South Carolina Medicaid

Does South Carolina Medicaid cover Ozempic?

Quick answer · Type 2 Diabetes

South Carolina Medicaid covers Ozempic for type 2 diabetes with prior authorization on Medicaid.

  • Medicaid: Covered (preferred drug). Trial of metformin for at least 90 days, or a documented reason it can't be used (["intolerance", "contraindication"])

Last verified June 4, 2026. Policy effective May 1, 2026. Source: SCRx_PAcriteria_GLP1s.pdf. How we verify this data →

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Ozempic for Type 2 Diabetes

What South Carolina Medicaid requires, by plan type. Open this indication on its own page →

Medicaid

Covered (preferred drug)

What you need to qualify

  • Age 18 and older
  • Trial of metformin for at least 90 days, or a documented reason it can't be used (["intolerance", "contraindication"])
  • Lab results confirming eligibility

Qualification pathways

You can qualify through any one of these.

Adult initial approval for T2DM

All of:

  • Age >= 18 years
  • Documented diagnosis of T2DM
  • Trial and failure (e.g., A1C goal not met), intolerance, or contraindication to metformin (90-day lookback for paid claims in history)
  • Documentation of baseline A1C within the previous 3 months
  • Requested dose does not exceed the maximum FDA-approved dose for treatment of diabetes mellitus

Documentation to bring

  • Documented diagnosis of T2DM
  • Evidence of metformin trial and failure, intolerance, or contraindication (90-day lookback for paid claims in history)
  • Baseline A1C lab result within the previous 3 months
  • Confirmation that requested dose does not exceed maximum FDA-approved dose for diabetes

Approval and renewal

  • Initial approval: 6 months
  • Renewal: every 12 months
  • To renew, the plan looks for improvement in A1C and Reduction in A1C from baseline, OR A1C goal achieved, OR improvement in fasting blood glucose levels. Supporting documentation within the previous 3 months required. Patient must not have experienced any treatment-restricting adverse events.

Policy note: Ozempic is listed as a preferred product alongside Trulicity and Victoza. Non-preferred products (Mounjaro and others) require a trial or failure of preferred products, or rationale why preferred products cannot be used. The 90-day metformin lookback is based on paid claims history.

Policy effective May 1, 2026 · verified June 4, 2026 · source: SCRx_PAcriteria_GLP1s.pdf

Why Ozempic requests get denied by South Carolina Medicaid

Based on what this policy asks for. Fix these before the first submission.

  1. Wrong brand for the diagnosis. Ozempic and Wegovy are the same molecule with different approved uses; a request for Ozempic under a diagnosis that matches Wegovy is routinely denied.
  2. No documented metformin trial (dose, dates, and outcome) or a stated reason it can't be used.

Frequently asked questions

Does South Carolina Medicaid cover Ozempic?
South Carolina Medicaid covers Ozempic for type 2 diabetes with prior authorization on Medicaid.
Do you have to try metformin before Ozempic?
Yes for type 2 diabetes: South Carolina Medicaid requires a documented trial of metformin of at least 90 days, or a documented reason it can't be used (["intolerance", "contraindication"]).
How long does a Ozempic approval last with South Carolina Medicaid?
Initial approvals last 6 months, and renewals are granted in 12-month periods.
What does South Carolina Medicaid require to renew Ozempic?
Improvement in A1C and Reduction in A1C from baseline, OR A1C goal achieved, OR improvement in fasting blood glucose levels. Supporting documentation within the previous 3 months required. Patient must not have experienced any treatment-restricting adverse events.
How current is this information?
This page reflects South Carolina Medicaid's written policy as of May 1, 2026, last verified against the source document on June 4, 2026.

Other medications under South Carolina Medicaid

Ozempic coverage under other plans

All insurance plans · All medications

This page summarizes South Carolina Medicaid's written prior-authorization policy. It is not a guarantee of coverage; plans vary by employer and benefit design. Verify with your plan before relying on it.