
Diclegis is a prescription medication used to treat morning sickness in pregnant women. Insurance coverage for Diclegis varies depending on the type of insurance plan and the patient's specific situation.
Many insurance plans, including Medicare Part D, cover Diclegis as a Tier 1 medication, which means it has a lower copayment requirement. In fact, according to the article, Medicare Part D plans cover Diclegis with a copayment of $0 to $10.
Insurance companies may require a prior authorization or step therapy for Diclegis, especially if it's not considered a first-line treatment for morning sickness. This means the patient may need to try other medications first before being approved for Diclegis.
Some insurance plans may also have specific requirements for Diclegis coverage, such as a doctor's note or proof of pregnancy.
Insurance Coverage of Diclegis
Insurance coverage of Diclegis can be a challenge for many women. Some insurance companies may not cover it because the active ingredients are available over-the-counter.

Diclegis can cost up to $450 a month, which can be a significant burden for many families. However, it's worth noting that some insurance companies, like Aetna, have expanded coverage for Diclegis, making it more accessible to women across the United States.
A prior auth, which is a request for prior approval from the insurance company, may be necessary to get Diclegis covered. Your doctor's office can help facilitate this process.
Over-the-counter options like antihistamines and vitamin B6 can be a more affordable alternative to Diclegis. However, these options may not be as effective for women with severe morning sickness.
In some cases, doctors may provide samples of Diclegis to help patients get started. This can be a temporary solution until insurance coverage is sorted out.
Diclegis Coverage Updates
Diclegis is now available through Aetna's National Coverage Policy, expanding its pharmacy coverage across the United States.
This addition significantly improves Diclegis' unrestricted access, making it available to more than 70% of women with commercial coverage.
Diclegis has preferred status in some influential State Medicaid programs, such as California, Nebraska, Tennessee, and Texas.
It's worth noting that Diclegis is the only FDA-approved and Pregnancy Category A prescription treatment for Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy.
Diclegis Not Covered

Diclegis is a medication that some insurance companies won't cover because the active ingredients, vitamin B6 and doxylamine, are available over-the-counter.
Insurance companies may deny coverage for Diclegis, resulting in high out-of-pocket costs for patients. For example, one person received a bill for $450 a month.
Your doctor may have samples of Diclegis that they can provide to help you get started. Some doctors' offices also offer to call your insurance company to try and get the medication covered through a prior auth.
You can try taking the active ingredients of Diclegis over-the-counter, such as vitamin B6 and doxylamine. This combination is often recommended as a lower-cost alternative.
For severe morning sickness, taking vitamin B6 three times a day and an antihistamine like unisom at night may be suggested. However, this may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who live alone at night.
Diclegis Now Available Through Aetna's National Coverage Policy
Diclegis is now available through Aetna's national coverage policy, making it a more accessible treatment option for women suffering from nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.

With this expansion, Diclegis improves its unrestricted access significantly, becoming available to more than 70% of women with commercial coverage.
This is a significant development, as Diclegis is the only FDA-approved and Pregnancy Category A prescription treatment for Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy.
Diclegis is indicated for the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in women who do not respond to conservative management.
The most common side effect of Diclegis is drowsiness, so it's essential to avoid engaging in activities requiring complete mental alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until cleared to do so by your healthcare provider.
Diclegis should be used with caution in women who have certain medical conditions, including asthma, increased pressure in the eye, and a stomach problem called stenosing peptic ulcer.
Diclegis Efficacy and Safety
Diclegis has been shown to be effective in treating nausea and vomiting in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum.
In clinical trials, Diclegis reduced the frequency of vomiting episodes by 30-40% compared to placebo. This improvement in symptoms can significantly impact a woman's quality of life and overall well-being during pregnancy.

Diclegis has been studied in over 1,000 pregnant women and has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated. Side effects are generally mild and may include dizziness, headache, and fatigue.
The most common side effect of Diclegis is dizziness, which occurs in up to 25% of women taking the medication. This side effect is usually mild and temporary.
Diclegis has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum. This approval is based on the medication's efficacy and safety profile as demonstrated in clinical trials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How expensive is Diclegis?
Diclegis can cost around $215.47 without a discount, but with a free coupon, the price drops to $180.37. This represents a 16.29% savings on the average retail price.
Is Diclegis covered by Medicaid?
Diclegis is now eligible for Medicaid coverage in all states, making it more accessible to pregnant women who need relief from nausea and vomiting. Pregnant women can check with their state Medicaid program to confirm coverage and learn more about this new benefit.
Sources
- https://community.babycenter.com/post/a58342234/diclegis_not_covered_by_insurance.
- https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12688301/diclegis-and-insurance
- https://community.whattoexpect.com/forums/june-2018-babies/topic/diclegis-not-covered.html
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diclegis-for-morning-sickness-now-available-through-aetnas-national-coverage-policy-300047836.html
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3990370/
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