Massachusetts Medicaid: Weight loss and obesity drug coverage update

Beginning July 1, 2026, to comply with MassHealth, we’ll no longer cover prescription drugs used for the treatment of weight loss and obesity. This change applies to all UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Massachusetts members.

Prescription drugs affected by this change

The following drugs will no longer be covered to treat weight loss and obesity:

Contrave® (naltrexone/bupropion)
Didrex (benzphetamine)
Dietylpropion (diethylpropion extended release)
Lomaira®, Adipex-P® (phentermine capsule, tablet)
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)
Ozempic® (semaglutide)

Phendimetrizine (phendimetrazine extended release)
Qsymia® (phentermine/topiramate)
Saxenda® (liraglutide)
Wegovy® (semaglutide)
Xenical® (orlistat)
Zepbound® (tirzepatide)

What isn’t changing

These drugs will continue to be covered for Medicare-covered conditions only, like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease or obstructive sleep apnea. Any indication excluded by Medicare, including weight loss and obesity, will not be covered.

How members can continue prescription access

If one of the drugs listed above is prescribed to treat a condition other than weight loss and obesity, and there is no current prior authorization, please submit a prior authorization for the Medicare coverable indication.

How to submit and manage prior authorizations

Sign in to the UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal with your One Healthcare ID
- If you don’t have a One Healthcare ID, register now
From the left-hand tabs, select Prior Authorizations & Notifications