How Do I Get Ozempic for $25 a Month?

Getting all the medicines you may need throughout life will sometimes present a budgetary concern. In some cases, the cost is not too bad, but in others, it feels like you are being asked to give up an arm and a leg just to get what you need. Thankfully, there are savings to look forward to in some of these situations.

Today’s focus is on Ozempic. By default, it certainly isn’t the cheapest injectable prescription medicine in the world. However, there are options out there to make it more affordable. The information below looks at what Ozempic does, as well as how you can get it for as low as $25!

A Quick Look at Ozempic

Ozempic (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2mg refers to an FDA-approved injectable prescription medication that has two distinct uses:

1. It helps to improve blood glucose levels in adults who are dealing with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Typically, the treatment will see the Ozempic being combined with exercise and a balanced diet.
2. Ozempic can be used in the reduction of the risk associated with certain heart conditions. This means it can help to mitigate against several major cardiovascular events, including strokes, heart attacks, or death in those with type 2 diabetes who are known to have heart disease.

Note that the medication has been deemed safe for children under 18 years old.

Potential Side Effects

Mild to serious allergic reactions may occur from taking Ozempic, which is why users are strongly advised to visit their healthcare provider if they experience any of the following:

• Kidney issues – If you have kidney problems, the medicine may cause nausea with vomiting or diarrhea. Any of the two can lead to severe fluid loss, which means that any kidney challenges could potentially worsen. One of the best preventative measures is to drink fluids regularly, which helps to stop dehydration from happening.
• Vision challenges – Some users may experience changes in their visual perception while they are undergoing treatment.
• Pancreatitis – If the use of Ozempic leads to dealing with severe pain in your stomach area that is persistent, you are advised to stop using it since inflammation of the pancreas could be at play. There may or may not be vomiting, and the pain can radiate from the abdomen to the neck.
• Gallbladder concerns – Some people who take Ozempic will experience gallbladder problems. Symptoms often include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), clay-colored stools, fever, and pain in the upper stomach area.
• Hypoglycemia – Ozempic could potentially lower your blood sugar. This is especially true when there is a combination with another medicine that is known to have the same side effect. Symptoms to look out for include blurred vision, lightheadedness, dizziness, slurred speech, sweating, or drowsiness.

Concerning Medical Conditions

Unlike some prescription and over-the-counter medicines, Ozempic can present tremendous issues when taken by specific groups of people. The following are examples of those who should speak to their healthcare provider about their conditions before even thinking of taking it:

1. People who have a known history of diabetic retinopathy.
2. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Those who are planning to do either also fall under this category. There is not yet enough research to indicate if Ozempic can cause harm to an unborn child. Transmission of the compounds or a lack thereof via breast milk is also not yet completely confirmed.
3. Persons who have known issues with either the kidneys or pancreas.

How Much Does This Prescription Medication Cost?

It’s always a good idea to understand what the starting point is. This applies to any prescription drugs. Ozempic is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, which gave the product a list price of $935.77 monthly. Of course, the actual price you may see depends on where you go.

You want to buy from reputable sources since you know what you’re getting. Shared needles, for example, can lead to serious infection, and you want to avoid the possibility of using one. In any case, the costs that you will see for Ozempic will usually range from $900 to $1,400.

Getting Maximum Savings on Ozempic Through the Savings Card Program

The first option as you aim to treat diabetes type 2 is the Ozempic Savings Card program. Prerequisites include either commercial or private insurance, as well as a prescription for anywhere between a one and three-month supply.

As you can imagine, there are some restrictions. One of these is the fact that your savings are limited based on your prescription tenure. For example, only $150 in savings is allowed on a one-month prescription, while a three-month one will allow you up to $450.

What if you had a $200 drug co-pay for Ozempic? With the $150 savings, you would end up paying only $50 monthly yourself. That’s a lot better than anywhere near the list price.

This program can lead to payments as low as $25 monthly for up to two years. Note that for Ozempic Savings Card purposes, a month is defined as 28 days.

Apart from the cost reduction, there are even other little bells and whistles, such as a diabetes health coach that you can get access to.

What About Those Who Cannot Access the Ozempic Savings Card Program?

You may not qualify for the Ozempic Savings Card offering, but that is not the only way that you may save on your medication. However, depending on what is available to you, the amount of savings you can realize may not be as great as those who manage to hit that $25 figure. In any case, something is better than nothing!

The Novo Nordisk Assistance Program (PAP)

Another option that may be worth exploring is the Novo Nordisk Assistance Program (PAP). Individuals who qualify may be able to access Ozempic at no cost. The best part is that there are no enrollment fee requirements if you are eligible and choose to participate. Below is a quick look at some additional details on the program that you may find useful.

Eligibility Criteria

This program is open to people who are US citizens or legal residents with a household income that is at or below 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Additionally, participants cannot have Medicare, nor can they have insurance.

Finally, eligible persons do not qualify for any other state or federal program, including Veterans Affairs (VA), Low Income Subsidy (LIS), or Medicaid.

Note that even if you don’t have Medicaid, you could be eligible for it, which is a hindrance. If you have no plans of making use of it, you have the option of signing a patient declaration in the latest PAP application.

This declaration simply says that you are not currently using, nor do you plan to use Medicaid at any point in the future.

How to Apply

Online

Applicants are advised to make use of the online facility once they can. While Spanish, for example, is available for other purposes, online applications may only be done by those who are English speakers. Once you choose the option, you’ll be taken through an electronic form that will collect personal information and provider details, after which you will need to enter an e-signature.

Before you get started, ensure that you can locate the name, state, and email address associated with your provider. Proof of income and tax documents for your most recent filing year are also needed.

Whatever email address you use will be subject to a verification check. Once you initiate the process, an email will be sent with a passcode that you will then enter, after which you may continue your application.

Paper-based

Applicants who are using the paper-based option can be English or Spanish speakers. Here is a look at what is expected:

1. Start by downloading and filling out the application with your personal details, as well as your insurance and income parameters. If applicable, Medicare Part D should be filled, as well as the consent to be contacted by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
2. You will need to make a copy of your proof of income documentation. Some of the options you could consider for this are:
   • The two most recent earning statements or pay stubs for every worker in your household.
   • Any statements of earnings, such as pension and Social Security income.
   • W-2 or 1999 forms that may apply to you.
   • Any documentation indicating unemployment benefits.
3. Bring your application and proof of income to your healthcare provider for it to be completed. More specifically, the “Rx” and “Prescriber” sections need to be filled. There should also be a signature and date affixed. The application must then be faxed from the provider’s office along with the proof of income to Novo Nordisk Inc., PO Box 370, Somerville, NJ 08876.

Allow up to 10 business days for the processing of the application to take place.

The Medicare Extra Help Program

This speaks to Medicare Part D plans, which will often cover Ozempic for those who are taking it for type 2 diabetes. Note, however, that it is not covered for those who are taking it for weight loss reasons. The point of this program is to allow people who need help with prescription drugs to be able to capitalize on savings.

Eligible persons are those who:

• Have an individual annual income below $22,386 or below $30,900 as a married couple.
• Have individual resources of less than $17,200 or below $34,360 as a married couple.

Note that once you are eligible for a Medicare Savings Program or Medicaid, qualification for the Extra Help offer is automatic.

Prescription Discount Card

Different prescription discount programs are available such as SingleCare, GoodRx, RxSaver, etc. The idea behind these is to allow persons to pay less for medications, whether they have insurance or not.

There are websites that correspond to the different programs that can be used to see what prices at local pharmacies will look like. Of course, you can then evaluate what the discounts are, and how much less than the retail price you will pay.

This option is great for those who may be using Ozempic off-label. Additionally, people without insurance coverage or alternative program eligibility are advised to give it a try. Tailor your expectations though, as the cost savings here may not be so significant.

Insurance Coverage

Being covered under insurance is pretty straightforward. Once you have been prescribed Ozempic and it falls under the plan, then your drug copay cost will kick in. Of course, your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum are important considerations.

Shopping Around

It is exactly what it sounds like. Prices are different from one place to the next. Before you decide to buy from one supplier, check others to see where you may get the best deal.

You May Not Need to Pay Full Price for Ozempic

Ozempic may be a big part of your fight against type 2 diabetes. Assuming you don’t get a serious allergic reaction, it could change your life, but it does not come cheap. Explore the different options above to see what works best for you.