How long does a Ozempic approval last with BCBS Minnesota?

Kidney Disease (CKD) — Applies to Employer plans. Initial approval: 12 months. Renewal: every 12 months.

What does BCBS Minnesota require to renew Ozempic?

Kidney Disease (CKD) — Applies to Employer plans. Continuation approved via same criteria as initial approval, or via the continuation of therapy pathway if patient has been on a preferred agent within past 90 days.

How current is this information?

The oldest review date among the policies on this page is April 1, 2026. Each policy's effective and verification dates appear with its requirements. Confirm current benefits with your plan.

BCBS Minnesota coverage for Ozempic (Kidney Disease

Does BCBS Minnesota cover Ozempic for Kidney Disease (CKD)?

Yes. BCBS Minnesota covers Ozempic for kidney disease (CKD) with prior authorization. Other policy requirements and your plan's benefits also apply.

Policy document

BCBS Minnesota Employer / Commercial Insurance prior authorization policy

BCBS Minnesota · PA policy · Employer

View PDF Download

Employer: Covered (preferred drug). See the qualification pathways below.

Earliest policy review April 1, 2026. How we verify · Check your exact plan

Full requirements: Ozempic for Kidney Disease (CKD) (1 plan type)

Applies to Employer plans.

Covered (preferred drug)

Qualification pathways

You can qualify through any one of these.

CKD Indication - Ozempic in T2DM with CKD

All of:

Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
A1C ≥ 6.5% confirmed by lab test
Patient has chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Requested agent will be used to reduce risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease, and cardiovascular death
Patient will NOT use requested agent in combination with a DPP-4 containing agent
Patient will NOT use requested agent in combination with another GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist
No FDA labeled contraindications to the requested agent

Documentation to bring

Documentation of type 2 diabetes diagnosis
Lab test results showing A1C ≥ 6.5%
Documentation of chronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnosis
Prescriber statement that the requested agent will be used to reduce risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease, and cardiovascular death
Confirmation that patient is not using a DPP-4 inhibitor concurrently
Confirmation that patient is not using another GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist concurrently

Quantity limits

2 MG/3ML — 1 pen per 28 days
4 MG/3ML — 1 pen per 28 days
8 MG/3ML — 1 pen per 28 days

Approval and renewal

Initial approval: 12 months
Renewal: every 12 months
Renewal: Continuation approved via same criteria as initial approval, or via the continuation of therapy pathway if patient has been on a preferred agent within past 90 days.

Not covered when

Concurrent use with DPP-4 inhibitors
Concurrent use with another GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist
Personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2
Type 1 diabetes

Policy note: CKD indication for Ozempic (to reduce risk of sustained eGFR decline, ESKD, and cardiovascular death in T2DM with CKD) is recognized as an exception pathway to the metformin/insulin step therapy requirement. Specific eGFR or UACR thresholds are not defined in this policy document. T2DM diagnosis and A1C ≥ 6.5% are still required per the overall PA framework.

source: BCBS Minnesota Employer / Commercial Insurance prior authorization policy · View policy document (PDF)

Open on its own page →

Questions people ask

Does BCBS Minnesota cover Ozempic?: Yes. BCBS Minnesota covers Ozempic for kidney disease (CKD) with prior authorization. Other policy requirements and your plan's benefits also apply.
How long does a Ozempic approval last with BCBS Minnesota?: Kidney Disease (CKD) — Applies to Employer plans. Initial approval: 12 months. Renewal: every 12 months.
What does BCBS Minnesota require to renew Ozempic?: Kidney Disease (CKD) — Applies to Employer plans. Continuation approved via same criteria as initial approval, or via the continuation of therapy pathway if patient has been on a preferred agent within past 90 days.
How current is this information?: The oldest review date among the policies on this page is April 1, 2026. Each policy's effective and verification dates appear with its requirements. Confirm current benefits with your plan.

Summary of BCBS Minnesota's written policy, not a guarantee of coverage. Plans vary by employer and benefit design.