Majority of weight loss drug prescriptions going to commercially insured patients 

In 2023, more than 61% of Ozempic prescriptions went to patients with commercial health insurance, and less than 10% of all semaglutide prescriptions went to Medicaid enrollees, according to a study published Aug. 2 in JAMA Health Forum.

The researchers used data that captures 92% of prescriptions dispensed at U.S. retail pharmacies between January 2021 and December 2023. 

The study analyzed monthly prescriptions for semaglutide brands Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus that were paid for through commercial insurance, Medicaid, Medicare Part D, or cash.

Five notes:

1. The number of semaglutide fills increased 442% between January 2021 and December 2023. 
   
   
2. Ozempic accounted for more than 70% of prescriptions during that period.
   
   
3. In 2023, commercial insurance accounted for 61.4% of Ozempic payments, 89.5% of Wegovy, and 58.1% of Rybelsus. 
   
   
4. Medicare Part D accounted for 28.5% and 32.9% of Ozempic and Rybelsus fills, respectively, and for 1.2% of Wegovy fills. 
   
   
5. Medicaid accounted for less than 10% of fills for all 3 brands in 2023.