Anyone on Medicare been prescribed Zepbound for sleep apnea?

@melin why would Zepbound treat sleep apnea? I think if you lost weight due to the drug that would help your apnea but you didnt mention that youve lost any yet. Also why cant you use your cpap machine? Ive been using mine for about 10 years. Donyou need to try a different mask?

@jo4joy My doctor had me change to Metamucil 1 Tbsp per day several months ago andI have been fine since. I no longer take the Miralax and Optifiber, only the Metamucil and it is working great. I can't wait to be off the Zepbound. I am down to 129 pounds from 173 and I don't want to lose any more weight but I am afraid if I go off the Zepbound I might start to regain the weight again. I see my endocrinologist next month so I will find out what he wants me to do. I am sure Medicare will no longer cover the medicine since I am now well within normal weight.

@gravity3
Medicare is scheduled to start a program on July1, 2026 that will pay for Zepbound with a $50 monthly co-pay.

Just checked this out online and it is true under some conditions. Such great news.

@jo4joy why don’t check the criteria of part D .

The new program under Medicare will not fall under the Part D plan. It is outside that plan and you can't have underlying causes just obesity and a high BMI. The program is temporary and your doctor has to submit paperwork to get you into the program.

@medisecy
What are the side effects?
How does Medicare or doctors determine if you're eligible? Examples: overweight by 20# pounds, BMI of 28 or more? Besides having sleep apnea. And can your primary doctor prescribe it?, or does it have to be Sleep Apnea Dr? (If there's acual doctors like that?) Does one have to have a current sleep study?, my last one may be 8-10yrs old. Thanks in advance for your answers. Congratulations on your your weight-loss

@bp486 I am 67 years old and have had sleep problems since I was very young. I’ve been on numerous sleep medications that didn’t help me to fall asleep or stay asleep without having at least 2 or 3 of their listed side effects. If the medication says it can cause weight gain, I’ll be the one to gain 25 or 30 lbs. Seroquel , 100mg. Along with one 2 mg Lorazepam was working nicely for me until the weight kept piling on. Now I’m back to discussing other sleep medications with my Psychiatrist. They wouldn’t prescribe me the weight loss drugs because my BMI wasn’t over >27 or >30 but am now considered overweight. I’ve not been this heavy in over 35 +years. I’d love to be prescribed, short term, Zepbound. I truly believe in getting into a good exercise regime and continue a healthy diet, I could stay with what works (Seroquel) for sleep and use the Zepbound for the short term use to lose the weight I’ve already gained. I live in Kansas, have Medicare, BCBS FEP and thirdly, a UHC plan through Kancare.

@gwenrn74
Were the side effects with Zepbound less/better than with Ozempic?