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Ozempic (semaglutide) is available from pharmacies from around $915 per injection pen without insurance. While some insurance policies may cover Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, many who use it for weight loss may not receive coverage.
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The cost of Ozempic will vary depending on the dose, the number of pens, and which pharmacy a person chooses.
The following table shows the price of a 1.5 milliliter (mL) pen from several leading pharmacies when using coupons from Optum Perks. All information is correct at the time of publication.
| Costco | $1,049.50 |
|---|---|
| Walmart | $1,000 |
| Walgreens | $972 |
| CVS Pharmacy | $981 |
Usually, the generic version of a drug is less expensive. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved generic semaglutide for use.
As glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, including semaglutide, are more prone to shortages due to high demand, some pharmacies are selling compounded semaglutide. Some products use
Learn more about the cost of Ozempic.
Ozempic is expensive, especially if a person does not have insurance or the policy does not cover this medication. However, there are several ways to save on the cost of the drug.
Novo Nordisk’s Saving Card
Novo Nordisk, Ozempic’s manufacturer, has a Diabetes Savings Offer Program. This offer is unavailable for people who are enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare, or any other federal or state health programs.
This offer allows people to save a maximum of:
- $150 per 1-month prescription
- $300 per 2-month prescription
- $450 per 3-month prescription
To use this offer, people must be enrolled in a commercial insurance plan that covers part of the cost of Ozempic. It is not suitable for those with insurance that covers the entirety of the cost of this medication.
This saving option is only available for individuals with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
Novo Nordisk’s Patient Assistance Program
Novo Nordisk also offers a Patient Assistant Program (PAP). People who qualify will receive Ozempic at no cost.
To be eligible for this offer, individuals must:
- be a United States citizen or legal resident
- have a total household income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL)
- have Medicare or have no insurance
- not enroll, or not be eligible for, any other state, federal, or government assistance such as Medicaid, Low Income Subsidy, or Veterans Affairs Benefits
People can check whether they meet the FPL requirements on the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation website. For example, a family of three will meet the FPL criteria if they have a total household income of $103,280 or lower in the contiguous United States, $118,760 or lower in Hawaii, or $129,080 or lower in Alaska.
If a person is eligible for any state, federal, or government assistance, Novo Nordisk will ask them to sign a Patient Declaration stating they will not enroll in any programs. Proof of denial may be necessary.
The company states that people will know whether their application is successful in around 2 business days.
Novo Nordisk’s PAP is only available for those with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
Coupons and prescription cards
Some companies offer coupons and prescription cards to help reduce the cost of medication. One example is Optum Perks.
This company offers a free prescription card that over 64,000 pharmacies accept, including CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Walmart, and Costco. People can save up to 80% on most medications.
A person can use this card to receive discounts for every member of their family. It is free to download and use.
Optum Perks also offers coupons to reduce the cost of Ozempic. People can download the coupon to use in any of their local participating pharmacies.
People can purchase Ozempic from several telehealth companies without insurance.
Coverage for Ozempic will depend on the company offering the insurance plan. Companies may have different eligibility criteria, and people always need to discuss coverage as soon as possible.
There are several state, federal, and government programs that act like insurance that may help those on a lower income.
Medicare
Many people in receipt of Medicare Part D will receive coverage for Ozempic, as it is available from retail pharmacies.
Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage may also reduce the cost of this medication. It is important to check which medication each plan covers.
Medicaid
Medicaid may cover the costs of Ozempic. It is important to check with a person’s Medicaid plan for more information.
Below, we answer some common questions about the cost of Ozempic.
Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable medication, so a person will need up to four pens to cover 28 days of treatment. According to Optum Perks, the cost will start from $3,700.
People can get Ozempic if they do not have insurance. However, the cost is likely to be high.
However, Novo Nordisk’s Patient Assistance Program provides low cost or free medication to those who are eligible.
No reputable pharmacy will offer around 12 pens of Ozempic for $25.
If a person is finding it difficult to afford Ozempic, they may wish to check their insurance policy or see whether they are eligible for any state, federal, or government assistance. Novo Nordisk also offers a Patient Assistance Program for low cost or free medication.
According to Optum Perks, Walmart sells four pens of Ozempic for $4,000.
If a person does not have insurance, they may be eligible for Novo Nordisk’s Patient Assistance Program. If they meet the criteria, they can receive low cost or free medication.
People may also wish to check their eligibility for Medicaid, Medicare, or any other state, federal, or government assistance, as these can cover part of the cost of this medication.
Shopping around and finding pharmacies that offer competitive prices may help people save on Ozempic. Other strategies include using coupons and prescription cards and checking if a person is eligible for Novo Nordisk assistance programs.
Ozempic is a prescription medication with FDA approval for managing blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. While this medication is expensive, there are several options available for those with or without insurance or who are ineligible for coverage.
Coupons, prescription cards, and patient assistance programs can help reduce the cost of Ozempic for individuals with and without insurance.