Does Veterans Affairs (VA) cover Zepbound?
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The VA's April 2026 criteria for Zepbound in weight management match its Wegovy criteria: documented lifestyle intervention such as MOVE! within the past year, and a BMI of 27 or more with at least one weight-related condition.
What Veterans Affairs (VA) specifically requires
- Documented participation in a comprehensive lifestyle intervention at least once in the past year; MOVE! is one example
- BMI of 27 or more with at least one weight-related condition
- Pregnancy excluded before starting, with contraceptive counseling for patients who can become pregnant
Sources: VA PBM criteria for use: tirzepatide (Zepbound) for weight management (Apr 2026)
About VA coverage
- VA criteria for Wegovy and Zepbound require documented participation in a comprehensive lifestyle intervention covering diet, physical activity and behavior change at least once in the past year; MOVE! is one example. VA PBM criteria for use: semaglutide (Wegovy) for weight management, Apr 2026
- The VA criteria use a single BMI threshold: 27 or more with at least one weight-related condition, such as hypertension, prediabetes, sleep apnea or osteoarthritis. VA PBM criteria for use: tirzepatide (Zepbound) for weight management, Apr 2026
- Exclusions include pregnancy, breastfeeding, a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2, severe gastroparesis, and pancreatitis with ongoing risk. VA PBM criteria for use: tirzepatide (Zepbound) for weight management, Apr 2026
Where to get Zepbound
Telehealth services that handle Zepbound, useful while prior auth processes or as a cash-pay alternative. We may earn a commission. See disclosure.
Ro
from $149/mo- Best for insured patients
- Best for clinical oversight
Ro Body, branded GLP-1 weight care program
Hims
from $149/mo- Best for cash-pay
- Best for speed
Hims Weight Loss, branded GLP-1 on a monthly membership
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Coverage varies between carriers and even between plans at the same carrier. Compare GLP-1 coverage across 20 US insurers and programs, or run the insurance pre-check to estimate your specific plan's odds.
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Frequently asked
Does Veterans Affairs (VA) cover Zepbound?+
The VA's April 2026 criteria for Zepbound in weight management match its Wegovy criteria: documented lifestyle intervention such as MOVE! within the past year, and a BMI of 27 or more with at least one weight-related condition.
Does Veterans Affairs (VA) require prior authorization for Zepbound?+
Yes. Veterans Affairs (VA) requires prior authorization for Zepbound. Your prescriber submits the request with the documentation listed in the VA criteria on this page.