From the Guidelines
For patients with cardiovascular disease and obesity in Las Vegas who have UnitedHealthcare POS insurance, the most effective way to access tirzepatide (Mounjaro) at reduced or no cost is through the Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program or the manufacturer's savings card program, as these programs can provide significant discounts or temporary assistance while navigating insurance approval. According to the 2024 ESC guidelines for the management of chronic coronary syndromes 1, weight management is crucial for patients with cardiovascular disease, as obesity is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The guidelines recommend healthy diets and increased physical activity for weight management, and consider pharmacological treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as tirzepatide, for further weight reduction if weight targets are not reached. Some key points to consider when accessing these programs include:
- Eligibility requirements for the Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program, which may include specific income requirements and medical necessity documentation from a cardiologist or primary care physician
- Coverage details and prior authorization requirements for UnitedHealthcare POS plans, which may vary by specific plan and require verification with UHC directly
- The potential benefits of tirzepatide for patients with both cardiac issues and obesity, including weight loss and cardiovascular benefits, as demonstrated in the SURMOUNT-1 trial 1
- The importance of speaking with a cardiologist or primary care physician to determine eligibility and provide necessary documentation of medical necessity.
From the Research
Available Programs for Patients with Cardiovascular Disease and Obesity
- There are no specific programs mentioned in the provided studies that offer free tirzepatide (Tirzepatide), Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), or similar medications to patients with cardiovascular disease and obesity in Las Vegas with UnitedHealthcare (UHC) Point of Service (POS) insurance 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies suggest that tirzepatide is effective in reducing body weight and improving cardiovascular outcomes in patients with obesity and cardiovascular disease 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Eligibility and Estimated Impact of Tirzepatide Treatment
- A study estimated that 38% of US adults, representing 93.4 million people, are eligible for tirzepatide treatment based on the SURMOUNT-1 trial eligibility criteria 6.
- The same study estimated that tirzepatide treatment could lead to a 58.8% reduction in the number of adults with obesity and a 23.6% relative reduction in 10-year cardiovascular disease risk 6.
Insurance Coverage and Availability
- The provided studies do not mention specific insurance coverage or availability of tirzepatide in Las Vegas with UnitedHealthcare (UHC) Point of Service (POS) insurance 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Patients with cardiovascular disease and obesity should consult their healthcare provider and insurance company to determine the availability and coverage of tirzepatide or similar medications 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.