How much does Ozempic cost?

When considering a new medication, price is top of mind. And this is especially true for GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, the brand name for the drug semaglutide that’s approved for type 2 diabetes. Ozempic’s cost can run steep — particularly for those whose insurance doesn’t cover it. There are ways to work around the high price tag, however, from patient assistance programs to more affordable alternatives. Here's what you should know.

How much is Ozempic without insurance?

According to the drug's manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, Ozempic's retail price is $968.52 per one-month supply. This is what you would pay out of pocket, without insurance or any other savings programs applied.

There are several reasons for the high cost. Most notably, research, development, and the clinical trials needed for FDA approval are expensive, and that can drive up the price of any medication. Ozempic is also taken via injection, and the plastic pens needed for that delivery method are much more expensive to produce than tablet-based or liquid medications.

How much is Ozempic with insurance?

Like all medications, the cost of Ozempic with insurance depends on your actual plan, your yearly deductible, and copay amounts. That said, it’s possible to pay as little as $25 per month or even nothing at all, depending on your plan’s copay rules and coverage.

Does insurance cover Ozempic?

While coverage depends on your insurance provider and your plan’s specific guidelines, insurers do tend to cover Ozempic if it's used for type 2 diabetes management, says Dr. Allison Rhodes, M.D., a board-certified physician in internal medicine and obesity medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Ozempic does result in significant weight loss due to its appetite suppression and slow-down of gastric emptying (how fast you digest food). That’s led some providers to prescribe it off-label as a treatment for weight loss, for patients without type 2 diabetes. But when that happens, Ozempic is much less likely to be covered.

Even if you’re prescribed Ozempic for your type 2 diabetes, do your homework. "Be sure to get information from your insurance provider about when it's covered," Rhodes adds. "For example, some plans will only cover Ozempic if you've tried two other medications, for 120 days each, and have failed to achieve an A1C (an indication of average blood sugar levels over the past three months) of less than 7 percent."

Does Medicaid cover Ozempic?

Medicaid, a government-run insurance program for people with limited income and resources, usually covers Ozempic when prescribed for type 2 diabetes, but not if the medication is prescribed off-label for weight loss. That's because under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, Medicaid must cover nearly all of a drug's cost as long as it’s being used based on FDA approval.

Does Medicare cover Ozempic?

The federal health insurance for anyone in the U.S. age 65 and older, Medicare’s coverage is similar to Medicaid’s. It will cover Ozempic when prescribed for type 2 diabetes management, not weight loss. One thing to keep in mind: You must have Medicare Part D (the add-on drug plan portion of Medicare) and your costs for Ozempic will depend on your specific plan. For example, you may need to pay out of pocket for the medication until you meet your deductible.

How to save on Ozempic without insurance

If you don't have insurance coverage for Ozempic, the out-of-pocket cost of nearly $1,000 a month can be difficult, if not impossible, to pay. Fortunately, there are some strategies for bringing that total down.

Telehealth prescription services

With telemedicine, a healthcare provider can meet with you virtually to review your medical history, assess current medications, and determine whether a drug like Ozempic is a good fit for your health needs. Since these providers are physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants, they are able to prescribe medications like Ozempic, says Rhodes.

"In some cases, using telehealth prescription services can represent a cost savings, because providers may charge less than an in-person visit, and they can also work with insurers to make sure certain medications are covered," she adds. This is true for members who use WeightWatchers Clinic telehealth services. Your membership includes an Insurance Coordinator who will help you figure out whether or not Ozempic is covered and understand your options.

Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

For individuals without insurance, Novo Nordisk has a Patient Assistance Program (PAP). You’re eligible if you:

• Are a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Have a total household income that is at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level; for 2024, the poverty level is $14,891 for a single person and $31,200 for a family of four
• Are not enrolled in or qualify for any other federal, state, or government program such as Medicaid, Low Income Subsidy, or Veterans Affairs benefits

If you meet these criteria, Novo Nordisk will ship Ozempic to your physician and you’ll get up to a 120-day supply at no charge.

Ozempic savings card

If you don’t qualify for the PAP, Novo Nordisk also offers a discount savings card for Ozempic, which allows you to pay as little as $25 per month for a one-month, two-month, or three-month supply, as long as you have an eligible commercial insurance plan. You can use the savings card for up to 24 months.

The savings card does have some eligibility restrictions. Most notably, you can’t be enrolled in any federal or state health care program with prescription drug coverage. Learn more about the requirements on Ozempic’s site.

Are there cheaper alternatives to Ozempic?

If Ozempic costs are too high due to lack of insurance coverage or non-eligibility for patient assistance, there are some alternatives to Ozempic that may be more affordable.

GLP-1 drugs

Ozempic is a GLP-1 medication, meaning it mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 that your body naturally produces whenever you eat. This hormone signals the pancreas to release insulin as a way to control blood sugar. GLP-1 medications also slow the rate of stomach emptying, which not only further improves insulin resistance but also helps you feel full for longer (which can lead to weight loss).

There are other GLP-1s besides Ozempic approved for type 2 diabetes: Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and Rybelsus (an oral version of the same medication in Ozempic, semaglutide). There is also something known as compounded semaglutide, a version made by a compounding pharmacy during shortages of the FDA-approved version of semaglutide. Compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, but is not FDA approved. Compounded drugs, however, typically cost much less than the brand name versions and may have greater availability.

If you don’t have diabetes and are looking for a GLP-1 that’s FDA-approved for weight loss, you can talk with your provider about Wegovy (the version of semaglutide for weight loss), Zepbound (tirzepatide), and Saxenda (dulaglutide). A warning, though: Many insurance plans do not cover these medications yet.

At WeightWatchers, a clinician can walk you through all of these options, including compounded semaglutide, as part of a 360-degree weight-loss program that includes personalized nutrition and exercise plans.

Non-GLP-1 alternatives

There are also some non-GLP-1 medications to consider. "All of these help improve blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes as well as assist with weight loss," says Rhodes. These include:

• Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin)
• Invokana (canagliflozin)
• Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
• Jardiance (empagliflozin)

For weight loss alone, you could also try:

• Metformin: This medication improves insulin sensitivity and also decreases appetite.
• Qsymia: Combining two medications — phentermine and topiramate — this drug acts to lower appetite and can extend feelings of fullness.
• Phentermine: A stimulant that works through the central nervous system, this medication lowers appetite and prompts feelings of fullness.
• Bupropion/Naltrexone: This combination works to reduce food cravings by acting on the reward centers of the brain.

The bottom line

Ozempic can be expensive, costing nearly $1,000 per month out of pocket if you don’t have insurance coverage. While many insurance plans cover Ozempic for type 2 diabetes — including Medicare and Medicaid — other plans may not. There are some cost-saving programs like the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program and the Ozempic savings card that can bring down the price, and there are also some alternative medications that may end up costing less. Your healthcare provider will be best able to help you figure out which medication is right for you and your budget.