Please directly call our main office to complete your appointment
Virtual Consultations
Book Appointment
850-407-2803
Menu
The Veterans Administration does not currently prescribe the diabetes and weight loss drug semaglutide, as it is not yet included in the VA's approved medication list for doctors to prescribe. However, there may be exceptions for veterans with unique medical circumstances that could justify receiving a semaglutide prescription through the VA system.
Can veterans get the new diabetes and weight loss drug Semaglutide through the VA? With obesity and diabetes plaguing the veteran population, many are eager to try this game-changing medication.
But does the VHA cover it? This article unpacks Semaglutide's benefits, examines the VA's prescription policies, and reveals whether veterans can really get this sought-after drug.
Semaglutide (brand name Ozempic) is an injectable prescription medication used for improving blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is in a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists that work by increasing insulin production and decreasing glucagon secretion when blood sugar is high. Semaglutide also slows digestion and reduces appetite, which can lead to weight loss.
In 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a higher dose Semaglutide injection called Wegovy specifically for chronic weight management in adults who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related medical condition. Both Semaglutide drugs require a prescription and are self-administered via injection under the skin once weekly.
Research has shown that Semaglutide is highly effective for lowering A1c levels (a measure of blood sugar control over 3 months) and supporting weight loss when combined with lifestyle modifications. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. More serious risks include thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, kidney problems, vision changes, and low blood sugar.
The Veterans Administration (VA), operates the United States’ largest integrated health care system. It provides medical benefits and services to military veterans across an extensive network that includes over 1,200 VA health care facilities.
Eligible veterans can receive comprehensive care through VA medical centers, clinics, and programs. Services encompass primary care, specialty care, mental health, women’s health, geriatrics, rehabilitation, and extended care. The VHA also fills over 120 million prescriptions annually through an in-house drug formulary system.
Enrollment in the VHA requires minimum active duty service time and an honorable discharge. Veterans must also meet income thresholds and have at least one service-connected disability to receive more comprehensive benefits. Once enrolled, veterans pay copays based on Priority Groups, but there are no monthly premiums.
When a VHA provider determines that a particular medication is medically necessary, they will write a prescription that can be filled at a VA pharmacy. The VHA has a National Formulary containing its approved drugs based on safety, efficacy, cost, and other criteria.
Veterans typically go through the following steps to receive a prescription through the VA:
In addition to the National Formulary, the VHA imposes several limits on drug coverage:
| Quantity limits | Restrictions on the amount of medication dispensed per prescription. |
| Prior authorization requirements | Certain medications may require prior approval before they can be prescribed. |
| Step therapy | Some medications may require veterans to try other, usually less expensive, medications before accessing them. |
| Pharmacy-level restrictions | Specific limitations may apply based on the type of pharmacy or medication. |
Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50% or more are eligible for prescriptions at no charge.
Those with lower ratings pay copays based on the tier of the medication:
This tiered copayment structure helps manage costs while ensuring access to necessary medications.
Based on current VHA policy and drug formularies, Semaglutide is not routinely prescribed to veterans obtaining medications through the VA health system.
As of now, Semaglutide is not routinely prescribed to veterans obtaining medications through the VA health system. The VHA National Formulary does not list Semaglutide as a covered prescription drug at this time, and it is not included in their preferred tiered formulary for diabetes or weight loss medications.
The National Formulary is reviewed quarterly, and updates may occur based on new evidence or changes in clinical guidelines. While Semaglutide is FDA-approved and has demonstrated benefits for managing diabetes and obesity, the VHA utilizes a comprehensive evaluation process before adding new drugs.
Veterans receiving care through the VA should not expect to be prescribed Semaglutide unless there are unique circumstances that justify its use. Such circumstances might include specific medical conditions or treatment plans that necessitate its prescription.
Assuming the VHA adds Semaglutide to the National Formulary, there are still multiple factors that will determine if an individual veteran can obtain a prescription:
A veteran must be enrolled in the VHA health care system and receive regular treatment from a VA provider. Eligibility depends on:
Only VHA providers can write prescriptions for medications covered under the VA system.
The VHA prioritizes medications for service-connected health conditions. If Semaglutide is added to the formulary, its use may be limited to veterans with diabetes or obesity directly linked to military service. Access will likely depend on:
Even if Semaglutide joins the National Formulary, it may be subject to various restrictions, including:
The VHA utilizes multiple formularies, so coverage may vary between regions and pharmacies.
Ongoing shortages of Semaglutide products could temporarily limit availability even for veterans who normally have access through the VA. During periods of low drug supply, rationing and distribution controls may be imposed until manufacturing stabilizes.
Rather than Semaglutide, the VHA currently covers several other medications for diabetes and weight loss including:
| Condition | Medications Covered by VHA |
| Diabetes | - Metformin- Sulfonylureas like glipizide- Insulin- SGLT2 inhibitors like empagliflozin- GLP-1 agonists like exenatide |
| Weight Loss | - Orlistat (Xenical) - Phentermine - Diethylpropion - Bupropion/naltrexone (Contrave) |
Lifestyle interventions for obesity like dietary therapy and physical activity programs are also extensively promoted within the VHA. Veterans work closely with their treatment teams to determine appropriate drug and non-drug options.
While the VHA does not currently cover Semaglutide, the prescription landscape for veterans is always evolving. Veterans interested in accessing this newer medication should stay up-to-date on National Formulary changes. In the meantime, VHA providers will continue recommending alternative therapies that are proven safe, effective, and available based on each veteran’s specific circumstances.
The question of VHA Semaglutide coverage requires monitoring policy updates from the VA Pharmacy Benefits Management Services. Veterans who want to explore their options beyond what the VHA offers can consult with non-VA providers or clinics to see if Semaglutide is right for them. With diligence and open communication, veterans can receive optimal diabetes and weight loss treatment through or outside the VA system.
Dr. V Medical Aesthetics is ready to help you achieve your beauty goals. Contact us today to learn more about any of our services, and exactly what our team can do for you.
