Thanks to its high effectiveness and overall safety, Ozempic has become a popular option for those who want to manage certain chronic diseases, such as diabetes, and lose weight.
But the soaring cost of this drug creates a perception of exclusivity, so many think it’s a sophisticated elixir that only celebrities can afford.
Is this so-called “miracle” drug only available to the rich and famous? Can you get access to Ozempic even if you don’t belong to the wealthy elite?
We’ve got the answer!
After exhaustive research, we’ve created this guide with all the information you need to know about the cost of Ozempic and potential alternatives to purchasing this weight-loss medication without spending a fortune. Keep reading!
Do Health Insurance Plans Cover Ozempic?
Before determining how much money you need to buy Ozempic, let’s answer the question that brought you here: Does your health insurance coverage include this weight-loss drug?
Maybe this isn’t the definitive answer you wanted to find, but whether your health insurance plan covers Ozempic will solely depend on your particular situation.
Coverage Levels and Limits
Different plans have varying coverage levels and limits for prescription medications, including Ozempic. Furthermore, most of them require this drug to be used to treat a medical condition only.
Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved the use of Ozempic to treat type 2 diabetes, that means you won’t likely get prescription drug coverage if you just want to lose weight.
Plus, Ozempic coverage is limited in most cases. If this medication is included in your health insurance plan, you may still be responsible for deductibles and copayments, so you won’t save as much money as you would’ve liked.
Additional Requirements
An insurance company may also ask you to provide additional documentation or complete other steps to add Ozempic to your coverage. For example, you may need to submit a prior authorization from your healthcare provider explaining why you’re using this drug.
Are you wondering if your health insurance plan covers Ozempic? We recommend that you contact your insurer and request more information about your specific coverage.
How Much Does Ozempic Cost Without Insurance?
Now, let’s address another important question you probably have in mind: What is the out-of-pocket cost of Ozempic?
Again, the answer may vary slightly based on your Ozempic prescription, the required dosage, and even the place where you’re purchasing this drug.
More often than not, Ozempic’s cost ranges from $900 to $1,400. At Walgreens, for example, prices for a 0.5mg pen are often between $890 and $980. Costco, on the other hand, sells the same product for up to $1,050.
However, you’ll need to do some research, as Ozempic prices may vary by location based on different factors.
Factors Affecting Ozempic Price
If you’re budgeting for your diabetes treatment or weight-loss plan, it’s best to consult with your doctor, insurance provider, or pharmacist about Ozempic prices.
As with all prescription drugs, costs can be affected by different elements, which may include:
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Your treatment requirements
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Your treatment duration
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The pharmacy offering this drug
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Your insurance coverage
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Your eligibility for patient assistance programs
Besides the medication itself, you may need to purchase other products to use Ozempic, such as pen needles, which can increase the overall cost. Keep this in mind to set a realistic and accurate budget.
Why Is Ozempic So Expensive?
After such a long explanation about the varying costs of Ozempic, you may be wondering: “Why is this medication so expensive?”
Well, the drug’s high retail price is also influenced by different elements. These are:
Regulatory and Approval Processes
Before Ozempic pens arrive at your local pharmacy, they have to go through a complex manufacturing process that involves complying with a series of regulations and obtaining approvals from the FDA. This translates to higher production costs that affect the final price.
Demand and Supply
As mentioned, Ozempic is an FDA-approved medication used to treat diabetes, a lifelong disease that affects about 11.6% of the U.S. population. Plus, it has been proven to be highly effective for weight loss.
You just have to see the radical physical transformations of celebrities after taking it. This has led to a growing demand that is driving the price up. Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company behind this drug, has already announced that supply will be limited in certain locations this year.
Patents and Exclusivity
Ozempic’s high price also has to do with the fact that the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, still owns the patent for this medication, and it isn’t set to expire until 2031.
This means you won’t find generic versions of Ozempic, which would be cheaper. Some available options contain Semaglutide, the drug’s active ingredient. They’re good alternatives, but not all of them have been approved by the FDA.
Can You Save Money When Buying Ozempic Without Insurance?
What if you need to take Ozempic to control your blood sugar levels or lose weight, but it isn’t covered by your insurance plan? Does that mean you won’t be able to buy it?
Don’t panic! If you’re uninsured, or your policy doesn’t cover this drug, you can still buy it for a lower price and save a few bucks.
Actually, several programs and strategies allow you to do it. Let’s explore the best options below.
Ozempic Savings Card Program
Do you want to save on your Ozempic prescription? This drug manufacturer has developed a program that can help you get your required supply for as little as $25 a month.
No, it isn’t a scam. You can get this medication for just a fraction of its original cost through the Ozempic Savings Card program. The brand will charge you on a monthly basis, but you can get your supply for up to two years.
Furthermore, the Ozempic Savings Card program offers other benefits. You won’t only be able to save money on your diabetes or weight-loss treatment but can also get access to:
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A diabetes health coach or healthcare provider
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Expert advice via text, phone calls, or email
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Everyday lessons regarding your medication and related topics
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Personalized information and motivational content sent directly to your inbox
Saving with the Ozempic Savings Card Program
With this program, you can accumulate significant savings. Below are the limits set by Novo Nordisk:
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$150 for a one-month supply
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$300 for a two-month supply
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$450 for a three-month supply
Eligibility Requirements
This benefit is only available to people who have private or commercial insurance. However, it may not be available to policyholders whose plans cover all costs of this medication.
Additionally, you need a prescription for FDA-approved use. In other words, you may only be eligible for the Ozempic Savings Card program if you take this drug to treat your type 2 diabetes.
Novo Nordisk’s Patient Assistance Program (PAP)
Would you believe us if we told you that you could get Ozempic for free? Through its Patient Assistant Program (PAP), Novo Nordisk offers this drug at no cost to eligible individuals, including those with limited or insufficient economic resources.
The Novo Nordisk PAP is available across the United States and all its territories, as long as it isn’t prohibited by law. If you get this benefit, you can redeem the offer at participating pharmacies.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to qualify for this program and get Ozempic at no cost, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
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Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
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Earn a total income at or over 400% based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
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Have an Ozempic prescription for an FDA-approved use
Some patients may not be eligible for the Novo Nordisk PAP. Those who are enrolled in a federal or state health care program won’t get this benefit if their plan includes prescription drug coverage, such as Medicaid, Medicare, Veterans Affairs Benefits, and Low Income Subsidy.
Additionally, Novo Nordisk may ask eligible individuals to sign a Patient Declaration stating that they won’t enroll in similar programs.
If your application for the Novo Nordisk PAP is approved, you may be able to get up to a 90-day supply, which means you could get this medication free for three months.
Use Coupons or Prescription Cards
Did you find out you aren’t eligible for any of the previous programs? Don’t stress out! There’s a plan B (or C, or D…)!
Several companies are committed to helping people purchase this medication at a lower cost, so they offer coupons and prescription cards. GoodRx, SingleCare, and Optum Perks are some of them.
If you register with these companies’ websites, you can download coupons that will help you save a significant percentage on some medications, including Ozempic.
Most coupons can be redeemed at the most popular pharmacies, including Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, Costco, and even Walmart.
Consider Cheaper Ozempic Alternatives
Buying Ozempic out of pocket is something that not everyone can do because this drug is quite expensive. Unfortunately, many cannot even afford a monthly insurance subscription fee, so they have limited options for purchasing this medication.
Under these circumstances, diabetes patients and people who want to lose weight may consider cheaper alternatives, such as the following:
Generic Semaglutide
Although there isn’t a generic Ozempic version, some generic drugs contain the active ingredient (Semaglutide) and can help you treat your type 2 diabetes or lose weight. They’re often cheaper and easier to get.
Compounded Semaglutide
If you don’t have insurance or cannot afford the Ozempic price, you can consider buying compounded Semaglutide.
These drugs are typically produced by state-licensed compounding pharmacies that meet the safety and quality standards set by the FDA. These versions are also more affordable.
Other Brand-Name GLP-1 Medications
Although many of these drugs sell for a higher price, a few are cheaper or offer savings programs that make them more accessible. Some of the options you might consider are Rybelsys, Victoza, and Trulicity.
If you plan to buy a cheaper Ozempic alternative, remember to always consult your doctor. Professional healthcare providers can help you determine if a medication is safe for you based on your medical condition and needs.
Be honest about your budget. Your healthcare provider can offer valuable information about each alternative and guidance on choosing one that meets your medical requirements without burning a hole in your pockets.
Final Thoughts
As mentioned, a huge part of the U.S. population has diabetes, and many others haven’t even been properly diagnosed. Additionally, almost 31% of adults are overweight and about 9.2% are obese.
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with this chronic disease or are at risk of developing a weight-related condition, losing those extra pounds can really help you. It goes beyond your physical appearance.
If you can manage your weight, you’ll feel healthier and improve your self-esteem. However, what really matters is what happens inside. Your body will be stronger to prevent those conditions that can affect your well-being.
Do you think Ozempic is a good treatment option? This drug is highly effective but quite expensive, especially if you don’t have insurance. Fortunately, you can buy it at an unbelievably low price per month or get significant discounts with the right programs and options – just check the ones we’ve mentioned above!
