Victoza (Liraglutide) Medicare Coverage

Victoza is a medication that contains the active ingredient Liraglutide. Victoza is used to improve control of blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.

Victoza is injected subcutaneously, or right under the skin, once daily. It works by increasing insulin secretion and decreasing other substances that lead to high blood sugar. It also decreases A1C.

Common side effects of Victoza include headache, diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, loss of appetite, irritation where the shot is given and nose or throat irritation.

How much does Victoza cost with Medicare?

Victoza coverage and costs may vary based on the specific plan you have, as well as what coverage stage you're in.

Contact your plan carrier or consult your plan formulary for more cost information.

Does Medicare cover Victoza?

According to GoodRx, 94% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Victoza in 2023.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Victoza include copay amounts that can range widely from one plan to another. Plan members may also be responsible for meeting a deductible before the plan’s drug coverage kicks in.
  
  
• Medicare Advantage plans that offer prescription drug coverage are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD). 89% of 2024 Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage.²
  
  
• Medicare prescription drugs plans each have their own formulary, or drug list, that details what prescription drugs are covered by the plan and how they are covered.

Drug coverage may vary based on plan availability. You may be able to find Medicare Advantage plan options in your area that cover Victoza. We represent carriers such as Humana, UnitedHealthcare^®, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna Healthcare, Wellcare, or Kaiser Permanente.

You can also compare Part D prescription drug plans available where you live and enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan online when you visit MyRxPlans.com.

Additional information

Victoza should be given as an injection into the fatty part of the skin on the thigh, stomach or upper arm. Pick a new site to inject the shot each time that you give it, with a new needle every time. Wash your hands before and after use.

Victoza has shown to cause thyroid cancer in some animals, although it is unknown if this risk extends to humans. Call your doctor right away if you have a lump in your neck, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing or hoarseness that will not go away.

Do not use Victoza if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2) or if you or a family member have had thyroid cancer.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not healthcare advice, treatment, or diagnosis. It is not an endorsement of or recommendation for this medication. Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about your specific healthcare needs, including your prescription medications. Only take medication as directed by your doctor.

Coverage and costs of prescription medications will vary by Medicare plan. Not all plans are available in all areas.

Written by Hayden Gharibyar, Pharm.D.