Ozempic at Costco: The $499 Cash Price
In October 2025, a new partnership between pharmaceutical manufacturer Novo Nordisk and Costco was announced, making Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications available at a significantly reduced cash price. For Costco members who pay out-of-pocket without using insurance, a four-week supply of Ozempic is priced at $499. This move is part of a broader strategy by Novo Nordisk to make authentic, FDA-approved medications more accessible and affordable to consumers who might otherwise seek alternatives due to high costs.
This $499 price is not exclusive to Costco. The same offer is available to uninsured or self-paying patients directly through the manufacturer's website (NovoCare Pharmacy) and at other major retail pharmacies like CVS and Walmart. However, the program at Costco provides additional value for its members, particularly those with Executive-level memberships.
How to get Ozempic at the discounted price
To access the $499 monthly price for Ozempic at Costco, you must meet a few key requirements:
- Have an active Costco membership: The discounted price is part of the Costco Member Prescription Program (CMPP).
- Obtain a valid prescription: A healthcare provider must prescribe Ozempic for a valid medical purpose, such as Type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss, though it is often prescribed off-label for that purpose, which may affect insurance coverage.
- Enroll in the Costco Member Prescription Program: This program is free for members and provides access to lower prices on thousands of medications.
- Pay out-of-pocket: This offer is specifically for those who are uninsured or whose insurance does not cover the medication. The CMPP cannot be combined with commercial, Med D, or State plans.
Understanding the cost with insurance at Costco
If you have health insurance, the cost of Ozempic will not be the flat $499 cash price. Instead, your price at the Costco pharmacy will depend entirely on your specific insurance plan's coverage, formulary, and deductible. For individuals with commercial insurance that provides coverage for Ozempic, the price could be as low as $25 per month via the manufacturer's savings card, depending on your plan's copay structure.
It is important to contact your insurance provider or a Costco pharmacist to understand what your copay or coverage will be. As the CMPP cannot be used in conjunction with your insurance, you must choose the best option for your situation—either using your insurance or paying the discounted cash price through the member program.
Additional member rewards
Costco Executive Members and Citibank Visa cardholders may receive additional cash-back rewards on their eligible pharmacy purchases, including Ozempic, depending on the cardholder agreement. This provides another layer of potential savings for members who utilize the warehouse club's financial services.
Comparison: Costco vs. Alternatives
For those considering Ozempic, it's helpful to compare the Costco offering to other options available on the market. The list price is the drug's initial cost before any discounts or insurance coverage are applied.
| Feature | Costco CMPP (Cash Price) | Manufacturer's List Price | Other Retailer Cash Price (e.g., CVS) | Compounded Semaglutide | Ozempic (Semaglutide) | $499/month | ~$1,000/month | $499/month (match) | Starts from ~$199/month | | Wegovy (Semaglutide) | $499/month | ~$1,350/month | $499/month (match) | N/A | | Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) | Varies, check pricing | ~$1,079/month | Varies, check pricing | N/A |
The end of the semaglutide shortage
The widespread Ozempic shortage that affected many patients from 2022 to early 2025 has officially been resolved by the FDA. This stabilization in supply is a primary reason for the shift away from relying on compounded versions of semaglutide. While compounding pharmacies were permitted to produce these alternatives during the shortage, the FDA has since ordered them to cease. Patients previously using compounded versions will need to transition to FDA-approved products like Ozempic or Wegovy, and Costco's new pricing model offers a more affordable pathway for that transition.
Conclusion: Navigating your options
For patients who pay for their medications out-of-pocket, Costco's discounted $499 monthly price for Ozempic is a major benefit, stemming from a partnership with Novo Nordisk. This is particularly valuable for the uninsured or those with plans that do not cover the medication. However, those with robust insurance coverage may find their copay is even lower, potentially with a manufacturer's savings card. It is always recommended to consult with your physician to ensure Ozempic is the right medication for your health needs and to discuss your options with a Costco pharmacist to find the most cost-effective path for your personal situation. Given the end of the semaglutide shortage, accessing these FDA-approved medications is more reliable than it has been in years.
For more information on patient support programs, you can visit the Novo Nordisk official website.
