Cost of Ozempic without insurance
For individuals without insurance coverage, the price of Ozempic is at its highest. The manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, sets a list price, which is the official cost before any rebates or discounts are applied. As of April 2025, that list price is $997.58 for a 28-day supply. However, the actual retail price can be even higher, often ranging from $1,000 to over $1,300 per month, depending on the specific pharmacy. This is because each pharmacy sets its own pricing, which is influenced by location, overhead, and other market factors.
Recognizing this barrier, Novo Nordisk has established programs to lower the out-of-pocket cost for uninsured and self-paying patients. In August 2025, the manufacturer announced a direct-to-consumer program that reduces the cash price to $499 per month for eligible individuals. This option is available through the NovoCare Pharmacy and other direct-to-consumer online pharmacies. Prescription discount cards from services like GoodRx and SingleCare can also offer significant savings off the retail price, sometimes bringing the cost down to similar levels, although prices can fluctuate.
Cost of Ozempic with insurance
For patients with health insurance, the cost of Ozempic can be substantially lower, but is subject to several factors related to their specific plan. Insurance coverage typically applies only when Ozempic is prescribed for an FDA-approved use, such as the treatment of Type 2 diabetes or reducing cardiovascular risk in specific patients. Off-label use, such as for weight loss, is generally not covered by insurance and can lead to paying the full cash price.
Even with coverage, the patient's out-of-pocket expenses, including deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, determine the final price. Ozempic is often categorized as a Tier 3 or specialty drug on an insurance company's formulary (approved drug list), which means it carries a higher copay than drugs on lower tiers. Prior authorization may also be required, which involves the doctor providing justification for the necessity of the medication to the insurance provider.
- Commercial insurance: Eligible patients with commercial insurance that covers Ozempic can use the manufacturer's savings card to pay as little as $25 for a 1-, 2-, or 3-month supply. Maximum monthly savings are typically capped at $100 for a 28-day supply, but eligibility depends on the plan's coverage.
- Medicare: Medicare Part D plans may cover Ozempic for its FDA-approved indications related to diabetes. Coverage and costs vary by specific plan, and beneficiaries are generally not eligible for manufacturer coupons. The Low Income Subsidy (LIS) program can provide additional savings for eligible individuals.
- Medicaid: Medicaid coverage for Ozempic varies by state and is often subject to strict guidelines. Copays can be very low or waived entirely for qualifying individuals.
Factors that influence the price of Ozempic
Beyond insurance status, several key factors contribute to the variation in a patient's monthly cost for Ozempic:
- Dosage and quantity: A 1-month supply consists of a single injection pen, regardless of the dose (e.g., 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, or 2mg). The price per pen is generally the same, but the total annual cost is affected by dosage escalation and frequency. Opting for a 90-day supply, if available through your pharmacy or insurer, can sometimes reduce the per-month cost.
- Pharmacy choice: Prices are not standardized across all pharmacies. Comparing retail and coupon prices across different pharmacies, including major chains and local stores, can reveal significant savings. This is true for both uninsured and insured individuals, as sometimes a discount coupon offers a better price than the insurance copay.
- Geographic location: Regional variations in healthcare markets, competition, and state-specific regulations can cause prices to differ by location.
Comparison of Ozempic cost options
| Option | Approximate Monthly Cost (28-day supply) | Who Is Eligible | Potential Savings Mechanism |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uninsured (Retail Price) | $1,000 - $1,300+ | Individuals with no health insurance | None |
| Uninsured (NovoCare) | $499 | Self-paying patients (without insurance coverage) | Direct-to-consumer discount from manufacturer |
| Uninsured (Discount Card) | $499+ (variable by pharmacy) | Anyone, used instead of insurance | Discount coupons from services like GoodRx or SingleCare |
| Commercially Insured (Covered) | $25 (potentially) | Those with commercial insurance that covers Ozempic for a valid use | Manufacturer's savings card caps out-of-pocket cost |
| Commercially Insured (Not Covered) | $1,000 - $1,300+ | Those whose insurance excludes Ozempic or off-label use | Discount cards or NovoCare cash price |
| Medicare/Medicaid (Covered) | $0 - $150+ (variable by plan) | Eligible beneficiaries with FDA-approved indications | Government program coverage and low-income subsidies |
| Uninsured/Medicare (Low Income) | $0 | Eligible low-income individuals | Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP) |
Cheaper alternatives to brand-name Ozempic
Patients facing high costs for brand-name Ozempic (semaglutide) have alternative options to discuss with their healthcare provider. These may include other FDA-approved GLP-1 agonists or compounded semaglutide.
- Other GLP-1 medications: Other FDA-approved GLP-1 agonists exist, such as Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Victoza (liraglutide), which may have different pricing or insurance coverage. These are also brand-name drugs with similar cost considerations. Wegovy, which contains a higher dose of semaglutide, is specifically FDA-approved for weight management, and its cost and coverage differ from Ozempic.
- Compounded semaglutide: Some online and compounding pharmacies offer compounded semaglutide, which may be more affordable. However, it is crucial to understand that compounded versions are not FDA-approved for safety, effectiveness, or quality. The FDA has issued warnings about the risks of using unapproved compounded drugs. It is essential to only use this option under the guidance of a healthcare professional and from a licensed, reputable facility.
- Oral medications: Older and generic medications for Type 2 diabetes, like metformin, are significantly less expensive than Ozempic and may be a suitable alternative for some patients. Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) is also available, with a different pricing structure than the injectable form.
Conclusion
There is no single answer to the question, how much is a 1 month supply of Ozempic, as the cost is highly individual and depends on numerous factors. The list price is nearly $1,000 per month, but the actual out-of-pocket expense can range from as little as $25 with commercial insurance and a savings card, to $499 or more for uninsured patients using discount programs. Key determinants include your insurance coverage, the reason for the prescription, your specific pharmacy, and your eligibility for manufacturer-sponsored or other assistance programs. Exploring all available options and consulting with your healthcare provider and pharmacist is the best way to determine your personal cost and find the most affordable route to obtaining your medication.
Sources
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- CNN. US patients can now get Ozempic for half price if they can pay cash. (2025).
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