How Much Does Ozempic Cost Without Insurance in the U.S.?
If you are paying for Ozempic without insurance, the list price at most U.S. pharmacies is approximately $998 for a one-month supply. However, very few people actually pay this full amount. The manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, offers a direct cash price program for people without insurance, bringing the cost down to between $199 and $499 per month, depending on your dose. For those with commercial insurance, out-of-pocket costs can be as low as $25 per month with a manufacturer savings card.
This guide will explain the current prices and provide clear steps you can take to find significant savings on your Ozempic prescription, whether you have insurance or not.
Key Takeaways
- The list price for Ozempic is about $998 per month, but direct manufacturer programs for the uninsured lower the cost to $199-$499.
- With commercial insurance and the Novo Nordisk savings card, your copay could be as low as $25 for a one to three month supply.
- The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP) may provide Ozempic at no cost if you are uninsured or on Medicare and meet specific low-income guidelines.
- Using prescription discount coupons, asking for a 90-day supply, or discussing therapeutic alternatives with your doctor are all effective ways to save.
- Coverage is almost always tied to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes; insurance rarely covers Ozempic when prescribed for weight loss alone.
How Can I Save on My Ozempic Medication?
The high cost of Ozempic can be daunting, but there are proven strategies to reduce your expense. Your path to savings depends largely on your insurance status and income.
Check If Insurance Covers Ozempic and Understand Ozempic Cost with Insurance
Your first step is to understand your own insurance plan. Call the number on your member card and ask these specific questions: "Is Ozempic (semaglutide) on my plan's formulary?" and "What is my copay or coinsurance for this medication?"
Most commercial and Medicare Part D plans cover Ozempic for its FDA approved use: managing type 2 diabetes. However, if your prescription is for weight management, coverage is far less common. Knowing your plan's rules helps you and your doctor build a case for coverage if needed.
Use a Savings Card for Ozempic From Novo Nordisk
If you have commercial insurance that covers Ozempic, the manufacturer's savings card is your best tool. It is free and can be downloaded from the official Ozempic website.
- For insured patients: This card can lower your copay to $25 for a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month supply. The offer provides up to $300 in savings per fill.
- For self-pay patients: If you are uninsured, a different program offers Ozempic at a set cash price. New patients can get the 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg dose for $199 per month for the first two months. After that, the price is $349 per month for most doses and $499 per month for the 2 mg dose.
Important Note: These savings cards are not valid for patients with government-funded insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE.
See If Medicare Extra Help Covers Ozempic Costs
If you have Medicare, a federal program called "Extra Help" (the Low-Income Subsidy) can drastically reduce your drug costs. This program can pay for your Part D premium and deductible and set a very low copay for brand-name drugs like Ozempic.
You may qualify automatically if you receive Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If not, you can apply through the Social Security Administration. It is a vital resource for Medicare beneficiaries with limited income.
Apply for a Patient Assistance Program for Prescribed Ozempic
For qualifying patients with significant financial need, the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP) provides Ozempic at no cost. Eligibility is based on several factors:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
- Your household income must be at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- You must be uninsured or have Medicare.
- You cannot be eligible for other government programs like Medicaid.
If approved, your medication is shipped to your doctor's office for you to pick up. Be sure to apply early, as processing can take time.
Download Coupons to Compare Ozempic Prices and Save on Ozempic
Independent prescription discount services like GoodRx, SingleCare, or Optum Perks offer free coupons. These are different from the manufacturer's card. You can use them to compare cash prices at pharmacies near you.
Simply search for "Ozempic" on one of these sites, select your prescribed dosage, and show the digital coupon to your pharmacist. Prices can vary significantly between pharmacies, so comparing can lead to instant savings.
Ask About Alternative GLP-1 Agonist Medication Such as Semaglutide
If Ozempic remains unaffordable, talk to your doctor about alternatives. Other medications in the same class (GLP-1 receptor agonists) might be covered by your plan or have lower cash prices.
- Rybelsus: This is the oral tablet version of semaglutide, the same active ingredient in Ozempic. It is also approved for type 2 diabetes.
- Other Injectables: Drugs like Trulicity (dulaglutide) or Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are different molecules but work similarly. Your doctor can advise if one is a suitable alternative for you.
Use HSA or FSA Funds to Reduce Ozempic Prices
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use these pre-tax dollars to pay for your Ozempic prescription. This effectively reduces your net cost because you are spending money that was not taxed. Check your account rules to ensure prescription medications are an eligible expense.
Request a 90-Day Prescription to Lower the Cost of Ozempic
If your insurance plan allows it, getting a 90-day supply can be more convenient and sometimes cheaper per month than a 30-day supply. Some insurance plans offer a lower copay for a three-month mail-order prescription. Ask your doctor if they can write the prescription for 90 days and check with your pharmacy benefits manager.
Ask If Your Provider Can Prescribe Free Ozempic Samples
Doctors often receive sample medications from pharmaceutical representatives. It is perfectly acceptable to ask your healthcare provider if they have any Ozempic samples available. This can be an excellent way to start treatment immediately while you work on securing long-term coverage or financial assistance.
Summary of Major Ozempic Savings Avenues
| Program | Best For | Potential Cost | Key Eligibility Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer Savings Card | Commercially insured patients | As low as $25/month | Insurance must cover Ozempic; not valid for government insurance |
| Direct Cash Price Program | Uninsured or self-pay patients | $199–$499/month | Offered directly by Novo Nordisk; price varies by dose |
| Patient Assistance Program (PAP) | Uninsured or Medicare patients with low income | 0 | Must meet income criteria (e.g., ≤ 400% Federal Poverty Level) |
| Medicare Extra Help | Medicare patients with limited resources | Copay as low as ~$12 | Must apply and qualify based on income and resources |
| Prescription Discount Coupons | Anyone paying cash | Varies by pharmacy | Free to use; compare prices at local pharmacies |
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The Bottom Line on Ozempic Prices and Ways to Save
Managing the cost of Ozempic requires proactive steps, but substantial help is available. Start by having a clear conversation with your doctor and pharmacist. Then, systematically explore your options: confirm your insurance details, sign up for the correct savings card, and investigate if you qualify for patient assistance.
You are not alone in this process. With the right information and a bit of persistence, you can find a workable path to afford your medication and focus on managing your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP) provides Ozempic at no cost to eligible patients who are uninsured or on Medicare and meet low-income guidelines. For those with commercial insurance, the manufacturer's savings card can reduce copays to $25.
Typically, no. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, only cover Ozempic for its FDA approved uses, which are improving blood sugar in type 2 diabetes and reducing cardiovascular risk. Coverage for weight management (obesity) is rare unless you have a specific plan that includes weight loss medications.
Drug prices in Canada are regulated by the federal government, which negotiates lower maximum prices for patented medications. This is a different system than in the U.S., where manufacturers set their own prices, leading to significantly lower retail costs in Canada.
It can be safe if you use a reputable, licensed source known as a Credentialed Canadian Pharmacy. These pharmacies require a valid prescription from your doctor and sell medications approved by Health Canada. Always verify a pharmacy's credentials before ordering and avoid sites that do not require a prescription.
The most savings come from combining strategies. If you have insurance, always use the manufacturer's savings card. If uninsured, apply for the Patient Assistance Program first. If you don't qualify, use the direct cash price program or compare prices with discount coupons at local pharmacies.
The difference is stark. Without insurance, the cash price through the manufacturer's program ranges from $199 to $499 per month. With insurance and the savings card, your cost can be as low as $25 per month. The full list price without any assistance is approximately $998.
Coverage is complex because it involves your plan's specific formulary (drug list), prior authorization requirements, and your diagnosis. Insurance companies manage costs by restricting coverage to specific medical conditions and often require patients to try cheaper alternatives first.
A 30-day supply is typically one pen. The price you pay varies: about $998 at list price, $199-$499 through the cash program, or as low as $25 with insurance and the savings card.
Common reasons for denial include: the prescription is for an off-label use (like weight loss), your plan requires you to try a different drug first (step therapy), your doctor hasn't completed the required prior authorization, or Ozempic is simply not on your plan's covered drug list.
You need two things: 1) Commercial insurance that includes Ozempic on its formulary, and 2) The free Novo Nordisk savings card. Download the card from the Ozempic website, present it with your insurance at the pharmacy, and your copay will be reduced to $25.
Your main options are: enroll in the manufacturer's direct cash price program ($199-$499/month), apply for the Patient Assistance Program if your income is low, or use a discount coupon from a service like GoodRx to find the best local pharmacy price.
Yes. Rybelsus is an oral tablet containing semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Ozempic. It is also approved for type 2 diabetes and has its own manufacturer savings program that can lower the cost significantly.
Each pen is designed to last for multiple doses. A standard 1 mg dose pen contains 4 mg of semaglutide, providing four weekly injections. Your doctor or pharmacist will show you exactly how many doses are in your specific pen and how to use the dose selector.
