Ozempic Savings Card: Eligibility, benefits and how to apply
Key highlights
- Ozempic is a GLP-1 prescription medication for type 2 diabetes which improves blood sugar levels and reduces heart disease risks in certain individuals. It’s an expensive drug that costs about $1,000 per month without insurance.
- Savings on Ozempic are possible through insurance coverage, patient assistance programs, manufacturer coupons, compounded medications and prescription discount cards.
- The manufacturer of Ozempic, Novo Nordisk, has a patient assistance program that provides free Ozempic to uninsured patients with a household income at or below 400% and also offers a savings card program that provides significant discounts for people with private or commercial insurance coverage.
- You can also save by purchasing compounded semaglutide, which has the same active ingredient as Ozempic.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor) agonist prescription medication approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) for controlling blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes (not approved for type 1 diabetes) alongside diet and exercise. It also helps with weight loss as shown in clinical trials. With an estimated list price of $968.52 per month, the cost of Ozempic is very high, especially for those without adequate insurance coverage.
Read on to learn how to get Ozempic for $25 per month or at the lowest possible price.
How much does Ozempic cost without insurance?
The list price of Ozempic is $968.52 per month, according to the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. The list price isn’t necessarily how much you’ll pay at the pharmacy. For people paying fully out-of-pocket, the average retail price ranges from $1,000 to $1,200 per month, depending on the pharmacy you buy from.
However, the price you pay depends on several factors including:
- Pharmacy: Medication prices are unregulated in the U.S. so each pharmacy sets its own prices.
- Location: The price can vary by location, even when buying from the same retailer. For example, a Walgreens pharmacy on one block may be cheaper or more expensive than another Walgreens pharmacy down the street.
- Insurance coverage: If you have insurance coverage for Ozempic, your out-of-pocket costs will be associated with the associated copay and deductible in your plan.
- The reason you were prescribed the medication: Most insurance plans’ prescription drug coverage, Novo Nordisk’s patient assistance program and savings card program are limited to people who were prescribed Ozempic for an FDA-approved condition such as type 2 diabetes (and not weight loss).
If you have insurance, the manufacturer has a cost lookup tool that you can use to verify your insurance coverage and associated costs for Ozempic with your insurance plan. You can also speak with an agent or complete an online form to request a review of your benefits and out-of-pocket costs.
Many insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, will cover the cost of Ozempic. However, your copay may vary by plan and will likely be higher until you meet your deductible. Medicare Part D plans cover many diabetes medications, including Ozempic.
The Medicare Plan Finder tool can help you locate a Medicare plan that covers your specific medications.
Medicaid coverage varies by state and insurance plan. Some states may provide coverage for Ozempic with no out-of-pocket costs with prior authorization.
Healthcare providers will work with insurance providers to obtain approval for coverage of your medications by submitting a prior authorization. A prior authorization process may need to be completed before your insurance plan agrees to cover the cost of Ozempic. In some cases, insurance providers may also require the patient to complete step therapy before approving coverage, which is a requirement for the patient to try and fail treatment with a different and less expensive medication first.
How to get Ozempic for $25 a month
The Ozempic manufacturer coupon is available for eligible patients who meet certain requirements including:
- You have private or commercial insurance that partially covers Ozempic
- You don’t have any government insurance including Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap, TRICARE, DoD, VA, or any state health care program
- You are a U.S. citizen or legal resident of the United States or its territories
- You are at least 18 years of age
- You were prescribed brand-name Ozempic for an FDA-approved indication like type 2 diabetes or to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (such as cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke)
- You are not a full cash-paying patient
If you meet these requirements, you may be able to pay $25 for a one-month, two-month, or three-month supply of Ozempic injection with the following limitations:
- Maximum savings of $150 for a 1-month prescription (28-day supply)
- Maximum savings of $300 for a 2-month prescription (56-day supply)
- Maximum savings of $450 for a 3-month prescription (84-day supply)
- Valid for up to 24 months from the date of activating the savings offer.
- Not transferrable or redeemable for cash
Other restrictions may apply.
To get started, apply for the Ozempic Savings Card on the Novo Nordisk website. You can also call 1‑877‑304‑6855 if you have any questions or need further assistance.
If approved, you can get Ozempic for $25 from any participating retail pharmacy by showing the Ozempic Savings Card from Novo Nordisk.
How do I get Ozempic for $25 a month for weight loss?
The Ozempic Savings Card which offers a 1, 2, or 3-month supply of Ozempic for $25 is limited to people who have been prescribed Ozempic for a medical condition that corresponds with its FDA-approved indications, including type 2 diabetes. Although Ozempic is commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss, it’s not FDA-approved for chronic weight management at this time so those using the medication for weight loss are excluded from the manufacturer’s savings card program.
If you’ve been prescribed Ozempic off-label for weight loss, you can speak with your doctor about switching to Wegovy, another brand-name GLP-1 drug made by the same manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. Wegovy has the same active ingredient as Ozempic, semaglutide. Novo Nordisk also offers a Wegovy savings card, which lowers the cost to as low as $0 per 28-day supply.
The Wegovy manufacturer coupon is available for eligible patients who meet certain requirements including:
- You have private or commercial insurance that partially covers Wegovy
- You don’t have any government insurance including Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap, TRICARE, DoD, VA, or any state health care program
- You are a legal resident of the United States or its territories
- You were prescribed the brand-name Wegovy for an FDA-approved indication like chronic weight management or to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (such as cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke)
- You are not a full cash-paying patient
If you meet these requirements, you may be able to pay $0 for up to thirteen (13) 28-day fills of Wegovy with the following limitations:
- Maximum savings of $225 per one-month prescription(28-day supply)
- Maximum savings of $450 per two-month prescription (56-day supply)
- Maximum savings of $675 per three-month prescription (84-day supply)
Other restrictions may apply.
After the thirteenth (13th) 28‑day fill, patients will pay as little as $25 per 28‑day supply (1 box), $50 per 56-day supply (2 boxes), or $75 per 84-day supply (3 boxes) of Wegovy® with maximum savings of $200 per 28‑day supply (1 box), $400 per 56‑day supply (2 boxes), or $600 per 84‑day supply.
If you don’t have insurance coverage for Wegovy (and don’t have any government insurance) or pay out-of-pocket for your prescriptions, you can expect to pay $650 for a 28-day supply (1 box), $1,300 for a 56-day supply (2 boxes), or $1,950 for an 84-day supply (3 boxes) with the Wegovy Savings Card.
To get started with this savings offer, apply for the Wegovy Savings Card on the Novo Nordisk website. You can also call 1-833-4-WEGOVY (934689) if you have any questions or need any further assistance.
If approved, you can get Wegovy for $0 from any participating retail pharmacy by showing the Wegovy Savings Card from Novo Nordisk.
How can I get Ozempic for free?
It’s possible that you can get Ozempic for free through your insurance company if it’s listed on the drug formulary and you’ve met the plan’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Contact your insurance provider for coverage details, including copays and deductibles.
You may be able to get an ongoing supply of Ozempic for free through the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program if you meet certain requirements:
- Your annual household income is at or below 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL)
- You have Medicare or are uninsured (you are not eligible if you have any commercial or private insurance)
- You do not qualify for or are not enrolled in any other federal, state, or government program such as Medicaid, Low Income Subsidy (LIS), or Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
- You are a legal resident of the United States or its territories
- You were prescribed brand-name Ozempic for an FDA-approved indication like type 2 diabetes or to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (such as cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke) by a licensed U.S. healthcare provider
If approved for the patient assistance program, you’ll be enrolled for 12 months (uninsured patients) or until the end of the calendar year (Medicare patients).
Novo Nordisk typically processes new applications within 2 business days and sends an acceptance letter to the patient if approved. Once approved, the medication should arrive at the patient’s prescriber’s office within 10-14 business days. Most medications are automatically refilled for the duration of the enrollment period.
Uninsured patients will need to submit a new application 30 days before the end of their enrollment period, and Medicare Part D patients can apply after October 15 of the current year, if they’d like to continue receiving free Ozempic.
You can apply on the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program website to find out if you are qualified to receive free Ozempic.
Alternatively, you can also ask your healthcare provider if they can provide you with free samples. Novo Nordisk provides access to complimentary prescription medication samples to eligible providers for appropriate patients. However, this is not a long-term solution as you’ll likely be provided a one-time, one-month supply of free medication.
How to save on Ozempic
Keep reading to learn more about how you can save on the cost of Ozempic with or without insurance coverage. If you have an insurance plan that covers Ozempic for your prescribed medical condition, you’ll pay less for the medication. With or without insurance, savings programs, patient assistance programs, and manufacturer discount coupons can help to make Ozempic more affordable.
Check your prescription coverage
If you have insurance, check the drug formulary (list of covered drugs) or contact your insurance provider to verify if Ozempic is covered for your prescribed diagnosis. All insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, have a formulary, which is a list of covered drugs in a tier system. Higher tiers have higher out-of-pocket costs than lower tiers. As Ozempic is an expensive brand-name drug, it may be listed on a higher tier or not covered. If it’s not covered, you can consider submitting an exception request with the help of your provider, or consider switching to a different insurance plan during the next open enrollment period.
If Ozempic is covered by your insurance plan, ask your insurance provider about the associated copay and deductible so you’ll know how much you’ll be spending out of pocket. If Ozempic is covered by your insurance plan, you may be able to reduce your out-of-pocket costs by using the Ozempic Savings Card. If it’s not covered, you may be able to submit an exception request with the help of your healthcare provider.
If you are using Ozempic for weight loss, it’s likely your insurance company won’t cover the medication when prescribed off-label. Ask your insurance provider if they cover any other weight loss drugs like Wegovy (semaglutide) or Zepbound (tirzepatide). If so, speak with your healthcare provider about switching to another GLP-1 weight loss drug.
Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP)
As mentioned above, the manufacturer of Ozempic, Novo Nordisk, offers a patient assistance program (PAP) to eligible individuals who meet certain income and insurance requirements. Those eligible for the program will receive Ozempic for free. This savings option does not apply to everyone including those with commercial or private insurance or those prescribed Ozempic off-label for weight loss.
Ozempic Savings Card
If you have private or commercial insurance that partially covers Ozempic, do not have any government insurance (e.g. Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap, DoD, VA, or any other state or federal health insurance program), are a legal resident of the U.S. or its territories, have been prescribed Ozempic for one of its FDA approved indications (type 2 diabetes or to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events), you may be eligible to pay $25 for a 1, 2 or 3-month supply of Ozempic by using the Ozempic Savings Card.
The savings card program is valid for up to 24 months and includes maximum savings of $150 for a 28-day supply, $300 for 56 day supply, and $450 for an 84-day supply. This savings offer is only valid for two years with certain eligibility requirements.
Apply for the Ozempic Savings Card to find out if you are qualified for the program.
Medicare savings
Medicare Extra Help is a subsidy for low-income individuals with Medicare Part D coverage which helps lower Part D costs including copays for medications like Ozempic. If you qualify for Medicare Extra Help in 2024, you could pay as little as $11.20 for brand-name drugs or 15% of your copay or coinsurance, whichever is less.
Medicare also has a program, Senior Savings Models, for reducing the cost of insulin for diabetics to a maximum of $35 per month. Although Ozempic is not insulin and not covered by this program, some diabetics take Ozempic and insulin together.
Compare pharmacy prices
Your local pharmacy may not necessarily have the lowest prices for all medications including Ozempic. Prices vary vastly by pharmacies across the U.S. and it’s highly recommended to compare prices across multiple pharmacies to get the best possible deal on your medication.
Ozempic coupons and discount cards
You can obtain Ozempic coupons or Ozempic prescription discount cards through prescription drug savings companies like GoodRx and SingleCare which offer prescription discounts up to 80%. These coupons work at pharmacies near you without insurance. Prices vary by quantity, pharmacy, location and medication form.
90-day refills
Some mail-order pharmacies offer discounts on a 3-month supply of medications. Ordering a 90-day supply at a time to your home can also be more convenient. Eligibility may vary by your insurance plan’s quantity limits.
Ask your healthcare provider about free samples
You can speak to your healthcare provider about obtaining free samples that are typically provided when a patient initiates treatment. Pharmaceutical manufacturer provides doctors and clinics with free samples of their medications to help appropriate patients get started on treatment. However, this is not a sustainable strategy as samples are typically provided for up to one month.
Talk to your healthcare provider about Ozempic alternatives
If your insurance plan won’t cover Ozempic, you can speak with your healthcare provider about switching to a cheaper Ozempic alternative.
Ozempic is a GLP-1 agonist medication used to control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. There are several other GLP-1s on the market that may be cheaper than Ozempic or covered by your insurance plan. The actual price you pay for each medication varies by pharmacy, location, quantity and insurance coverage.
Unfortunately, there is currently no generic version of Ozempic available in the United States.
Is there a cheaper Ozempic alternative?
If you are still unable to get Ozempic at a price you can afford, you can consider speaking with your healthcare provider about Ozempic alternatives including:
Compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide
Compounded medications are supplied by licensed compounding pharmacies using the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug.
Given current FDA shortages, you can get compounded semaglutide (the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy) and compounded tirzepatide (the same active ingredient as Mounjaro and Zepbound). No insurance is required.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Mounjaro is a brand-name injectable medication approved for type 2 diabetes, manufactured by Eli Lilly. Mounjaro activates GIP and GLP-1 pathways to help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and helps with losing weight.
Eli Lilly offers a savings card program for Mounjaro. If eligible, you can pay only $25 per month.
Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Zepbound is another brand-name GLP-1/GIP injectable medication with the same active ingredient as Mounjaro, tirzepatide, and is approved for chronic weight management in adults who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. It’s an ideal option if you were prescribed weight loss medication and have insurance coverage for Zepbound.
Eli Lilly offers a savings card program for Zepbound. If eligible, you can pay only $25 per month.
Wegovy (semaglutide)
With the same active ingredient as Ozempic, semaglutide, Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management and to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. While its list price is higher than Ozempic, it could be a formidable alternative to Ozempic if you were prescribed weight loss medication and have insurance coverage for Wegovy.
Novo Nordisk offers a savings card program for Wegovy. If eligible, you can get Wegovy for $0 per month.
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Saxenda is another GLP-1 medication with the same active ingredient as Victoza, liraglutide. It’s prescribed for chronic weight management in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults with obesity or overweight.
Novo Nordisk offers a savings card program for Saxenda. If eligible, you can get Wegovy for as low as $25 per month.
Victoza (liraglutide)
Victoza is a prescription injectable medication for controlling blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes and also helps people lose weight.
Victoza is covered by Novo Nordisk’s Patient Assistance Program. However, Novo Nordisk doesn’t provide a savings card program for Victoza.
Rybelsus (semaglutide)
Rybelsus is another brand-name GLP-1 medication with the same active ingredient as Wegovy and Ozempic, semaglutide. It’s the oral version of Ozempic, FDA-approved to for controlling blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Like Ozempic, Rybelsus is included in the Novo Nordisk PAP for eligible individuals. Novo Nordisk also offers a savings program that provides access to Rybelsus to eligible individuals for as low as $10 per month.
Trulicity (dulaglutide)
Trulicity is a once-weekly injectable prescription medication containing the active ingredient dulaglutide. It’s FDA-approved to control blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes.
Eli Lilly, Trulicity’s manufacturer, has a Trulicity savings program where eligible patients can pay $25 for 12 pens (3-month supply)
Bottom line
Ozempic (semaglutide) is an expensive medication that costs about $1,000 per month without insurance coverage. Insurance coverage is more likely if you were prescribed Ozempic for one of its FDA-approved indications – type 2 diabetes or to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.
If you have private or commercial insurance, you may be able to pay $25 with the Ozempic Savings Card program. If you were prescribed medication for weight loss, you can check if your insurance provider covers other GLP-1 weight loss medications like Wegovy or Zepbound, which also have savings card programs.
If you are uninsured without any other insurance, except for Medicare, and meet certain income requirements, you may be eligible to receive free Ozempic through the patient assistance program.
You can also speak with your healthcare provider about other options including alternative medications that may be less expensive or covered by your insurance plan.
