Contrave is an FDA-approved prescription weight loss medication that combines two drugs, naltrexone and bupropion. It has been used to treat obesity in combination with diet and exercise for over a decade, yet many insurance companies still don’t cover it. As of now, only seven insurers in the United States offer coverage for Contrave: Aetna, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health Net, and Health Care Service Corporation. In this blog post we will dive deeper into the reasons why Contrave isn’t covered by more insurance companies as well as what you can do to get your Contrave medication covered by your insurance provider.
What is Contrave?
Contrave is a weight loss medication that is taken by mouth. It is a combination of two drugs, naltrexone and bupropion, which work together to help people lose weight.
Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist that helps to reduce hunger and cravings. Bupropion is an antidepressant that helps to increase energy and feelings of fullness.
Contrave is approved for use in adults who are obese or overweight with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. It is also approved for use in adults who have a BMI of 27 or greater and who also have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Contrave must be used along with diet and exercise. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of Contrave before starting treatment.
How Does Contrave Work?
Contrave is a prescription medication that is used to help people lose weight. It works by reducing the amount of food that you eat and by increasing the amount of energy that you burn. The medication is taken by mouth, typically two times per day.
Contrave is approved for use in adults who are overweight or obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. Contrave is not for people who have eating disorders or who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is important to note that Contrave is not a miracle weight loss drug; it requires effort on your part to lose weight. You will need to eat less and exercise more while taking this medication. If you do not make these changes, you will likely not lose any weight, and may even gain weight.
If you are having trouble losing weight on your own, Contrave may be a good option for you. It is important to speak with your doctor about all of your options before starting any weight loss program.
What Insurance Companies Cover Contrave?
There are a number of insurance companies that cover Contrave, a prescription medication used to treat obesity. Some of the more popular insurers that cover Contrave include Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare.
In order to determine if your insurance company covers Contrave, you will need to contact them directly and ask about their coverage for the medication. Be sure to have your insurance information handy when you call, as they will likely need this in order to look up your policy.
If your insurance company does cover Contrave, they may require you to get prior authorization before they will cover the cost of the medication. This means that your doctor will need to send a letter to the insurance company outlining why they believe Contrave is necessary for your treatment. The insurance company will then review this information and make a decision about coverage.
Even if your insurance company does cover Contrave, you may still be responsible for some out-of-pocket costs. This can include things like copays or coinsurance payments. How much you will pay out of pocket will depend on your individual policy.
If you are having trouble getting coverage for Contrave through your insurance company, there are other options available. You can contact the drug manufacturer directly to see if they offer any patient assistance programs. Additionally, there are a number of online pharmacies that sell Contrave at a discounted price.
How Much Does Contrave Cost?
If you’re looking to lose weight with the help of Contrave, you may be wondering how much it will cost. The answer depends on your insurance coverage. Many insurance companies cover Contrave, but some may only cover a portion of the cost. You can check with your insurance company to see if they cover Contrave and how much they’ll cover. If they don’t cover it, you can still get Contrave through a weight loss program called Noom. Noom offers a free trial, so you can try it before you commit to anything.
Are There Any Side Effects of Contrave?
Yes, there are potential side effects when taking Contrave. These include nausea, headache, vomiting, constipation, and dizziness. There may also be an increased heart rate and blood pressure. If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor right away.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s important to understand that insurance companies have different policies when it comes to covering Contrave. While some insurers may cover all or part of the cost associated with the medication, others may not provide any coverage at all. It’s best to check in with your insurance company and determine what their policy is before you start a treatment plan that involves Contrave. With this information, you can make informed decisions about how much you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket for your prescriptions and ensure that you’re getting the coverage and care that best suits your needs!
