Semaglutide coupon: How to save on your prescription

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist that is available as the brand name drugs Wegovy, Ozempic, and Rybelsus. Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in obese and overweight patients. Ozempic and Rybelsus are prescription drugs approved by the FDA for the management of blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

The cost of brand-name semaglutide can range from $968.52 to $1,349.02 per month without insurance, depending on the drug prescribed. Your out-of-pocket costs can be significantly lower, depending on your health insurance coverage and eligibility for the manufacturer’s savings card and patient assistance programs.

The Novo Nordisk patient assistance program (PAP), Wegovy and Ozempic savings card programs and compounded semaglutide are a few options for you to get cheap semaglutide without insurance.

Looking for a semaglutide coupon? Find the latest discounts and savings offers to lower the cost of semaglutide with or without insurance. Keep reading to learn how to access manufacturer coupons and other ways to save.

Understanding semaglutide

Semaglutide, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, is the active ingredient in prescription drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.

Ozempic and Rybelsus are FDA-approved for lowering blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in combination with diet and exercise for:

• Adults with obesity (with a BMI of 30 or higher)
• Adults who are overweight (with a BMI of 27 or higher) with at least one weight-related condition such as heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or type 2 diabetes,
• Adolescents 12 years of age and older with an initial BMI at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex

Wegovy is also FDA-approved for reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular problems like heart attack in adults with obesity or overweight.

Ozempic was FDA-approved in 2017 for controlling blood glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Rybelsus was the first oral GLP-1 medication FDA-approved in 2019 for adults with type 2 diabetes.

Compounded semaglutide is prepared as needed for a patient or in small quantities at a compounding pharmacy. Compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the FDA.

Semaglutide mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps control blood sugar by releasing insulin when you eat, lowering blood sugar levels. GLP-1 also slows down how fast food moves through your stomach (gastric emptying), making you feel full longer, and helps control appetite by lowering blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss.

Semaglutide injections (Wegovy and Ozempic) are injected once weekly, and Rybelsus is taken as a daily oral tablet.

Common side effects of semaglutide include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Decreased appetite
• Indigestion
• Belching
• Constipation
• Headache

Semaglutide can cause serious side effects such as pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, changes in vision, serious allergic reactions, and kidney issues.

Semaglutide can also cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if you are taking other diabetes medications. Over time, this can lead to episodes of hypoglycemia, which needs careful management, so monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.

Semaglutide has a black box warning from the FDA for the risk of thyroid tumors or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

You should not use Semaglutide if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.

How semaglutide coupons work

Semaglutide coupons work by providing discounts on the cost of the medication, helping make it more affordable. There are various coupons available for people with and without insurance.

You can compare prices for prescription discount cards offered by websites like SingleCare, WellRx, GoodRx, or Optum Perks to get semaglutide at a lower price. These coupons may save up to 27% of the retail price.

To use the coupon, you show it at any participating pharmacy when picking up your prescription, and the pharmacy will apply the discount to lower your cost. Some coupons offer a fixed discount each month, while others may cover a percentage of the price. Make sure to check the expiration date and any terms to get the best savings.

There are also manufacturer coupons offered by Novo Nordisk which we explain below.

Semaglutide manufacturer coupons

Novo Nordisk offers a semaglutide saving card program for Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus for people with private or commercial insurance.

Semaglutide manufacturer coupons are intended to make the medication more affordable by lowering the copays you pay out-of-pocket. If you have private or commercial insurance, the manufacturer coupon might help cover the difference between what your insurance pays and what you owe, reducing your co-pay to as low as $0.

If you don’t have commercial insurance or your insurance won’t cover semaglutide, the coupon might provide a discounted price, often saving you hundreds of dollars per month.

Government insurance programs already have their own pricing and coverage policies. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are restricted by law from offering savings or discount cards to individuals enrolled in government-sponsored insurance plans, which is why most coupons exclude Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.

These discounts might be limited to a specific number of months or uses, and some coupons may have eligibility rules, such as being available only to people without insurance or with certain types of insurance. Be sure to read the terms on the coupon to understand the details, expiration dates, and limitations.

Ozempic Savings Card program

If you have commercial insurance that covers Ozempic, you could pay as little as $25 per month with the Ozempic Saving Card program, with maximum savings of $100 for a 1-month prescription, $200 for a 2-month prescription, and $300 for a 3-month prescription.

The savings card helps lower co-pays, making your medication more affordable. For some people, it can cover most or all of their co-pay.

The Ozempic Savings Card program is not available to individuals without insurance coverage for Ozempic, and those with government-sponsored insurance.

How to apply and use the Ozempic Savings Card

• Check eligibility: Make sure you meet the requirements to use the Ozempic Savings Card. It’s available for people with commercial insurance that covers Ozempic and you’ll need a prescription with the FDA-approved labeling. You cannot be enrolled in any government-sponsored insurance.
• Apply for the card: You can apply for the Ozempic Savings Card online through Novo Nordisk’s website. You’ll need to provide some basic information, such as your insurance status and contact details.
• Receive the card: Once approved, you will receive the Ozempic Savings Card digitally or by mail. Make sure to keep the card in a safe place, as you will need it to claim the discount at the pharmacy.
• Take the card to a participating pharmacy: When filling your prescription, present the savings card at any participating pharmacy. The pharmacy will apply the discount to reduce the cost of Ozempic.
• Continue using the program: Use the card every time you fill your prescription for Ozempic. Be aware of any annual caps and expiration dates to maximize your savings while the card is active.

Wegovy Savings Card program

With the Wegovy Saving Card, you could pay as little as $0 per month if your commercial insurance covers Wegovy and your out-of-pocket expenses are at or less than $849 per month, with a maximum savings of $225 per month.

If your commercial insurance doesn’t cover Wegovy, your commercial out-of-pocket expense is more than $849 per month, or you are uninsured, you could pay $650 per month for Wegovy.

How to apply and use the Wegovy Savings Card

• Check eligibility: To apply for the Wegovy Savings Card, you need to verify that you meet the program’s eligibility requirements. The card is available to those with commercial insurance (with or without coverage for Wegovy) and those without insurance. You cannot be enrolled in any government-sponsored insurance.
• Apply for the card: You can apply for the Wegovy Savings Card online through the official Wegovy website. You’ll need to provide personal information and details about your insurance status.
• Receive the card: Once you apply and are approved, you will receive the Wegovy Savings Card through email or mail.
• Take the card to a participating pharmacy: When filling your prescription for Wegovy, present the savings card to the pharmacist. The pharmacy will apply the discount to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
• Continue using the program: Use the Wegovy Savings Card whenever you refill your prescription. Keep an eye on the expiration date and annual cap to make sure you get the maximum savings while the card is valid.

Rybelsus Savings Card program

The Rybelsus Savings Card offers discounts to help make Rybelsus more affordable for people with commercial insurance/

If you have commercial insurance that covers Rybelsus, the savings card can help reduce your co-pay to as low as $10 per month, with maximum savings of up to $300 per month. This allows you to pay less out-of-pocket for the medication, making it more affordable.

Individuals without insurance coverage for Rybelsus, and those with government-sponsored insurance such as Medicare and Medicaid, are not eligible for this program.

How to apply and use the Rybelsus Savings Card

• Check eligibility: Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for the Rybelsus Savings Card. It is available to people with commercial insurance coverage for Rybelsus and excludes those with government-sponsored insurance. You will need a valid prescription for type 2 diabetes.
• Apply for the card: You can apply for the Rybelsus Savings Card online through the official website. You will need to provide your contact information and insurance details.
• Receive the card: Once approved for the card, you’ll receive the Rybelsus Savings Card, either through email or by mail. Keep the card as you’ll need it to claim your discount at the pharmacy.
• Take the card to any participating pharmacy: When you fill out your prescription for Rybelsus, show the savings card to the pharmacist. They will apply the discount to reduce the amount you pay out-of-pocket for the medication, based on the terms of the program.
• Continue using the program: You can use the savings card every time you fill out your Rybelsus prescription. Be sure to check for any expiration dates or annual caps so you can make the most of the program while it’s valid.

Semaglutide patient assistance program

The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP) is designed to help eligible patients access free semaglutide (Ozempic or Rybelsus). Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, provides this program to uninsured, underinsured, and low-income individuals, to assist people who may have difficulty affording their medication.

Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

Novo Nordisk patient assistance program (PAP) provides free Ozempic and Rybelsus to eligible individuals. The program is completely free for those who qualify.

You can apply for the PAP if you meet the following criteria:

• You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident
• Your total household income should be at or less than 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL)
• You are uninsured or have Medicare
• You do not have any commercial or private insurance coverage
• You should not be enrolled in any federal, state, or government programs such as Medicaid, Veteran Affairs (VA), or low-income subsidies

If you qualify for Medicaid, you must sign the patient declaration section on the application and state that you are neither enrolled in Medicaid, nor plan to enroll in Medicaid, or are eligible for Medicaid or Medicare Extra Help.

Steps to apply for the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program

• Confirm eligibility: Check if you meet the program’s income, and insurance residency requirements. If you’re unsure about eligibility, check the Novo Nordisk website or ask a health coach for assistance.
• Gather the required documents: Be ready to provide the necessary documentation, such as proof of Income (tax return, pay stubs, or government assistance statements), insurance Information (if applicable), a prescription from your healthcare provider, and proof of U.S. residency (a state-issued ID or utility bill)
• Complete the application: Visit the official Novo Nordisk PAP website and complete the online application. You may also call the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program phone line to get help with the application or to receive a paper application. Fill in your personal information and income details, and attach the required documentation. Sign where required and have your healthcare provider sign where required.
• Submit the application: Submit the completed application online or by mailing the paper application to the address provided on the form. Your healthcare provider can also fax the completed application from their office. Ensure all required documents are included to avoid delays.
• Wait for approval: After submission, Novo Nordisk will review your application and determine your eligibility. If approved, you will be notified and will start receiving your medication for free.
• Receive medication: Upon approval, the manufacturer will ship the medication to your home or doctor’s office for you to pick up.
• Re-enrollment: The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program requires that you re-apply annually to verify that you still meet the eligibility criteria. The re-enrollment date will vary depending on your insurance status. Be sure to submit your re-enrollment application before your enrollment expires to continue receiving medications.

For more information or help applying to the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program, you can:

• Call Novo Nordisk’s Patient Assistance Program toll-free at 1-866-310-7549
• Visit their official website: Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program
• Speak with your doctor’s office, as they can assist you with the application process

Other semaglutide coupons and discount

Apart from manufacturer-specific programs like the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program, there are other ways to access semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus) at discounted prices. These options include third-party discount cards, pharmacy-specific deals, and online savings programs.

Online coupon websites

Here are some reputable websites that offer semaglutide coupons and discounts for Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus:

• GoodRx: A well-known platform that allows you to compare prescription prices at local pharmacies and provides discounts of up to 80% off the retail price.
• SingleCare: Provides prescription savings cards that can be used at thousands of pharmacies across the U.S. for discounts on medications with discounts of up to 80% off the retail price.
• WellRx: Provides a free prescription discount card that offers savings on medications like semaglutide with a discount of up to 80%.
• Optum Perks: A prescription savings card that can be used at many pharmacies across the U.S. with a discount of up to 80%.

Free samples from healthcare providers

You can speak to your healthcare provider about obtaining free samples typically provided when a patient initiates treatment. Novo Nordisk provides doctors and clinics with free samples of their medications to help their patients get started on treatment. However, this is not a sustainable strategy, as samples are typically provided for up to one month.

Medicare and Medicaid

If you have Medicare, it usually doesn’t cover semaglutide for weight loss. However, if you have Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan, Ozempic or Rybelsus may be covered for treating type 2 diabetes, depending on your plan. You can check your plan’s formulary to see if it’s covered.

For Medicaid, the coverage depends on your state. Some states cover semaglutide, and you may pay a low cost or nothing at all if you’re eligible. Check with your state’s Medicaid program to find out if they cover semaglutide.

Tips for saving money on semaglutide

Semaglutide can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce the cost and make it more affordable. Here are some helpful tips:

• Compare prices: Use online tools like GoodRx, SingleCare, or WellRx to search for the best prices near you. These websites allow you to see prices across various pharmacies and provide coupons to lower your out-of-pocket costs.
• Ask your pharmacist: Pharmacists can be a valuable resource when it comes to saving money on medications. They may know about special discounts or savings programs that you can take advantage of. Some pharmacies offer their own loyalty or discount programs, or they may have access to additional manufacturer discounts that aren’t widely advertised.
• Consider a 90-day supply: If your healthcare provider prescribes semaglutide for long-term use, ask about purchasing a 90-day supply. Some pharmacies offer savings when you buy a larger supply of medication at once. This approach can lower the price and avoid the hassle of refilling your prescription every 30 days.
• HSA/FSA: If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use those funds to pay for semaglutide. HSA and FSA are tax-advantaged accounts that allow you to pay for healthcare expenses, including prescriptions, using pre-tax dollars.
• Consider compounded semaglutide: Compounded versions of semaglutide may be available at a lower cost than the branded medications when there are shortages of the brand name drugs. While compounded semaglutide may not be covered by insurance, it can be an affordable alternative for people without insurance coverage or high copays.

Semaglutide cost with insurance

The cost of semaglutide with insurance can vary depending on the details of your health insurance plan, including the type of plan, your drug formulary, and the tier that semaglutide falls under.

Insurance plans typically categorize medications into different tiers, and each tier comes with a different cost-sharing requirement (copays or coinsurance). Semaglutide may be placed on a higher drug tier, which could mean higher out-of-pocket costs, especially if it is considered a specialty medication.

Some insurance plans may also require prior authorization before approving coverage for semaglutide. This means that your healthcare provider may need to submit additional documentation to justify the medical need for the medication, proving it is the most appropriate treatment for your condition (such as type 2 diabetes).

If the prior authorization is denied, your insurer will typically provide a detailed explanation, and your doctor can help address the reasons for the denial.

If you receive a denial for semaglutide coverage, there are several steps you can take to appeal the decision:

1. Review the denial letter: Understand why the insurance company denied the request.
2. Contact your insurance provider: Speak with your insurance representative to clarify the reason for the denial. Sometimes, errors can be corrected with additional information.
3. Work with your healthcare provider: Your doctor can help you appeal the denial by providing supporting documentation, such as your medical history, treatment plans, and why semaglutide is the most appropriate option for your condition. They may also submit a letter of medical necessity.
4. File an appeal: Follow the formal appeal process outlined by your insurance provider. This may include submitting additional forms or documents and appealing the decision within a set timeframe with the help of your provider.
5. Consider patient assistance programs: If your appeal is unsuccessful, some manufacturers or nonprofit organizations offer patient assistance programs to help with the cost of semaglutide for those who qualify.

Does Medicaid cover semaglutide?

Each state decides which drugs are covered by Medicaid. To see if semaglutide is covered in your area, check your health insurance plan’s list of covered drugs or contact your state Medicaid agency. You must also meet the income requirements set by your state to qualify for coverage.

Currently, five states offer unrestricted Medicaid coverage for Wegovy, and four states offer restricted coverage with prior authorization.

Does Medicare cover semaglutide?

Medicare Part D drug plans and Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD) do not cover weight loss drugs. If semaglutide is prescribed for type 2 diabetes, it would most likely be covered. Coverage varies by plan and medical necessity. The price will depend on your plan’s copay and whether you’ve met your deductible.

Currently, no Medicare plans, including original Medicare or Medicare Advantage, can cover medication prescribed for weight loss due to a legal prohibition. A bill in the US Congress could change this in the future, and some organizations are working to get it passed.

Why doesn’t insurance cover semaglutide for weight loss?

Insurance companies usually don’t cover semaglutide for weight loss because obesity is still considered a cosmetic issue as opposed to a chronic disease. Also, insurance companies typically do not cover off-label drugs such as Ozempic and Rybelsus prescribed for weight loss.

Since weight loss is considered a lifestyle choice rather than a medical necessity, many insurance companies won’t cover it unless it’s prescribed to manage a chronic health condition like type 2 diabetes.

Even if a healthcare provider prescribes the medication for weight loss, insurance companies may not see it as essential for your health without another valid medical reason.

Semaglutide cost without insurance

Without insurance, semaglutide can cost between $968.52 and $1,349.02 per month.

Here’s an overview of the cost (list price and average retail pharmacy price) for a one-month supply of semaglutide by drug according to Novo Nordisk:

Ozempic

The list price of Ozempic is $968.52 per month, which is about $242.13 per week or $11,622.24 per year without insurance or discounts.

Here’s a price comparison of Ozempic 2 mg/3 mL pen at different pharmacies, according to GoodRx:

Rybelsus

Without insurance, a 30-day supply of Rybelsus tablets costs $968.52. That’s about $242.13 per week, $32.28 per day (since Rybelsus is taken daily), or up to $11,622.24 annually.

Here’s a price comparison of Rybelsus 7 mg/30 tablets at different pharmacies, according to GoodRx:

Compounded semaglutide

Compounded medications are custom-made by licensed compounding pharmacies to accommodate a patient’s specific needs when commercially available drugs aren’t an option.

While legal to prescribe, compounded medications aren’t FDA-approved and don’t go through the same review process as brand-name and generic drugs. A healthcare professional may prescribe a compounded medication if there’s a shortage or the patient needs a dosage or form that isn’t commercially available.

Compounded semaglutide isn’t covered by insurance, but it’s usually cheaper than paying for brand-name drugs out of pocket.

The cost of compounded semaglutide without insurance can range from about $200 to $400 per month. However, prices can vary depending on the semaglutide dosage, quantity and semaglutide compounding pharmacy you buy from.

Frequently asked questions

How much does semaglutide cost without insurance?

Semaglutide can cost between $968.52 and $1,349.02 for a month’s supply without insurance. The price varies depending on the brand name, pharmacy and location.

Is there a generic version of semaglutide?

There are currently no generic versions of Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus. The brand-name drugs are still patent-protected. This means that generic pharmaceutical companies can’t make and sell a cheaper generic version until the patent expires or is no longer valid.

Where can I find the best semaglutide coupon?

You can find the best semaglutide coupons on websites like GoodRx or the manufacturer’s official site. Some pharmacies may also offer discounts or savings programs.

Do the manufacturer savings card programs work with Medicare?

Manufacturer savings cards for semaglutide do not work with Medicare or any other government-sponsored insurance. Medicare does not allow the use of these cards.

How long do coupons last?

Semaglutide coupons usually last up to 1 year from enrollment, but the exact duration depends on the specific program. You can check the expiration date on the coupon or the manufacturer’s website.

Are there coupons for compounded semaglutide?

Coupons for compounded semaglutide are not as common as those for the brand-name versions. You may want to check with specific compounding pharmacies or telehealth platforms to see if they offer discounts or savings programs.

Bottom line

To save on your semaglutide prescription, check if you are eligible for the Novo Nordisk patient assistance program or savings card programs for the biggest discounts.

If you don’t have insurance, the best options are typically the patient assistance programs and pharmacy discount cards like GoodRx and SingleCare can help you save money.