Ozempic is a widely used drug that is mainly used to manage type 2 diabetes. It often poses a significant financial challenge due to its high cost.
This guide is just for patients who often wonder: “How Do I Get Ozempic for $25 a Month?”Let’s dive into some effective strategies that can help you reduce your Ozempic cost. We’ll also dive into possible alternatives and provide valuable tips to save money on your medication.
The main aim of this article is to help you understand your options better and hopefully lighten the financial burden of managing your health.
What is An Ozempic?
Ozempic, also called Semaglutide, is an injectable drug that is primarily designed to regulate the blood sugar levels of adults with type 2 diabetes.
It was released by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, Ozempic works by mimicking the function of a hormone in the body called GLP-1. This hormone works by slowing digestion, reducing the amount of sugar the liver produces, and promoting insulin release.
Ozempic is often prescribed to people when diet and exercise alone don’t cut it in controlling blood sugar levels.
Note, that Ozempic is not for treating type 1 diabetes. This medication also carries an additional advantage as it is associated with weight loss, which is considered an added benefit for people with type 2 diabetes who struggle with obesity.
How much does Ozempic cost per month?
The cost of Ozempic can vary a lot depending on your insurance and the pharmacy you choose. Usually, the retail price of Ozempic for one month is about $800 to $900 for a supply of 2, 1.5-milliliter pen(s), although prices may vary.
Without insurance, these prices can be a significant financial burden for many people. Therefore, it’s important to explore different strategies and programs that can help reduce this cost.
How do I get Ozempic for $25 a month?
Getting Ozempic for $25 a month may seem challenging due to its high retail price, but it’s easy to achieve. As we mentioned, Novo Nordisk is the manufacturer of Ozempic.
This company offers a Savings Card program that may allow you to get Ozempic for as low as $25 per prescription per month. This program is available for those who are commercially insured and meet other eligibility criteria.
The eligibility criteria include the following:
- You must be a resident of the United States or Puerto Rico.
- You must have commercial health insurance that covers Ozempic.
- Your total household income must be equal to or less than 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
- You cannot be a participant in any government, state, or federally funded medical or prescription benefit program, including Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap, VA, DOD, and TRICARE.
- You must be 18 years or older.
By meeting these criteria, you can apply for the savings card and potentially bring down your Ozempic cost to $25 per month. Please note that the Savings Card program has a maximum benefit. Once reached, any additional costs will be your responsibility.
To apply, you can visit the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program website and fill out the applicable form.
Keep in mind that each patient’s savings may vary based on such factors as the specific terms of your insurance plan, your income, and your location. We advise you to consult with your healthcare provider or a financial advisor to understand your options better.
Also Read: Does Anthem Cover Wegovy For Weight Loss?
10 tips for saving money on Ozempic
Here are ten ways to save some cash when paying for Ozempic, whether you have insurance or not.
1. If you’ve got health insurance, go ahead and use it
If you have health insurance, it is highly recommended to utilize it. Most insurance companies cover Ozempic only for Type 2 diabetes, not for weight management.
However, you might need to get the prior authorization to confirm that you have type 2 diabetes and that Ozempic is medically necessary.
By using your health insurance, you can enjoy benefits like discounted rates for medical treatments, access to a network of healthcare providers, and financial assistance for unexpected medical emergencies.
According to Pharmaceutical Strategies Group’s 2023 Trends in Benefit Design Report, just 43% of health plans and employers provide coverage for weight loss medications.
If you don’t have any private or employer-sponsored insurance, then you should explore other plans that provide coverage for Ozempic, including:
- TRICARE: This program covers Ozempic for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes currently. You can also check if Ozempic is covered by your TRICARE plan by using the handy formulary search tool.
- Medicare: This program is available for people aged 65 years or older. It may cover your Ozempic if you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and need to control blood sugar levels without success. However, this policy doesn’t cover weight management.
- Medicaid: This is a financial assistance program for low-income people who cannot afford any high-budget health insurance. Eligibility requirements vary by state, and individual states decide what drugs are covered under their policies. Please check with your state before considering this option.
Related: Does Medicaid Cover Ozempic For Weight Loss In 2023?
2. Compare Pharmacies
Drug prices can vary a lot between pharmacies, even in the same city. So it’s good to check prices at different places before buying.
Here are some online tools that you can use to compare drug prices at pharmacies near you:
- GoodRx
- OptumRx
- SingleCare
- Express Scripts
- Blink Health
- NeedyMeds
- WellRx
These tools help you search through a database of pharmacies to find the best price in your area. You can also use these tools to check if there are any discounts or coupons available for Ozempic at specific pharmacies.
3. Check out the Medicare help program
If you have Medicare, you may qualify for the Extra Help program. This program provides valuable financial assistance to those who have limited income and resources.
It aims to help alleviate the burden of healthcare costs and ensure access to necessary medications and healthcare services.
To determine your eligibility and apply for the program you must have the following:
- Balances of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) or 401(k) accounts
- Bank statements and tax returns
- Statements for pensions, annuities, VA benefits, and the benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board
4. Download a free coupon
Many websites and apps offer free coupons or discount cards that you can use at your local pharmacy.
The first amazing website is GoodRx which provides you with Prescription discount cards that give you access to a lot of medication coupons..
The second one is RxSaver which also provides coupons that can save you a significant amount of money on your medications. They give you free coupons and on some medications, they provide up to 80% off.
They don’t need any membership and you can simply download the coupon to your phone or print it out, then present it to your pharmacist when you fill out your prescription.
Be sure to check the terms and conditions of the coupon, as some may have usage limits or exclusions.
5. Explore other alternatives
If Ozempic is still not affordable for you, don’t lose hope. There are other alternative medications available on the market that may work just as well for you. Some possible alternatives include:
- Trulicity (Dulaglutide) [Saving Cards for Trulicity ]
- Victoza (Liraglutide) [Saving Cards for Victoza]
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) [Saving Cards for Mounjaro]
- Bydureon (Exenatide) [Saving Cards for Bydureon]
- Rybelsus (semaglutide) [Saving Cards for Rybelsus]
Each of these medications works in a similar way to Ozempic and may be more affordable. But, unfortunately, there are no more generic options for Ozempic, Rybelsus, Mounjaro, or Trulicity.
6. Opt for mail-order pharmacies
You should mail-order pharmacies for convenience and potentially lower costs. Mail-order pharmacies can help you save time and effort by delivering your medications right to your doorstep.
Plus, they may offer a lot of discounts as compared to traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies. However, it is important to ensure the mail-order pharmacy is reputable and licensed to ensure the quality and safety of your medications.
7. Use funds from an HSA or FSA
According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), people with a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) can utilize pre-tax dollars to cover the expenses for qualified medical expenses like Ozempic prescription.
This approach has the potential to save approximately 20% on medication costs. For more detailed and up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult the IRS guidelines or speak with a qualified tax professional.
8. Check for Manufacturer’s Rebates
In some cases, pharmaceutical companies may offer rebates on their medications. Reach out to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, to inquire about any available rebates.
The company has a history of offering such incentives to help those patients who can’t afford their medications. You can also check the manufacturer’s website for any current rebate programs. If available, these rebates can significantly decrease the cost of Ozempic.
Remember, each of these cost-saving strategies may not be suitable for everyone, and some may require considerable effort or time to implement. It’s important to do your research first and talk to your healthcare provider to make sure these options are right for your specific situation.
9. Talk to your healthcare provider for free samples
Consult your healthcare provider to inquire about the availability of free samples. They may be able to provide you with some complimentary medication samples from the Novo Nordisk.
If you are eligible they can submit a monthly sample request via the Novo Nordisk sample portal. It’s a great way to try out products without any cost.
By using a sample, you have the opportunity to check the effectiveness of the medication before buying it. But keep in mind that Ozempic is currently listed on the FDA drug shortage list. This may impact the availability of samples through your healthcare provider.
10. Order in Bulk
If you’ve got some extra budget, ordering your medication in bulk can be a more wallet-friendly option. Most pharmacies will give you a discounted rate if you place an order for a three-month supply of Ozempic instead of a one-month supply.
This approach not only helps you save money but also ensures that you have a consistent supply of your medication, which reduces the risk of missed doses.
Also, make sure to check with your insurance provider to confirm they cover this option.
Other affordable alternatives to Ozempic
There are some other effective affordable alternatives to Ozempic. Each of these works differently, and the best choice for you would depend on your circumstances and medical history. Here are a few alternatives:
- Metformin: This is a first-line medication for type 2 diabetes, and it works by reducing how much glucose your liver makes and helps your body use insulin better.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists: Other than Ozempic, there are several other medications in this class, such as Liraglutide (Victoza), Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon), Dulaglutide (Trulicity), etc. They work similarly to Ozempic by enhancing insulin secretion.
- SGLT2 inhibitors: Medications like Canagliflozin (Invokana), Dapagliflozin (Farxiga), Empagliflozin (Jardiance), etc., are SGLT2 inhibitors that work by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing glucose back into the blood, hence reducing the blood glucose levels.
Also, ask your healthcare provider to find out which alternative could be the best fit for your health needs and financial circumstances.
Conclusion
Managing the cost of medications like Ozempic can be challenging, but with careful planning, research, and the use of resources, it can be easily affordable. From checking with your insurance company to utilizing prescription discount cards, patient assistance programs, and mail-order pharmacies, there are numerous ways to make this medication more affordable.
Always consult with your healthcare provider to find the best, most affordable solution for managing your health. Remember, each person’s situation is different, and what works best for one person may not work for another.
FAQ
How much does Ozempic cost without insurance?
According to GoodRx, an online platform that provides information about prescription medication costs, the average retail price for a 1.5ml of 0.5mg/0.5ml Ozempic pen is around $800 to $900. Keep in mind that this is an average price and costs can vary.
What insurance covers Ozempic?
Most insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover Ozempic under their prescription drug coverage. However, the level of coverage can vary between different insurance providers and plans. Some plans may cover the full cost of the medication, while others may only cover a portion, leaving the patient responsible for any remaining balance.
Another option is to ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist, who may have this information readily available.
Remember, even if your insurance covers Ozempic, there may still be a co-pay or deductible to meet, depending on your particular plan
What is the cheapest way to get Ozempic?
Some ways to potentially lower the cost of Ozempic include utilizing patient assistance programs, manufacturer coupons, and switching to a different insurance plan. It may also be worth looking into alternative medications that are more cost-effective.
