Key takeaways:
The average retail price for Ozempic (semaglutide) is about $1,200 per month without insurance. This adds up to over $14,000 a year.
If you’re new to using GoodRx for Ozempic savings, you can access Ozempic injections starting at $199 and Ozempic pills starting at $149. Subscribers to GoodRx for Weight Loss can also access FDA-approved, brand-name GLP-1 medications.
If you have health insurance, you may have coverage for Ozempic if it’s prescribed for an FDA-approved use. One example is managing Type 2 diabetes. But if you’re using the medication for weight loss (an off-label use), it’s unlikely that your insurance will cover it.
Save on related medications
If you have Type 2 diabetes, a healthcare professional may recommend Ozempic (semaglutide) as part of your treatment plan. This medication is available as a once-weekly injection and a once-daily pill.
Ozempic is FDA approved for Type 2 diabetes. It’s also approved for serious cardiovascular problems and chronic kidney disease for people living with diabetes. Ozempic isn’t approved for weight loss, but many people who use it lose weight. And healthcare professionals will sometimes prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight management.
Many insurance plans cover Ozempic if you’re using it for an FDA-approved use. But if your plan doesn’t cover it or you’re uninsured, you’re likely looking for ways to save. Below are details about how much Ozempic costs without insurance and tips for saving on your prescription.
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How much does Ozempic cost per month without insurance?
The manufacturer’s list price for Ozempic is $1,027.51. The list price is the same for all doses of the injections and pills. But people who don’t have insurance or discounts pay the retail price. This is typically higher than the list price because of pharmacy and wholesaler markups.
The average retail price for Ozempic without insurance is about $1,200 per month. This adds up to over $14,000 per year. The cost can vary depending on the dose and dosage form you’re using:
2 mg/3 mL pen (provides 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg doses): About $1264.49 per month
4 mg/3 mL pen (provides 1 mg dose): About $1255.26 per month
8 mg/3 mL pen (provides 2 mg dose): About $1283.18 per month
1.5 mg tablets: About $1229.82 per month
4 mg tablets: About $1233.93 per month
9 mg tablets: About $1235.61 per month
There isn’t a generic version of Ozempic. How much you pay for the brand-name medication depends on many factors, including your:
Location
Pharmacy
Insurance coverage
Reason for taking the medication
If you have insurance, Ozempic’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, has a cost navigator tool that you can use to figure out how much the medication may cost. You can also call a representative or complete an online form to review your benefits and get an out-of-pocket cost estimate.
How to get Ozempic cheaper (or even for free)
Here are six ways you can save money, with insurance and without, when paying for Ozempic.
1. Use GoodRx
With a free GoodRx coupon, you can access Ozempic injections starting at $199 and Ozempic pills starting at $149. Subscribers to GoodRx for Weight Loss can also access FDA-approved, brand-name GLP-1 medications.
Here’s how to get a coupon:
Go to www.goodrx.com, or open the GoodRx app on your mobile device.
Type “Ozempic” in the search bar.
Click “Start saving,” or tap or click return.
Select the correct dose, form, and quantity, along with your location.
Choose to get your coupon by text or email, or print it out.
If possible, show the coupon at the pharmacy before they fill your prescription. This will avoid delays in processing.
Keep in mind: GoodRx savings vary by pharmacy and the state you live in. The GoodRx website and app can help you compare prices in your area.
2. Get Ozempic for $25 a month with a copay savings card
If you have commercial insurance, you may be able to pay as little as $25 for a 1-, 2-, or 3-month prescription by using a manufacturer copay savings card. This program offers a maximum savings of $100 per month.
To be eligible for the Ozempic copay savings card, you must:
Have commercial insurance that covers Ozempic
Not be enrolled in a government-funded health insurance plan, such as Medicare or Medicaid
Be using Ozempic for an FDA-approved use
Live in the U.S. or a U.S. territory
If you’re uninsured, you’re not eligible for this savings card. To apply for an Ozempic copay savings card, you can sign up online or text “BEGIN” to 21848. If you have questions, call 1-877-304-6855.
3. Look into Medicare Extra Help
If you’re a Medicare recipient with limited income and resources, you may qualify for savings to help with the costs of Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes. The Medicare Part D Extra Help program provides assistance with prescription medication costs, like deductibles and copays.
To apply for this program, you’ll need the following documents:
Recent bank statements and tax returns
Individual retirement account or 401(k) account statement if applicable
Statements for pensions, annuities, Railroad Retirement Board benefits, or Veterans Affairs benefits
Eligibility is based on income and resources. The income limits change yearly, so it’s worth looking into even if you didn’t qualify in the past.
4. Apply for a patient assistance program
If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to access Ozempic pens for free through the manufacturer’s patient assistance program. This program isn’t available for Ozempic pills.
To qualify for the Ozempic patient assistance program, you must:
Be uninsured or have Medicare
Meet certain financial requirements and be able to submit proof of income
Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
Not be enrolled in or qualify for other government-funded programs, like Medicaid or Medicare Extra Help
You can fill out an online application form. Your prescriber will need to complete parts of the form, so you should also talk to them.
If you have questions about the application or the program, call 1-866-310-7549 for help.
5. Request a 3-month supply
Some pharmacies offer discounts when you buy medications in bulk, such as a 3-month supply. A larger supply would also mean fewer trips to the pharmacy.
But you’ll want to verify that your insurance plan will cover a 3-month supply of the medication. Keep in mind, you may be required to use a preferred mail-order pharmacy to fill a 3-month supply.
6. Tap into your HSA, FSA, or HRA
Consider using a health savings account (HSA), a flexible spending account (FSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) to buy Ozempic. These accounts let you use pretax dollars for copays, coinsurance, and other qualified medical expenses. This can help you reduce spending through tax savings.
Just be sure to review your account’s rules regarding expiration dates. FSA dollars typically have an expiration date. But HSA funds roll over and can be saved indefinitely. HRA dollars may or may not expire, depending on your account.
Frequently asked questions
Insurance may deny coverage for Ozempic if it’s prescribed for weight loss instead of an FDA-approved use. Coverage can also depend on your insurance plan’s formulary (list of covered medications) or whether more affordable alternatives are available. It’s a good idea to check with your insurer to understand the criteria and documentation needed for approval.
If you have commercial insurance, you may be able to get 3 months of Ozempic for $25 with a copay savings card. Keep in mind that the card won’t work this way unless your insurance plan covers a 3-month supply of the medication. The copay savings card provides a maximum savings of $100 per month. You can sign up for the card online.
Without insurance, a 30-day supply of Ozempic tablets costs about $. And a 1-month supply of the injections costs around $. But prices can vary depending on the dose and dosage form you’re using. Also, different pharmacies may charge different prices.
Insurance may deny coverage for Ozempic if it’s prescribed for weight loss instead of an FDA-approved use. Coverage can also depend on your insurance plan’s formulary (list of covered medications) or whether more affordable alternatives are available. It’s a good idea to check with your insurer to understand the criteria and documentation needed for approval.
If you have commercial insurance, you may be able to get 3 months of Ozempic for $25 with a copay savings card. Keep in mind that the card won’t work this way unless your insurance plan covers a 3-month supply of the medication. The copay savings card provides a maximum savings of $100 per month. You can sign up for the card online.
The bottom line
Without insurance, Ozempic (semaglutide) can cost about $1,200 per month. Your insurance plan may cover Ozempic if you meet certain requirements. But if your insurance doesn’t cover the medication or you don’t have insurance, there are other ways to lower your out-of-pocket costs. These include using a GoodRx coupon or the Ozempic copay savings card.
If you’re new to using GoodRx for Ozempic savings, you can access Ozempic injections starting at $199 and Ozempic pills starting at $149. Subscribers to GoodRx for Weight Loss can also access FDA-approved, brand-name GLP-1 medications.
Why trust our experts?
References
Ozempic. (n.d.). Find out the cost of Ozempic. Novo Nordisk.
Ozempic. (n.d.). Ozempic cost and insurance coverage. Novo Nordisk.
NovoCare. (n.d.). Diabetes savings offer program. Novo Nordisk.
NovoCare. (n.d.). Patient Assistance Program. Novo Nordisk.
NovoCare. (n.d.). See if your insurance covers Ozempic. Novo Nordisk.
NovoCare Diabetes. (n.d.). Patient Assistance Program. Novo Nordisk.
