Some call me Mr
For you to qualify for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, a provider must submit a prior authorization request that attests the beneficiary meets the following criteria: The beneficiary is prescribed the requested drug to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction in combination with current and ongoing lifestyle modification including structured nutrition and physical activity consistent with the applicable FDA approved label, AND The beneficiary is at least eighteen (18) years of age and has a BMI greater than or equal to thirty-five (35) at the time of initiation of GLP-1 therapy, or The beneficiary is at least eighteen (18) years of age and has a BMI greater than or equal to thirty (30) at the time of initiating GLP-1 therapy with a diagnosis of one or more of the following: (A) heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, (B) uncontrolled hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure above 140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure above 90 mm Hg, despite concurrent treatment with two antihypertensive medications), or (C) chronic kidney disease stage 3a or above, or The beneficiary is at least eighteen (18) years of age and has a BMI greater than or equal to twenty-seven (27) at the time of initiating GLP-1 therapy with a diagnosis of one or more of the following: (A) pre-diabetes (as defined by American Diabetes Association guidelines), (B) previous myocardial infarction, (C) previous stroke, or (D) symptomatic peripheral artery disease
doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1607141 80 HolmanRRBethelMAMentzRJThompsonVPLokhnyginaYBuseJBet al
The FDA emphasizes that many compounded semaglutide products may use salt forms (such as semaglutide sodium or acetate), which differ from the active ingredients in approved formulations and lack evidence of safety or efficacy
This can create dangerous gaps in care, especially for individuals managing type 2 diabetes
