How Much Is Saxenda Without Insurance?

Losing weight can be challenging. And sometimes lifestyle changes, like a healthy diet and exercise, aren’t enough to help you reach your goal. When that’s the case, your healthcare professional may suggest adding a prescription-only medication like Saxenda (liraglutide) to your weight-loss plan.

Saxenda is an injectable medication that helps with weight loss by reducing your appetite and making you feel full. It comes in a pre-filled pen that can be used multiple times.

Saxenda can cost thousands of dollars per year, which can make it out of reach for many people. And despite being FDA approved for weight loss, health insurance plans may not cover the medication. However, you can reduce your out-of-pocket costs for Saxenda by using a few simple strategies.

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How much does Saxenda cost, and what affects the price?

The manufacturer's list price for Saxenda is around $1,350 for a 30-day supply. However, if you're paying without insurance or discounts, the cost might be higher due to markups at pharmacies. 

According to GoodRx data, the retail price of Saxenda ranges anywhere between $1,590 to $1,660 for a pack of 5 pre-filled pens. Each Saxenda pen contains 18 mg (3 mL) of the medication.

What you pay out of pocket depends on many factors, including:

• Pharmacy location: Some pharmacies charge more than others for Saxenda. 

• Where you live: It’s not uncommon for neighboring towns to have different costs for the same medication.

• Health insurance coverage: If you have an insurance plan that covers Saxenda, you may still be responsible for out-of-pocket expenses, such as a deductible, copays, and coinsurance.

• Dosage: You'll likely take Saxenda as an injection once a day. The pen can deliver five different doses, ranging from 0.6 mg to 3 mg. When you first start taking Saxenda, your dose might change each week until you reach a maintenance dose. The number of times you can use each pen will depend on the specific dose you're taking.

Does insurance cover Saxenda?

Insurance coverage for Saxenda depends on the plan. Commercial health insurance plans might cover the cost of Saxenda. However, there may be requirements to fulfill first.

Does employer-sponsored health insurance cover Saxenda?

Weight-loss medications, like Saxenda, aren't widely covered by employer-sponsored health plans in the U.S. While some employers have started to offer coverage for these medications, many are still not on board. Some employers are even choosing to roll back coverage or set restrictions on who can access these medications.

Even if your insurance plan covers Saxenda, you may need to meet specific requirements for the medication to be considered medically necessary. These requirements might include having a certain body mass index (BMI) and showing that you've made efforts to lose weight through lifestyle changes.

If you're unsure about your coverage details, contact your health plan. You can also check if your insurance covers Saxenda by using the manufacturer’s (Novo Nordisk) coverage tool.

Does Medicare cover Saxenda? 

Medicare does not cover Saxenda or other medications for chronic weight management. This is because Medicare Part D, which covers prescription medications, excludes coverage for medications used for weight loss or weight gain.

However, Medicare does cover some obesity screening and counseling services. If you meet certain criteria, such as having a BMI of 30 or higher, Medicare Part B will cover behavioral therapy for obesity.

Does Medicaid cover Saxenda? 

Some state Medicaid programs may cover Saxenda. Under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, Medicaid programs are required to cover almost all FDA-approved medications when they’re prescribed for their approved uses. However, weight-loss medications fall into a small category of medications that states can choose to exclude from coverage.

If your state Medicaid program covers Saxenda, you might need to follow certain criteria to qualify for coverage. For example, there may be quantity limits. A prior authorization or step therapy may also be required.

A good way to find out if your state's Medicaid program covers Saxenda is to contact a Medicaid representative directly or use the coverage tool provided by the medication’s manufacturer.

How can you get your insurance to cover Saxenda?

To get your insurance to cover Saxenda, try the following:

• Reach out to your medical team. Make an appointment with your prescriber to see if Saxenda is a good fit for you. If they think it could help, they may write you a prescription, which you'll need to access the medication.

• Check your insurance plan. Review your insurance plan's formulary (the list of medications it covers) to see if Saxenda is included. Or call your health plan’s customer service number to find out about coverage rules. A representative can tell you about any coverage requirements, restrictions, or expected out-of-pocket costs.

• Obtain a prior authorization if needed. If your insurance company requires a prior authorization, your prescriber can request one from them directly. Your prescriber can also use CoverMyMeds, a service that works with Novo Nordisk, to help make the prior authorization process more convenient.

• File an appeal. If Saxenda is on your plan’s formulary but your prior authorization is denied, you and your prescriber can appeal your insurer’s decision. Your insurance company will generally have a specific appeals process, which may require submitting additional medical records to support your request. Follow up with your health plan and work closely with your prescriber to advocate for your needs.

If Saxenda is not on your plan's formulary or is not covered for another reason, you can ask your insurance company to make an exception. This is called a formulary exception, and it's a way to request coverage for a medication that's not usually covered.

In most cases, your prescriber will need to submit the formulary exception request on your behalf. This involves sending paperwork to your insurance company explaining why Saxenda is necessary for your treatment. Some insurance plans let you submit requests for formulary exceptions online. So check your plan’s website to see if that's an option.

Once your prescriber submits the formulary exception request, your insurance company should provide a decision within 72 hours.

Ways to save money on Saxenda

Here are five ways that you may be able to save money on Saxenda.

1. Use a GoodRx coupon

GoodRx lets you compare Saxenda prices at different pharmacies in your area. You can also access free coupons that may be able to help you save 21% off the retail price of the medication at some pharmacies. 

Good to know: For a smoother pharmacy experience, present your GoodRx coupon at the area where you drop off prescriptions. Some pharmacies have separate spaces dedicated to dropping off and requesting refills for a prescription. Presenting a GoodRx coupon at the pharmacy register or pick-up area can cause you to wait in line twice.

2. Get a 90-day supply

One idea is to fill a 90-day supply instead of a 30-day supply of Saxenda. Not only could this lower your overall costs, but it also means fewer trips to the pharmacy, saving you both time and money. Keep in mind that you'll need a prescription specifically for a 90-day supply.

If your insurance covers Saxenda, check if your carrier offers lower prices for prescriptions filled through their mail-order pharmacy.

3. Use HSA or FSA funds

Another money-saving tip is to use funds from your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for Saxenda. These accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses, which can help you reduce your healthcare costs through tax savings. Keep in mind that HSA funds roll over every year, but the money in your FSA does not, so you’ll have to use these funds before they expire.

4. Shop around 

Not all pharmacies charge the same price for Saxenda. Even pharmacies in the same neighborhood can have different prices. Take a few minutes to call or visit a few pharmacies in your area and ask what they charge.

5. Ask for samples 

When you're prescribed a new medication like Saxenda, it helps to ask the prescriber if they have any free samples available. Pharmaceutical companies often provide healthcare professionals with sample packs of medications to give to patients. This allows you to try the medication and see how it works for you before committing to filling a prescription. And medication samples can help you save money in the short term.

Finally, while there are currently no manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs for Saxenda, it’s a good idea to occasionally check the manufacturer’s website to see if any new offers become available.

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Written by:

Maggie Aime, MSN, RN

Maggie's writing brings health topics to life for readers at any stage of life. With over 25 years in healthcare and a passion for education, she creates content that informs, inspires, and empowers.

Edited by:

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA, is a personal finance editor at GoodRx. She has been a certified public accountant for over a decade.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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