May 4, 2026 at 3:17 AM#6
Can confirm about Cigna specifically — they are the WORST for GLP-1 PAs. My practice has a 23% first-attempt approval rate with Cigna vs. 71% with UHC and 65% with Aetna. Cigna's step therapy requirement means you usually have to fail phentermine or orlistat first, and they want 90 days documented on each. So you're looking at 6 months of failed medications before they'll even consider a GLP-1.
Last edited: May 4, 2026 at 7:17 AM
32 2wanda_boise, NurseAsh_DET, BenResearch_OR and 29 others
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May 4, 2026 at 7:10 AM#7
For anyone dealing with step therapy requirements: ask your doctor to document a clinical contraindication to the step therapy drugs. Phentermine is contraindicated with uncontrolled hypertension, certain cardiac conditions, and hyperthyroidism. Orlistat is contraindicated with cholestasis or chronic malabsorption. If you have ANY of these, the step therapy can be bypassed. My doctor documented my tachycardia history and Cigna waived the phentermine requirement.
Last edited: May 4, 2026 at 12:10 PM
31 1Dr.PathRoch, mona_PHX, andrew_nyc and 28 others
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May 4, 2026 at 11:03 AM#8
UPDATE: you were RIGHT. I called Cigna and had them read back the PA details. My height was entered as 5'4" instead of 5'10". With the wrong height my BMI calculated as 28 instead of 36. My doctor's office resubmitted with correct measurements and it was approved in 48 hours. I cannot believe a typo cost me three months of denials and appeals. I'm furious but also relieved.
30 0MariaRD, AussieAnna, BethLabQueen and 27 others
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Shop Reference StandardsMay 4, 2026 at 2:56 PM#9
YES! So glad you caught that. A 6-inch height error is wild but honestly not surprising — data entry mistakes are one of the most common reasons for PA denials and nobody thinks to check.
For everyone else, here's my PA preparation checklist:
- ✓ Get your plan's specific coverage criteria document
- ✓ Verify all demographic/biometric data is correct in your chart
- ✓ Document 6+ months of lifestyle modification attempts
- ✓ Have relevant labs drawn within 90 days
- ✓ List all relevant diagnosis codes
- ✓ Use the insurer's specific PA form
- ✓ Submit electronically, early in the week
- ✓ Attach all supporting documentation upfront
Do all of this and your chances go up dramatically.
29 24Dr.KarenChen, Dr.NateNeph, PharmD_Rodriguez and 26 others
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May 5, 2026 at 9:34 AM#10
Saving this entire thread. Starting the PA process with Express Scripts next week for Mounjaro. My doctor already has my 8 months of Noom records and dietitian visits documented. Going to call Express Scripts tomorrow to get the coverage criteria document. Feeling way more confident now.
5 3PeptideSynthNJ, Dr.KarenChen, Dr.NateNeph and 2 others
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