How to get Wegovy for free
Wegovy (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Wegovy is used for chronic weight management in adults and children 12 years and older who are obese (with a body mass index of 30 or higher) or overweight (with a body mass index of 27 or higher) with at least one weight-related medical condition such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes.
However, its high cost, which can range from $1,300 to $1,500 per month without insurance, makes it unaffordable for many, and even with insurance, high co-pays can be a financial burden.
If you are wondering how to get Wegovy for free or at a lower price, you are in the right place. We’ll guide you on how to get Wegovy at an affordable price and suggest potential lower-cost alternatives.
How much does Wegovy cost?
According to NovoCare, the list price (what the manufacturer charges pharmacies) of a 28-day supply of Wegovy auto-injector pens is $1,349.02, which comes to $337.3 per week and $16,188.20 per year.
Your actual cost may vary depending on factors like the pharmacy you buy from, insurance coverage, discounts and coupons, and whether you are eligible for the manufacturer’s savings cards.
With insurance coverage for Wegovy, your out-of-pocket costs depends on your insurance plan’s copay and deductibles. You may be able to get Wegovy for free through your insurance provider if you’ve met your deductible and out-of-pocket limit. Contact your insurance provider for coverage details.
There’s currently no generic version of Wegovy available in the United States. However, even without insurance, there’s still ways for you to pay less than the average retail price. Keep reading below to learn more.
How can you get Wegovy for free?
Wegovy is a prescription only medication. To get Wegovy for free or at a lower price, you first need to get a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
If you don’t have health insurance, getting Wegovy for free is unlikely. Without insurance, you can pay $650 for a 280-day supply of Wegovy with the Wegovy Savings Card.
If you have commercial or private insurance, you might be able to lower your monthly cost to $0 with the Wegovy Savings Card.
Unlike Ozempic (which also contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy and was FDA-approved in 2017 for controlling blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes), people without health insurance cannot get free Wegovy through the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP). If you are uninsured and were prescribed Wegovy for preventing life-threatening cardiovascular events, or if you have type 2 diabetes, consider speaking with your healthcare provider about switching to Ozempic and applying for the patient assistance program.
Wegovy Savings Card
Novo Nordisk, the maker of Wegovy, offers a Wegovy Savings Card program that can help you get a discount or even free Wegovy.
If you have private or commercial insurance that covers Wegovy, the program may help you get a 28-day supply for free, depending on your insurance. The savings are limited to $225 per month and 13 fills.
If you don’t have insurance or your commercial insurance doesn’t cover Wegovy, you can expect to pay $650 for a 28-day supply of Wegovy.
Check the Wegovy Savings Card eligibility page for more information and to check if you qualify. The savings card can be used at participating pharmacies.
If you’re eligible for the savings card program, you can enroll in the free WeGoTogether program. WeGoTogether is a program offered by Novo Nordisk to help people lose weight and keep it off with the support of a health coach and other resources.
Prescription discount cards
Prescription discount cards can help reduce the cost of Wegovy. You can find medication discounts and Wegovy coupons through prescription discount card programs like GoodRx, SingleCare, Blink Health, and others.
These programs offer savings from 3% to 80% off the list price at various pharmacies. You can access the savings instantly online for free, with no need to sign up or qualify.
Just show the discount card at the pharmacy when filling out your prescription to get the savings. Be sure to check if the card applies to Wegovy at the pharmacy you choose.
Insurance coverage
Insurance is a good way to pay less for Wegovy. You can get insurance through your employer, healthcare.gov, or a private plan.
Many health insurance plans, including those from companies like Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare, may cover Wegovy, but you might need to get prior authorization first. This means your doctor has to provide medical information to show that you meet the criteria for the medication.
Coverage for Wegovy depends on your plan. Check your insurance policy to see if it covers Wegovy or call your insurance provider’s customer service to ask. You can also check your coverage and cost on the Novo Nordisk website.
Prior authorizations
Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in people adults and adolescents 12 years and older with obesity (BMI of 30 or higher) and overweight adults (BMI of 27 or higher) who have weight-related health problems, and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as death, heart attack, or stroke in adults with known heart disease and obesity or overweight. Some insurance companies may require prior authorization (PA) before covering it.
During the PA process, your insurer asks your doctor for medical information to check if you meet the criteria defined by the FDA for Wegovy.
If your insurer rejects coverage after the PA, you have the right to appeal. Contact your insurer to learn how to appeal.
If your insurer doesn’t cover Wegovy, you can ask them to add it to your coverage. If your insurer denies coverage, using a prescription discount card or considering other prescription drugs may be the best option.
Which insurance covers Wegovy?
Insurance companies like Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, BlueCross BlueShield, Molina, and Oscar Insurance cover Wegovy, but most of them require prior authorization (PA) before they pay for it.
Visit the NovoCare website to find out if your insurance covers Wegovy.
If your health insurance does not cover Wegovy, there may still be ways to get it. You could explore options like appealing the decision, requesting your insurer to add coverage, or using savings programs, savings offers, or prescription discount cards. Check if any of these options apply to your situation to find out how you might still get access to Wegovy at a lower cost.
Free samples from healthcare providers
Some healthcare providers may have free samples of Wegovy that they can offer to patients to help them get started on the medication. This allows you to try the medication for a short period before starting a full prescription, but is not a long term solution.
If you are interested, you can ask your doctor if they have samples available and whether you qualify to receive them.
Keep in mind that free samples are usually limited and might not be available in every case.
90-day supply
You could save money by getting a 90-day supply if your insurance covers Wegovy. With a 90-day supply, you could only pay your co-pay once for three months instead of every month. Some insurance companies encourage buying a 90-day supply, but others may not allow it. Contact your insurance provider to find out if they cover a 90-day supply.
If you order a 90-day supply through the mail, your insurer might offer a lower co-pay. Verify with your insurance plan to see if this option is available.
HSA/FSA
If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), you set aside pre-tax money to pay for medical expenses, including medications like Wegovy.
You can also adjust your contribution during the annual open enrollment period. If you are paying for Wegovy or have high drug copays, you can use your FSA or HSA funds to help cover the cost.
Both FSA and HSA accounts can lower your drug costs and offer tax benefits for qualified medical expenses. However, they have different rules depending on your plan and job. Check with your employer for more details.
Government programs
Some government insurance programs may cover Wegovy, but the amount varies.
- Medicare: An insurance program for 65 and older, or younger individuals with a disability does not cover Wegovy, but private insurance plans like Medigap and Medicare Advantage might.
- Medicaid: This insurance program covers Wegovy for eligible low-income individuals, pregnant women, children, and those on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Tricare: This insurance program is for active-duty service members and their families. It covers Wegovy with prior authorization at Tricare network pharmacies.
Additionally, veterans receiving care through Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care may be able to have Wegovy covered as part of their treatment plan under the MOVE! Weight Management Program.
This program offers support with diet, exercise, and behavior changes to help veterans reach and maintain a healthy weight. The program may include counseling, group sessions, and other resources to guide veterans through their weight loss journey. However, their coverage depends on the weight and the rules of the local VA facility.
Cheaper alternatives to Wegovy for weight loss
There are cheaper alternatives to Wegovy for weight loss. Some medications (oral pills or injections) work similarly by helping control hunger and cravings, and may cost less.
It is important to consult with your prescribing doctor for medical advice to find the most suitable and affordable choice based on your needs.
Other options that can help manage weight with lower costs are discussed below:
Compounded semaglutide
Compounded semaglutide is prepared as needed or in small quantities at a compounding pharmacy.
When you get semaglutide from a licensed compounding pharmacy, it is made with semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, that can be adjusted to suit your needs, if necessary. You will need a prescription from your healthcare provider.
Compounded semaglutide is a more affordable prescription medication than the brand-name version, but it is not FDA-approved, so its safety and effectiveness is not evaluated by the FDA.
You might choose compounded semaglutide instead of the brand version for various reasons like supply issues, personal preference, allergies, or additional ingredients to reduce side effects and improve effectiveness.
If you are considering compounded semaglutide, it is important to consult with your doctor to ensure it is a safe and suitable option for you.
Average price: You can get semaglutide from a compounding pharmacy for $200 to $400 per month (depending on the dose) if your doctor prescribes it.
Phendimetrazine tartrate
Phendimetrazine tartrate is approved for people who are obese or overweight with related health problems. It helps reduce appetite and supports short-term weight loss when used with exercise, a low-calorie diet, and behavior changes.
Average price: $10 to $100 for 60 tablets
Phentermine-topiramate
Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia) is a medication that helps with weight loss. Phentermine reduces hunger, while topiramate can help you feel full longer and supports weight loss. It is used by people who are obese or have weight-related health problems.
Average price: $150 to $200 for a 30-day supply
Orlistat
Orlistat is a medication that helps with weight loss by blocking some of the fat you eat from being absorbed by your body. It works best when combined with a low-fat diet and exercise. Orlistat is available over the counter or by prescription, depending on the dosage.
Orlistat is sold under the brand names Alli (the over-the-counter version) and Xenical (higher strength prescription version).
Average price: Alli: $50 to $60 for a 60-capsule bottle and Xenical: $200 to $300 for a 30-day supply
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide (Zepbound and Mounjaro) is a medication used to help with chronic weight management and manage type 2 diabetes. The drug helps you feel full, slows down stomach emptying, and improves insulin sensitivity for long-term weight loss.
Tirzepatide is an injectable medication, typically given once a week, and is prescribed along with diet and exercise.
Average price: Zepbound: $1,059 for a pack of 4 pens and Mounjaro: $1,069.08 for a pack of 4 pens
Liraglutide
Liraglutide (Saxenda) is a medication used to help with weight loss when used with diet and exercise. Saxenda works by controlling blood sugar levels and reducing appetite. Liraglutide is an injectable medication, typically given once a day.
Victoza, an injectable medication approved for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes contains the active ingredient liraglutide and is also used off-label for weight loss.
Average price: Saxenda: $1,430 for a pack of 5 pens and Victoza: $815.27 for a pack of 3 pens
Bupropion-naltrexone
Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave) is a medication used to help with weight loss. It combines two drugs: bupropion, which can reduce appetite, and naltrexone, which helps control cravings. It is used along with diet and exercise for better results.
Average price: $667.84 for 90 tablets
Are there any patient assistance programs for Wegovy?
No, Wegovy does not have a free patient assistance program for individuals without insurance. However, Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, offers a savings program that can help reduce the cost for those with private or commercial insurance.
For patients that don’t have insurance cover for Wegovy, there is a savings card program that offers a 28-day supply of Wegovy for $650. While this does not make the medication completely free, it can significantly lower the cost for eligible patients.
It is best to check with Novo Nordisk for eligibility details and how to apply for these savings programs.
Bottom line
Wegovy can be expensive without insurance, with costs reaching up to $1,500 per month, but savings programs can help lower the price for insured patients or those paying out of pocket.
Savings options are available through the Novo Nordisk savings card, which can reduce the cost to as low as $0 per month for people with insurance coverage for Wegovy, although it is not free for those without insurance.
You may be able to get Wegovy for free through your insurance coverage if it’s included as a covered drug and you’ve met your insurance plan’s deductible and out-of-pocket limit. Contact your insurance provider for coverage details.
If Wegovy is too expensive, alternative weight loss medications like phentermine-topiramate, orlistat, and tirzepatide offer more affordable options for weight loss, with a doctor’s guidance.
