Wegovy Cost: Price With Insurance & Without Insurance
If you’re struggling to maintain a healthy weight, you may be considering asking your doctor about Wegovy.
Wegovy (generic name semaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable medication prescribed to adults and children 12 years of age and older with obesity. Used along with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, Wegovy can help you lose weight and keep it off.
But how much does Wegovy cost? What are the costs with and without insurance?
Insurance coverage of medications used specifically for weight loss like Wegovy varies. When Wegovy is covered by insurance, you’ll typically only have to cover the copayment. If your insurance provider does not cover Wegovy, it usually costs around $1,350 to $1,800 for a 28-day supply.
This guide goes over the cost of Wegovy with and without insurance, ways you can save money on Wegovy, and alternative options if your insurance does not cover it.
Cost of Wegovy overview
The cost of Wegovy is affected by many factors including your specific insurance plan, your pharmacy’s retail price, the dose you’re prescribed, the state you live in, and your eligibility for discount programs.
Since Wegovy is a weight loss medication, many insurance plans do not cover it, or they require you to take extra steps to get it covered. Medicare Part D, which provides prescription drug coverage for certain groups of people, does not cover any weight loss medications, including Wegovy.
If your insurance plan does not cover Wegovy, you may be wondering how much it costs out-of-pocket. Here is the retail price for Wegovy at several major pharmacies in New York City:
- CVS: $1,590
- Walgreens: $1,619
- Duane Reade: $1,619
- Costco: $1,692
- Rite Aid: $1,781
- Walmart: $1,624
Note that you will likely not have to pay the full retail price. Some or all of these costs may be paid for by your insurance provider, another prescription savings plan, or coupons.
Reach your weight loss goals faster with support from a Registered Dietitian
90% of Zaya Care patients pay $0 for one-on-one counseling with an RD
Price of Wegovy with insurance
The price of Wegovy with insurance depends on your specific insurance plan.
If your insurance covers Wegovy, any applicable copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles you have will affect the final price you pay.
Most insurance plans require prior authorization before they’ll cover Wegovy. In this case, you can ask your healthcare provider to seek approval from your insurance company. Once approved, you are responsible for paying any copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
If you have private or employer-sponsored health insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $0 for a 28-day supply of Wegovy. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, offers a savings card that pays up to $225 per month if your insurance plan covers Wegovy.
This offer is valid for up to 12 fills and is only available to those who meet the eligibility requirements.
Price of Wegovy without insurance
Unfortunately, many insurance providers, including Medicare, do not cover weight loss medications like Wegovy.
The list price of Wegovy without insurance is $1,349.02 for a 28-day supply. The price you pay out-of-pocket varies based on your prescribed dose, your pharmacy’s retail price, and any discounts used.
If Wegovy is not covered by your insurance, you can ask your healthcare provider to submit an appeal letter to your insurance company. Proving medical necessity can sometimes, but not always, result in a reversal of the denied claim.
Novo Nordisk also offers a savings card that pays up to $500 per 28-day supply for Wegovy if your insurance does not cover it. If eligible, you may pay as little as $0 per month for up to 12 fills.
However, you must have a commercial insurance plan and meet their other eligibility requirements to use the savings card.
>> Read more: How long to lose weight on Wegovy
How to save on Wegovy
On average, the retail price of Wegovy ranges from $1,500 to $1,800 for a 28-day supply. Since Wegovy is meant to be taken long-term, these costs can really add up.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can save money on Wegovy.
1) Check if your insurance covers it
Using prescription drug insurance is one of the best ways to save money on Wegovy. You can check if your insurance plan covers it by calling your insurance provider or looking up the drug formulary online.
Reaching out to your insurance company will also help you determine your out-of-pocket costs for Wegovy, which may be as little as a copayment. Additionally, your insurance company can explain any additional steps you may need to take before the medication will be covered.
2) Wegovy savings card
Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Wegovy, offers a savings card to those who meet their eligibility requirements. These requirements include having a valid prescription and private or employer-sponsored health insurance, among others.
If your insurance covers Wegovy, the savings card will cover up to an additional $225 per 28-day supply. The savings card covers up to $500 per 28-day supply if your insurance plan does not cover Wegovy.
3) Coupons & prescription cards
Companies like GoodRx and Optum Perks offer coupons to help you save money on Wegovy if you don’t have health insurance. Some of these companies also allow you to sign up to receive additional discounts to help you save even more.
The amount of money you’ll save using coupons and prescription cards varies depending on the pharmacy you choose and the coupon itself. However, exploring this option is worthwhile, especially if you’re paying for Wegovy out-of-pocket.
4) Consider a Medicare help program
The Medicare Extra Help Program helps people with limited income and resources pay for prescription drug-related costs. If you qualify, the program will help you pay for Medicare Part D premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs.
While Medicare may not pay for Wegovy, the Extra Help Program can help lower your overall drug-related expenses.
5) Use HSA or FSA funds
Both health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars from your paycheck to pay for health care costs. Withdrawals from both types of accounts are also tax-free when used to pay for qualified medical expenses.
Paying for Wegovy using an HSA or FSA results in a lower total cost. While the actual price of Wegovy does not change, using pre-tax dollars to pay for it lessens your overall costs.
6) Ask for a 90-day supply
Medications are usually dispensed in 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day supplies. Some pharmacies may offer a discount if you buy a larger quantity of medication.
If you’re paying out-of-pocket for Wegovy, call your local pharmacies and ask if they offer a bulk discount on it. Then, ask your doctor to write you a prescription for a 90-day supply of Wegovy.
Reach your weight loss goals faster with support from a Registered Dietitian
90% of Zaya Care patients pay $0 for one-on-one counseling with an RD
Is it possible to get Wegovy for free?
Yes, it is possible to get Wegovy for free using the savings card offered by Novo Nordisk.
This savings offer covers up to $225 per 28-day supply for commercially insured patients with coverage for Wegovy. If your commercial insurance plan does not cover Wegovy, you can save up to $500 per 28-day supply.
To be eligible for this savings offer, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have a valid prescription for Wegovy
- Not be enrolled in any federal or state health care programs, including Medicare
- Your insurance plan does not already cover the full cost of Wegovy
The savings card can be used for up to 12 fills and, if you qualify, is a great way to save significantly on Wegovy.
How to get Wegovy covered by insurance
While you may be excited to start losing weight with Wegovy, it is important to first ensure your insurance company covers it. Many insurance plans require you or your healthcare provider to take additional steps before they will pay for your prescription.
Here are some steps you can take to help get Wegovy covered by your insurance:
- Check your plan. Checking the drug formulary online or calling your insurance company to ask if Wegovy is covered is a good place to start. Novo Nordisk also offers a support program called Novocare that can help you determine what Wegovy will cost.
- Get a prescription. Since Wegovy is a prescription-only medication, you must obtain a prescription from your healthcare provider before it will be covered by insurance.
- Check if you need prior authorization. Most insurance plans do not cover Wegovy without prior authorization. This means your doctor must submit additional information to your insurance company explaining the necessity of the medication.
- Review costs. The cost of Wegovy varies, even if it’s covered by insurance. Review your total out-of-pocket costs for the medication to determine if it’s right for you.
- Request an appeal, if necessary. If your insurance company denies coverage for Wegovy initially, your healthcare provider may submit an appeal letter. While there is no guarantee, the denial may be reversed with enough supporting documentation from your doctor.
Alternatives if your insurance doesn’t cover Wegovy or it’s too expensive
It can be difficult to get insurance to cover this drug. If your insurance does not cover Wegovy, other similar medications may be a better option for you financially.
- Mounjaro. Mounjaro is a relatively new brand-name medication that is used to help manage type 2 diabetes. It may also trigger weight loss. Some insurance plans cover Mounjaro, however, coverage varies from plan to plan.
- Rybelsus. Rybelsus is a Semaglutide tablet prescribed to improve blood sugar. Most Medicare prescription drug plans and other insurance plans have this drug on their formulary. If you are eligible, you may receive a Rybelsus savings offer to pay as little as $10 for one month.
- Trulicity. Trulicity is used along with diet and exercise by adults with type 2 diabetes to improve glycemic control. It is not a weight loss drug, but it may lead to weight loss for some people. Most Medicare prescription drug plans and insurance plans cover Trulicity. While you may still have a copay or other out-of-pocket expenses, you will most likely receive some sort of coverage. Note that there are important foods to avoid while taking Trulicity.
- Saxenda. Saxenda is an injectable prescription medication for adults who are overweight and have weight-related health issues. Insurance may or may not cover Saxenda, however, there are other ways to gain coverage. You may be able to receive coverage through your employer if you have Medicaid or if you are a government employee.
Reviewing Wegovy costs & coverage for major types of health insurance plans
Whether or not your insurance covers Wegovy depends on your specific prescription drug plan. Since some plans do not cover weight management medications at all, your out-of-pocket costs may vary.
Private or employer-sponsored health insurance plans
Private and employer-sponsored insurance plans do not typically cover weight loss medications like Wegovy. If they do, they often require you and your healthcare provider to take additional steps, like obtaining prior authorization, before paying.
However, if you have private insurance, you may qualify for the Wegovy savings card, even if your insurance doesn’t cover the medication.
Medicare
Medicare provides coverage for people who are 65 years of age and older and for those who have disabilities, end-stage renal disease, or ALS.
Sadly, Medicare does not cover Wegovy or any other weight loss medications. This is because the law that created Medicare’s prescription drug benefit program excluded coverage of anti-obesity medications.
However, some Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans may cover Wegovy. Check with your plan administrator to determine if it’s covered for you.
Medicaid
Medicaid provides health insurance coverage to low-income individuals and families. Each state Medicaid program has its own rules and eligibility requirements.
Coverage of obesity medications through Medicaid is determined on a state-by-state basis. Unfortunately, many states do not provide coverage for Wegovy and other weight loss medications.
Regardless, you can always contact your state’s Medicaid office to see if they cover weight management medications.
Why working with a dietitian while taking Wegovy is a good idea
Working with a dietitian is helpful for many reasons, especially when taking a weight loss medication like Wegovy. For Wegovy to work best, it should be combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. Without these lifestyle changes, you may not see all the potential benefits of Wegovy.
A dietitian can teach you how to eat for weight loss and weight maintenance. They are trained to help you create a Wegovy diet plan that is tailored to your specific food preferences. They will also help you make sure you are meeting your unique nutritional needs and help with any issues that come up like if you are not losing the expected amount of weight on Wegovy.
Another benefit of working with a dietitian is managing any potential side effects that may occur. Common potential side effects of Wegovy include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. A dietitian can help you choose foods that minimize or eliminate these side effects.
Overall, having a dietitian on your healthcare team while using Wegovy will give you the best chance at long-term success.
Reach your weight loss goals faster with support from a Registered Dietitian
90% of Zaya Care patients pay $0 for one-on-one counseling with an RD
Ashley Petrie is a Registered Dietitian who specializes in culinary nutrition, recipe development, and meal planning. She has experience in a variety of settings as a dietitian, including clinical, community, private practice, and entrepreneurship. She currently teaches others how to cook easy, scratch-made recipes through her food blog. Ashley is passionate about using her knowledge of cooking and nutrition to inspire others to cook healthy, delicious meals at home so they can enjoy better-tasting, more nutritious food.
If you’re struggling to maintain a healthy weight, you may be considering asking your doctor about Wegovy.
Wegovy (generic name semaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable medication prescribed to adults and children 12 years of age and older with obesity. Used along with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, Wegovy can help you lose weight and keep it off.
But how much does Wegovy cost? What are the costs with and without insurance?
Insurance coverage of medications used specifically for weight loss like Wegovy varies. When Wegovy is covered by insurance, you’ll typically only have to cover the copayment. If your insurance provider does not cover Wegovy, it usually costs around $1,350 to $1,800 for a 28-day supply.
This guide goes over the cost of Wegovy with and without insurance, ways you can save money on Wegovy, and alternative options if your insurance does not cover it.
Cost of Wegovy overview
The cost of Wegovy is affected by many factors including your specific insurance plan, your pharmacy’s retail price, the dose you’re prescribed, the state you live in, and your eligibility for discount programs.
Since Wegovy is a weight loss medication, many insurance plans do not cover it, or they require you to take extra steps to get it covered. Medicare Part D, which provides prescription drug coverage for certain groups of people, does not cover any weight loss medications, including Wegovy.
If your insurance plan does not cover Wegovy, you may be wondering how much it costs out-of-pocket. Here is the retail price for Wegovy at several major pharmacies in New York City:
- CVS: $1,590
- Walgreens: $1,619
- Duane Reade: $1,619
- Costco: $1,692
- Rite Aid: $1,781
- Walmart: $1,624
Note that you will likely not have to pay the full retail price. Some or all of these costs may be paid for by your insurance provider, another prescription savings plan, or coupons.
Reach your weight loss goals faster with support from a Registered Dietitian
90% of Zaya Care patients pay $0 for one-on-one counseling with an RD
Price of Wegovy with insurance
The price of Wegovy with insurance depends on your specific insurance plan.
If your insurance covers Wegovy, any applicable copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles you have will affect the final price you pay.
Most insurance plans require prior authorization before they’ll cover Wegovy. In this case, you can ask your healthcare provider to seek approval from your insurance company. Once approved, you are responsible for paying any copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
If you have private or employer-sponsored health insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $0 for a 28-day supply of Wegovy. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, offers a savings card that pays up to $225 per month if your insurance plan covers Wegovy.
This offer is valid for up to 12 fills and is only available to those who meet the eligibility requirements.
Price of Wegovy without insurance
Unfortunately, many insurance providers, including Medicare, do not cover weight loss medications like Wegovy.
The list price of Wegovy without insurance is $1,349.02 for a 28-day supply. The price you pay out-of-pocket varies based on your prescribed dose, your pharmacy’s retail price, and any discounts used.
If Wegovy is not covered by your insurance, you can ask your healthcare provider to submit an appeal letter to your insurance company. Proving medical necessity can sometimes, but not always, result in a reversal of the denied claim.
Novo Nordisk also offers a savings card that pays up to $500 per 28-day supply for Wegovy if your insurance does not cover it. If eligible, you may pay as little as $0 per month for up to 12 fills.
However, you must have a commercial insurance plan and meet their other eligibility requirements to use the savings card.
>> Read more: How long to lose weight on Wegovy
How to save on Wegovy
On average, the retail price of Wegovy ranges from $1,500 to $1,800 for a 28-day supply. Since Wegovy is meant to be taken long-term, these costs can really add up.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can save money on Wegovy.
1) Check if your insurance covers it
Using prescription drug insurance is one of the best ways to save money on Wegovy. You can check if your insurance plan covers it by calling your insurance provider or looking up the drug formulary online.
Reaching out to your insurance company will also help you determine your out-of-pocket costs for Wegovy, which may be as little as a copayment. Additionally, your insurance company can explain any additional steps you may need to take before the medication will be covered.
2) Wegovy savings card
Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Wegovy, offers a savings card to those who meet their eligibility requirements. These requirements include having a valid prescription and private or employer-sponsored health insurance, among others.
If your insurance covers Wegovy, the savings card will cover up to an additional $225 per 28-day supply. The savings card covers up to $500 per 28-day supply if your insurance plan does not cover Wegovy.
3) Coupons & prescription cards
Companies like GoodRx and Optum Perks offer coupons to help you save money on Wegovy if you don’t have health insurance. Some of these companies also allow you to sign up to receive additional discounts to help you save even more.
The amount of money you’ll save using coupons and prescription cards varies depending on the pharmacy you choose and the coupon itself. However, exploring this option is worthwhile, especially if you’re paying for Wegovy out-of-pocket.
4) Consider a Medicare help program
The Medicare Extra Help Program helps people with limited income and resources pay for prescription drug-related costs. If you qualify, the program will help you pay for Medicare Part D premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs.
While Medicare may not pay for Wegovy, the Extra Help Program can help lower your overall drug-related expenses.
5) Use HSA or FSA funds
Both health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars from your paycheck to pay for health care costs. Withdrawals from both types of accounts are also tax-free when used to pay for qualified medical expenses.
Paying for Wegovy using an HSA or FSA results in a lower total cost. While the actual price of Wegovy does not change, using pre-tax dollars to pay for it lessens your overall costs.
6) Ask for a 90-day supply
Medications are usually dispensed in 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day supplies. Some pharmacies may offer a discount if you buy a larger quantity of medication.
If you’re paying out-of-pocket for Wegovy, call your local pharmacies and ask if they offer a bulk discount on it. Then, ask your doctor to write you a prescription for a 90-day supply of Wegovy.
Reach your weight loss goals faster with support from a Registered Dietitian
90% of Zaya Care patients pay $0 for one-on-one counseling with an RD
Is it possible to get Wegovy for free?
Yes, it is possible to get Wegovy for free using the savings card offered by Novo Nordisk.
This savings offer covers up to $225 per 28-day supply for commercially insured patients with coverage for Wegovy. If your commercial insurance plan does not cover Wegovy, you can save up to $500 per 28-day supply.
To be eligible for this savings offer, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have a valid prescription for Wegovy
- Not be enrolled in any federal or state health care programs, including Medicare
- Your insurance plan does not already cover the full cost of Wegovy
The savings card can be used for up to 12 fills and, if you qualify, is a great way to save significantly on Wegovy.
How to get Wegovy covered by insurance
While you may be excited to start losing weight with Wegovy, it is important to first ensure your insurance company covers it. Many insurance plans require you or your healthcare provider to take additional steps before they will pay for your prescription.
Here are some steps you can take to help get Wegovy covered by your insurance:
- Check your plan. Checking the drug formulary online or calling your insurance company to ask if Wegovy is covered is a good place to start. Novo Nordisk also offers a support program called Novocare that can help you determine what Wegovy will cost.
- Get a prescription. Since Wegovy is a prescription-only medication, you must obtain a prescription from your healthcare provider before it will be covered by insurance.
- Check if you need prior authorization. Most insurance plans do not cover Wegovy without prior authorization. This means your doctor must submit additional information to your insurance company explaining the necessity of the medication.
- Review costs. The cost of Wegovy varies, even if it’s covered by insurance. Review your total out-of-pocket costs for the medication to determine if it’s right for you.
- Request an appeal, if necessary. If your insurance company denies coverage for Wegovy initially, your healthcare provider may submit an appeal letter. While there is no guarantee, the denial may be reversed with enough supporting documentation from your doctor.
Alternatives if your insurance doesn’t cover Wegovy or it’s too expensive
It can be difficult to get insurance to cover this drug. If your insurance does not cover Wegovy, other similar medications may be a better option for you financially.
- Mounjaro. Mounjaro is a relatively new brand-name medication that is used to help manage type 2 diabetes. It may also trigger weight loss. Some insurance plans cover Mounjaro, however, coverage varies from plan to plan.
- Rybelsus. Rybelsus is a Semaglutide tablet prescribed to improve blood sugar. Most Medicare prescription drug plans and other insurance plans have this drug on their formulary. If you are eligible, you may receive a Rybelsus savings offer to pay as little as $10 for one month.
- Trulicity. Trulicity is used along with diet and exercise by adults with type 2 diabetes to improve glycemic control. It is not a weight loss drug, but it may lead to weight loss for some people. Most Medicare prescription drug plans and insurance plans cover Trulicity. While you may still have a copay or other out-of-pocket expenses, you will most likely receive some sort of coverage. Note that there are important foods to avoid while taking Trulicity.
- Saxenda. Saxenda is an injectable prescription medication for adults who are overweight and have weight-related health issues. Insurance may or may not cover Saxenda, however, there are other ways to gain coverage. You may be able to receive coverage through your employer if you have Medicaid or if you are a government employee.
Reviewing Wegovy costs & coverage for major types of health insurance plans
Whether or not your insurance covers Wegovy depends on your specific prescription drug plan. Since some plans do not cover weight management medications at all, your out-of-pocket costs may vary.
Private or employer-sponsored health insurance plans
Private and employer-sponsored insurance plans do not typically cover weight loss medications like Wegovy. If they do, they often require you and your healthcare provider to take additional steps, like obtaining prior authorization, before paying.
However, if you have private insurance, you may qualify for the Wegovy savings card, even if your insurance doesn’t cover the medication.
Medicare
Medicare provides coverage for people who are 65 years of age and older and for those who have disabilities, end-stage renal disease, or ALS.
Sadly, Medicare does not cover Wegovy or any other weight loss medications. This is because the law that created Medicare’s prescription drug benefit program excluded coverage of anti-obesity medications.
However, some Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans may cover Wegovy. Check with your plan administrator to determine if it’s covered for you.
Medicaid
Medicaid provides health insurance coverage to low-income individuals and families. Each state Medicaid program has its own rules and eligibility requirements.
Coverage of obesity medications through Medicaid is determined on a state-by-state basis. Unfortunately, many states do not provide coverage for Wegovy and other weight loss medications.
Regardless, you can always contact your state’s Medicaid office to see if they cover weight management medications.
Why working with a dietitian while taking Wegovy is a good idea
Working with a dietitian is helpful for many reasons, especially when taking a weight loss medication like Wegovy. For Wegovy to work best, it should be combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. Without these lifestyle changes, you may not see all the potential benefits of Wegovy.
A dietitian can teach you how to eat for weight loss and weight maintenance. They are trained to help you create a Wegovy diet plan that is tailored to your specific food preferences. They will also help you make sure you are meeting your unique nutritional needs and help with any issues that come up like if you are not losing the expected amount of weight on Wegovy.
Another benefit of working with a dietitian is managing any potential side effects that may occur. Common potential side effects of Wegovy include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. A dietitian can help you choose foods that minimize or eliminate these side effects.
Overall, having a dietitian on your healthcare team while using Wegovy will give you the best chance at long-term success.
Reach your weight loss goals faster with support from a Registered Dietitian
90% of Zaya Care patients pay $0 for one-on-one counseling with an RD
Related Posts
How Long Does It Take to Lose Weight on Wegovy? Expected Weight Loss Results
Nov 21, 2023
Wegovy Diet Plan: Best Foods to Eat & Which to Avoid (with printable PDF)
Jul 16, 2024
Can I Drink Alcohol on Ozempic & Wegovy?
Dec 14, 2023
Why Am I Not Losing Weight on Wegovy?
May 15, 2024
Cost of Ozempic: With Insurance & Without Insurance
Nov 16, 2023
