescription medication, Medicare Part A and Part B usually won’t provide coverage for it. With your Medicare benefits, Part D prescription drug coverage could help cover the costs. If you’re currently under Original Medicare, you would need to enroll in a Prescription Drug Plan that functions as a stand-alone plan from Original Medicare. 

A lot of people who are entitled to Medicare benefits choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Private companies offer these plans, and they have the same coverage you get under Original Medicare with expanded benefits like dental and vision. They can also include coverage for prescription drugs like Victoza.

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Part D plans can vary, and every plan has a different formulary or list of medications it covers. Victoza usually falls under Part D coverage because you can’t purchase it as an over-the-counter medication. 

Victoza Cost with Medicare Benefits

If your doctor prescribes Victoza, how much you have to pay will depend on the plan’s provider and your drug coverage plan. Drug plans come with pricing tiers based on generic or brand-name medications. Whether or not the pharmacy you use falls in your plan’s network will also factor in. Some Medicare benefits will cover the cost fully when the doctor prescribes it for a medically necessary treatment plan. You may have to pay a copayment for other plans. 

However, depending on the pharmacy you visit, the cost for this drug can be upwards of $700 or more for a supply of 6 milliliters. This works out to roughly $119 per unit. However, the prices can fluctuate. This is why it’s a great idea to discuss your treatment options with your doctor when it comes to learning how to manage your type 2 diabetes. Your doctor can walk you through your risks, considerations, and possible complications to create a tailored treatment plan that won’t break your bank.

Type 2 diabetes is very common, and millions of Americans have been diagnosed with this condition. The exact cause can vary, but smoking, excess weight, and not being physically active can contribute to it. Your body develops a resistance to insulin with Type 2 diabetes. This means that you can’t utilize the insulin correctly or regulate your body’s insulin production. It usually affects people over 65 or older adults in general. 

If this form of diabetes doesn’t get treated, it can lead to severe health issues like stroke, heart disease, hypertension, kidney disease, and amputation. Changing your diet and exercising are two big recommendations if you have it, and many doctors also prescribe medications to help you manage it. Medicare benefits can help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs for Victoza to help manage your symptoms and give you some relief. 

How Victoza Works

Victoza is an injection-based medication that falls into the non-insulin category. It will lower your blood sugar levels and help prevent issues with your cardiovascular system. You typically take it once a day. Your diet will directly impact your body’s insulin regulation and production, so it’s essential that you know when and how to take this medication. It’s also a good idea to be very attentive to strict guidelines. Taking this medication can change how you plan your meals, and it’ll dictate if you have to take it at mealtimes. 

Additionally, you could also experience side effects with this medication, so you should have a good understanding of the benefits and risks. You should let your doctor know right away if you start to experience new or worsening symptoms when you start to take it. 

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