Medical Weight Loss in Alaska

Compounded GLP-1 medications (such as semaglutide or tirzepatide) may be prescribed only in limited, patient-specific circumstances under FDA regulations and Alaska Board of Pharmacy standards. In Alaska, compounded GLP-1 medications must be prepared pursuant to a valid prescription for an individual patient and are not permitted for routine use, bulk supply, or cost-based substitution when FDA-approved products are clinically appropriate and available.

At Be Well Medical Group, we carefully review each patient’s medical history, prior treatment response, and clinical needs before considering any compounded medication. Whenever possible, we prescribe FDA-approved GLP-1 therapies obtained directly through licensed retail or specialty pharmacies to ensure medication authenticity, proper dosing, and cold-chain safety.

FDA-approved GLP-1 medications include products manufactured by:

• Novo Nordisk (Wegovy®, Ozempic®)

• Eli Lilly (Zepbound™, Mounjaro®)

These medications are dispensed through regulated pharmacy channels and supported by extensive safety and efficacy data.

Compounded GLP-1 medications may be considered only when there is a documented medical necessity, such as intolerance to an excipient, dosing requirements not commercially available, or other clinically justified circumstances. When compounding is appropriate, prescriptions are filled exclusively by state-licensed compounding pharmacies that comply with applicable USP and FDA standards.

⚠️ Unregulated online sources, bulk-compounded products, and non-prescription GLP-1 medications should always be avoided due to significant risks related to dosing accuracy, contamination, and patient safety.

Does Insurance Cover GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications in Alaska?

Sometimes. Some insurance plans in Alaska, including Alaska Medicaid and select commercial insurers, may cover GLP-1 weight loss medications — but approval typically depends on meeting specific medical criteria and prior authorization requirements.

Coverage is most often considered when patients meet one or more of the following:

• BMI ≥ 30
  or

• BMI ≥ 27 with a weight-related medical condition, such as:

  • Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • High cholesterol

  • Obstructive sleep apnea

Many plans also require documentation of prior weight management efforts, which may include:

• Participation in a structured weight loss program (often 3–6 months)

• A calorie-restricted nutrition plan

• Lifestyle or behavioral counseling

• Regular physical activity (often ≥150 minutes per week)

Because coverage requirements vary by insurer and plan — and may differ between Alaska Medicaid and private insurance — we recommend confirming benefits directly with your insurance provider. Our clinic can assist with medical documentation and prior authorization when coverage is pursued.

The $100/month membership makes care simple and accessible for patients throughout Alaska and includes:

• Ongoing care with a licensed medical provider

• Up to one appointment per month, delivered via telehealth or in person when applicable

• Management of established conditions, medication follow-ups, and routine care

• Care coordination and documentation support as needed

• Secure messaging and follow-up communication related to your care plan

Please note:

• The membership is not available for new patients

• New patient visits, extended visits, procedures, and certain services may require separate scheduling or fees

• Membership does not guarantee insurance coverage for medications, labs, or imaging

• Controlled substances, specialty services, and higher-acuity care may require additional evaluation or visits

• Up to one evaluation or follow-up visit per month (telehealth or in-person)

• Progress tracking and medication adjustments

• Messaging access for brief questions between visits
  

Please note:
💡 The membership does not include the cost of lab work or medications.

We’ll help you find affordable labs and pharmacy options, including manufacturer-approved retail and specialty pharmacies (for Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Zepbound™, Mounjaro®), CostPlus, or licensed California compounding pharmacies when medically indicated.

Most patients need basic screening labs before starting GLP-1 or other weight loss medications. These help ensure safety and guide treatment. We typically order:

• A1c (blood sugar control)

• Comprehensive metabolic panel (liver, kidney, electrolytes)

• Thyroid test (TSH)

• Cholesterol panel

• Pregnancy test, if applicable 

We coordinate labs through our office, local Alaska Facilities (Quest, LabCorp, or community partners) and can help you access low-cost self-pay options if you’re uninsured.

Yes! Be Well Medical Group offers telehealth weight loss appointments statewide in Alaska, so you can receive care from anywhere — including Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, Juneau, the Kenai Peninsula, and rural communities across the state.

Telehealth visits include:

• Personalized medical evaluations

• Medication management, including GLP-1 therapies when appropriate

• Ongoing follow-ups and progress tracking

You’ll receive the same quality, evidence-based care and accountability — without needing to travel, right from home.

You’re not alone — and it’s not your fault. Obesity is a chronic medical condition, not a matter of willpower. Even with significant resources, sustainable weight loss can be challenging due to complex biological, hormonal, and metabolic factors.

At Be Well Medical Group, we treat obesity as the medical condition it is. Our approach addresses metabolism, hormones, mental health, sleep, and medication effects that can interfere with weight loss. We provide evidence-based, compassionate weight loss care for patients across Alaska, including statewide telehealth, to support safe, sustainable, long-term results.