Medicaid
Covered with requirementsWhat you need to qualify
- A1C no higher than 7%
- Prior trial of another GLP-1 medication (Ozempic, Rybelsus, liraglutide, and Trulicity) for at least 90 days
- Prescribed by or in consultation with a specialist
- Lab results confirming eligibility
Qualification pathways
You can qualify through any one of these.
Pathway A: Diabetes with prior GLP-1 failure
All of:
- Member has been unable to achieve goal A1C (≤7%) or TIR (>70%) despite a 90-day trial of triple combination therapy consisting of Ozempic (liraglutide, Rybelsus, and Trulicity must be trialed if Ozempic is not tolerated), along with metformin, SGLT-2 inhibitor or insulin, as evidenced by paid claims or pharmacy printouts
- If triple therapy cannot be met with liraglutide/Ozempic/Rybelsus/Trulicity, clinical justification must be provided and triple therapy must be met with SGLT-2 inhibitor + DPP4 inhibitor + metformin
Plus any one of:
- Requested medication prescribed by or in consult with an endocrinologist or diabetes specialist
- Member has received diabetes education from a diabetic specialist, diabetic educator, or pharmacist (may be accomplished through the MTM program)
Pathway B: Member qualifies for tirzepatide based on Sleep Apnea criteria
All of:
- Member is otherwise eligible for approval for tirzepatide based on the Sleep Apnea (OSA) criteria (see Zepbound OSA entry)
- If member qualifies for tirzepatide, the most cost-effective tirzepatide product will be authorized
Documentation to bring
- Evidence of inability to achieve goal A1C (≤7%) or TIR (>70%) despite 90-day trial of triple combination therapy (Ozempic/liraglutide/Rybelsus/Trulicity + metformin + SGLT-2 inhibitor or insulin), evidenced by paid claims or pharmacy printouts
- Prescriber attestation of consultation with endocrinologist or diabetes specialist, OR documentation of diabetes education from diabetic specialist, educator, or pharmacist
- If GI intolerance bypasses GLP-1 trial: chart documentation showing dietary changes, meal size reduction, prescription antiemetics, and dose adjustment were trialed for at least two months
Approval and renewal
- Initial approval: 12 months
- Renewal: every 12 months
- To renew, the plan looks for Member must have experienced and maintained clinical benefit; must be at least 80% adherent.
Not covered when
- DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists not payable together
- Note: if member qualifies for tirzepatide, the most cost-effective tirzepatide product will be authorized (Mounjaro vs Zepbound)
Policy note: Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a NON-PREFERRED GIP/GLP-1 agonist requiring PA. PA required. Step therapy requires trial of Ozempic-based triple therapy first (or liraglutide/Rybelsus/Trulicity if Ozempic not tolerated). Alternatively, member may qualify via the OSA tirzepatide pathway. The document states: 'If the member qualifies for tirzepatide, the most cost-effective tirzepatide product will be authorized' - meaning Mounjaro and Zepbound are interchangeable cost-effectively. GI intolerances (high dose IR metformin: must trial minimum 500mg ER; for GLP-1 GI effects: must document dietary changes, meal reduction, antiemetics, and dose adjustment for at least 2 months before bypassing trial requirement).
Policy effective April 1, 2026 · verified June 3, 2026 · source: PDL-2026.4.pdf