Your doctor has given you a prescription for Semaglutide to begin your weight loss journey, but you found out that your health insurance plan doesn’t offer coverage for the drug. Now, you’re concerned and wondering: how much does it cost? How can I get it without breaking the bank?

Semaglutide is a game-changer, celebrated for its powerful weight loss effects, ability to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and aid in the management of diabetes. According to a new study released April 24 by the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, semaglutide topped the list of most popular drugs by overall U.S. spending in 2023. However, this increased demand has inevitably led to a shortage and concurrent rise in the price of its brand-name versions. Presently, semaglutide is on the FDA’s Drug Shortages database. 

For those who don’t have health insurance, this becomes a major problem. Even if you do have insurance, not everyone has a health insurance plan that covers semaglutide and other weight-loss drugs. As a result, people often ask how much semaglutide costs without insurance and how can they continue treatment with the drug without burning a hole in their pockets.

In this article, we’ll guide you through how semaglutide works, its cost without insurance, insurance plans that cover the cost of it, and how you can access it at a lower price. 

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists used primarily for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. The GLP-1 hormone is responsible for stimulating insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon release, and slowing down gastric emptying. Semaglutide mimics the effect of this hormone, and by so doing slows down the transit of food from the stomach to increase satiety and lower appetite.

Currently, there are three FDA-approved semaglutide products available:

• Ozempic injection and Rybelsus tablets, both of which are approved for reducing blood sugar levels in adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
  
• Wegovy injections are approved to aid adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older in the management of obesity or help adults with excessive weight accompanied by weight-related medical conditions

Factors Influencing the Cost of Semaglutide

There are several factors responsible for the varying price of Semaglutide without insurance. Amongst them include:

• Dosage and formulation: As with most drugs, a higher dose or an extended-release formulation of the drug generally costs more than a lower dose; semaglutide is no different. For example, Wegovy, which is approved for weight management, may have different pricing compared to Ozempic, used for diabetes management.
• Pharmacy pricing: Prices may vary across different pharmacies based on the location of the pharmacy, supply chain costs, and negotiated rates with manufacturers. This can lead to significant variations in cost.
• Manufacturer pricing and rebates: Pharmaceutical companies may offer rebates or discounts to certain pharmacies, which can affect the retail price. Additionally, the overall pricing strategy of the manufacturer plays a role in the cost.
• Geographic location: Another piece influencing the varying prices of the drug is your geographic location. State regulations, local competition among pharmacies, and regional economic factors all play a part here.
• Online vs. in-store purchase: Buying semaglutide online can sometimes be cheaper because there’s a reduced overhead cost for online pharmacies. On the flip side, shipping fees and the need for a valid prescription can affect the final price.

How Much is Semaglutide Without Insurance?

While the cost of semaglutide depends on several factors, it is certainly not cheap. These factors include the brand you choose, the dose, your location, and which pharmacy you use, along with a host of other considerations.

If you’re using semaglutide for weight loss, then Wegovy is often the approved brand for you. A pack of Wegovy contains four pens, each pre-filled with a single dose of Wegovy. Without insurance, the cost of Wegovy is $1,349.02 per month or 28-day package, which breaks down to $269.80 per week or $16,188.24 per year. Ozempic, on the other hand, is slightly less expensive, with a one-month supply of Ozempic costing around $935.77 without insurance. 

Note that these prices are averaged, and you might get it at a lower or higher price depending on the factors we already mentioned.

Can I Still Cut Costs On the Price Without Insurance?

Yes, you can. Websites like GoodRx offer free Wegovy coupons that you can use at different pharmacies, including CVS, Safeway, Walmart, RiteAid, and many others. With these coupons, you can save as much as 7-34% off the retail price.

By using their coupons, you can also save between 9% at Albertson’s or as high as 52% at Costco. Their coupons also work at other pharmacies, such as Walmart and Walgreens, where they offer between 10-20% slash on retail prices.

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of both semaglutide brands, offers a savings program to help cut costs on the medication. With the WeGoTogether program, you can pay as little as $0 for a 28-day supply of Wegovy if you have private or commercial insurance with prescription drug coverage. If you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover Wegovy, you can still save up to $500 for a 28-day supply.

Novo Nordisk also offers an Ozempic savings card for up to a 90-day supply. However, to qualify for this offer, you must have private or commercial insurance and a one-, two-, or three-month prescription for Ozempic. 

Tips for Finding the Best Prices

To ensure you’re getting the best deal available, try using one or more of the following tips.

• Compare regularly: Prices can fluctuate, so it’s important to regularly compare costs across different pharmacies and online platforms.
• Use coupons and discounts: In this article, we’ve covered one good option, GoodRx. Blink Health is another. You can do more research to increase your options. 
• Pharmacy membership programs: Enrolling in membership programs at pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, or Costco can sometimes offer additional savings.

Final Thoughts 

Navigating the cost of Semaglutide without insurance can be daunting, but it’s not insurmountable. By understanding the factors that influence its price and exploring various cost-saving strategies, you can manage your expenses while benefiting from this effective weight-loss medication.

The specific program you choose for accessing semaglutide also makes a big difference. VeriNew provides a significantly more affordable option than many other weight-loss programs, with our memberships for semaglutide starting at $49 per month. To learn more about whether or not semaglutide may be a good option for you, schedule an appointment with one of our providers today.