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Key takeaways
Ozempic, a prescription medication for Type 2 diabetes, improves blood sugar control and reduces major cardiovascular event risks, but its high price can be an obstacle for some.
Savings on Ozempic can be achieved through insurance coverage, patient assistance programs, manufacturer coupons, and discount cards like SingleCare.
Novo Nordisk offers a Patient Assistance Program for eligible individuals to receive Ozempic at no cost, and savings cards can provide significant discounts for those with private insurance.
Alternatives to Ozempic, including other GLP-1 agonists like Trulicity, Victoza, and Rybelsus, may offer cost-effective options for managing Type 2 diabetes.
If you have Type 2 diabetes, your healthcare provider may prescribe Ozempic (semaglutide) as part of your diabetes treatment plan. Ozempic is a once-weekly antidiabetic prescription medication that can help you manage your Type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar control. It is not for use in people with Type 1 diabetes. Ozempic belongs to a drug class called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 agonists.
“These medications work by enhancing the effect of the naturally-occurring hormone GLP-1,” says Aleem Kanji, MD, board-certified endocrinologist and obesity medicine physician at Ethos Endocrinology, PLLC, in Houston, Texas. “Ozempic promotes insulin release by the beta-cells of the pancreas, slows the emptying of the stomach, and promotes the feeling of fullness by acting on the brain—particularly at the level of the hypothalamus.”
Ozempic is used with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) levels and lower hemoglobin A1C (also known as HbA1c or A1C), a test used to monitor how well you manage blood sugar levels over two or three months. It also reduces the risk of major cardiovascular (CV) events, including heart attack and stroke, in those with known heart disease. Some prescribers have also started using Ozempic off-label for weight loss. However, the same weight-loss medication is available under the brand name Wegovy. Like many diabetes medications, Ozempic is expensive. But there are ways to save money on your next prescription.
RELATED: Ozempic side effects and how to avoid them
How much does Ozempic cost per month?
The average retail price for one pen injector containing any of the three dosage strengths (2 mg/1.5 mL, 4 mg/3 mL, or 8 mg/3 mL) of Ozempic is $1,318. The 2 mg/1.5 mL pen provides four to six doses (depending on if it is used for therapy initiation or maintenance), providing a four to six week’s supply, while the 4 mg/3 mL and 8 mg/3 mL pens provide four doses or a four week’s supply. These are the average cash prices of Ozempic before insurance or discounts are applied.
The price of Ozempic varies based on several factors. These include the pharmacy you use, your insurance coverage, and the quantity of pens you purchase at a time.
Many insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, will cover Ozempic. However, your copay (or out-of-pocket costs) with insurance may vary by plan and what stage of coverage you’re in. For example, your Ozempic copay will likely be higher until you meet your deductible.
Medicare Part D plans cover many diabetes drugs, including Ozempic. The Medicare Plan Finder tool allows you to find Medicare plans that cover your specific prescriptions.
RELATED: Does Medicare cover diabetic supplies?
Medicaid coverage also varies by state and plan. Some states may cover Ozempic with no out-of-pocket costs. For example, the Healthy Indiana Plan Plus covers Ozempic with prior authorization, according to Anthem. However, its quantities are limited. This means you will only be able to fill a specific number of Ozempic prescriptions per month.
Healthcare professionals will work with pharmacies and insurance providers to obtain approval for your medication. A prior authorization process may have to be completed before your insurance plan will pick up the cost of Ozempic. Some insurance providers may also require patients to complete step therapy, which means trying a different, less expensive medication first.
Can I get Ozempic for free?
If you have met your plan’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, insurance may cover 100% of Ozempic costs.
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, also has a patient assistance program that may help cut costs. The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP) offers free medication to people who meet certain income and insurance requirements.
To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and have a household income at or below the 400% federal poverty level. Those without insurance or Medicare coverage may be eligible, but people with Medicaid, commercial health insurance, or Veterans Benefits do not qualify.
If you’re in a pinch and waiting on prior authorization from insurance, your healthcare provider may be able to provide a free sample of Ozempic. However, this is not a sustainable strategy to get free Ozempic. You’ll likely only be provided with a month’s worth of medication.
RELATED: How to get free diabetic supplies
How to save money on Ozempic
There are other ways to save money on your Ozempic prescription. Savings cards, patient assistance, and manufacturer coupons are just a few resources that may help lower your out-of-pocket costs.
“Speaking with your primary care physician or endocrinologist and asking about potential resources to assist with obtaining medications is a good first step,” explains Dr. Kanji. “I also recommend exploring patient assistance programs through the pharmaceutical manufacturers.”
1. Free Ozempic coupons
SingleCare is a free online service that offers prescription discounts up to 80% off. Our Ozempic savings cards can save you hundreds of dollars off your prescription costs. With SingleCare, your Ozempic could be as little as $755 for one pen-injector (a savings of $445 per pen). Get your free SingleCare discount card here.
SingeCare’s prices vary based on quantity, strength, and the form of medication you take. The discount works for both brand-name and generic medications, so you can save on more than Ozempic.
2. Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program
As mentioned above, the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP) may be able to help you get free medication. However, you must meet certain income and insurance requirements so this savings method is not applicable to everyone on Ozempic.
3. Novo Nordisk Ozempic Savings Card
People with commercial or private insurance may also qualify for the Ozempic Savings Card from Novo Nordisk. The card offers a maximum savings of up to $150 per month or $450 for a three-month supply for those with private or commercial health insurance. This offer is only good for two years and eligibility requirements apply.
4. Medicare savings programs
Extra Help is a low-income subsidy for people with Medicare Part D coverage. It helps lower Part D costs, including copays for prescriptions like Ozempic. If you qualify in 2024, you could pay just $11.20 for brand-name drugs or 15% of your coinsurance or copay—whichever is less.
Medicare has also rolled out its Senior Savings Model, a program that offers discounts on insulin for seniors. The discount varies, but Medicare consumers with diabetes can expect to pay a maximum of $35 per month for their insulin. Ozempic is not insulin, but some people take Ozempic and insulin together. The Senior Savings Model won’t save you money on Ozempic, but it will lower the cost of insulin, making diabetes treatment more affordable.
RELATED: How to afford insulin on Medicare
5. 90-day supply refills
Some mail-order pharmacies offer a three-month supply of medication at a lower price than retail pharmacies. This can be a great way to reduce your prescription drug costs on long-term medications, including Ozempic. It also has the benefit of being more convenient, as the medication arrives at your home in 90-day increments. Eligibility varies based on your insurance plan.
6. Compare prices
It’s always a good idea to compare prices at local pharmacies before filling your prescription. Prices can vary widely, so it’s worth taking the time to shop around.
7. Check your prescription coverage
Be sure to check your prescription coverage before filling your Ozempic prescription. All insurance plans (including Medicare and Medicaid) have their own formulary. This is a list of drugs the plan covers ranked in a tier system. The higher the tier, the more you’ll pay out-of-pocket for that medication. As a brand-name-only drug, Ozempic may be placed on a higher tier—or not covered at all. If this is the case for you, it’s worth considering switching to a different health insurance plan during the next open enrollment period.
RELATED: ACA open enrollment | Medicare open enrollment
8. Switch medications
If your prior authorization for Ozempic is denied or you don’t have health insurance, you could ask your healthcare provider to try cheaper alternatives to Ozempic. Use the table below to compare the prices of some popular Ozempic alternatives.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Ozempic?
Ozempic is in a class of medications called GLP-1 agonists, which are used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. There are a few other GLP-1 agonists on the market that may be cheaper than Ozempic. Pricing varies based on your location, health insurance plan, and pharmacy. Other FDA-approved GLP-1 agonists include:
| Compare prices of Ozempic alternatives | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance | SingleCare price | Coupons |
| Ozempic
(semaglutide) |
$1,318 per 1, 1.5 mL of 2 mg/1.5 mL auto-injector pen | $815 per 1, 1.5 mL of 2 mg/1.5 mL auto-injector pen of brand-name Ozempic | See latest prices |
| Wegovy
(semaglutide) |
$1,349 per 4, 0.5ML of 0.25 mg/0.5 mL auto-injector pens | $1,234 per 4, 0.5ML of 0.25 mg/0.5 mL auto-injector pens of brand-name Wegovy | See latest prices |
| Mounjaro
(tirzepatide) |
$1,069 per 4, 0.5 mL of 5 mg/0.5 mL auto-injector pens | $994 per 4, 0.5 mL of 5 mg/0.5 mL auto-injector pens of brand-name Mounjaro | See latest prices |
| Zepbound
(tirzepatide) |
$1,060 per 4, 0.5 mL of 5 mg/0.5 mL auto-injector pens | $1034 per 4, 0.5 mL of 5 mg/0.5 mL auto-injector pens of brand-name Zepbound | See latest prices |
| Victoza
(liraglutide) |
$815 per 3, 3 mL of 18 mg/3 mL auto-injector pens | $665 per 3, 3 mL of 18 mg/3 mL auto-injector pens of brand-name Victoza | See latest prices |
| Saxenda
(liraglutide) |
$1,698 per
5, 3 mL of 18 mg/mL auto-injector pens |
$1,157 per 5, 3 mL of 18 mg/3 mL auto-injector pens of brand-name Saxenda | See latest prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.
Never stop taking your medication without seeking medical advice from your healthcare provider. They’ll work with you to recommend the best treatment for your individual needs.
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Sources
- Is Ozempic covered by insurance?, FormHealth (2024)
- Ozempic NovoCare, Novo Nordisk
- Ozempic (semaglutide injection), FDA label