Wegovy patient assistance program: How to afford your prescription

Wegovy (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved weekly injectable weight loss medication. The active ingredient, semaglutide, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 for chronic weight management in adults and children 12 and older with obesity and for adults who are overweight with one or more weight-related health conditions, like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.

In addition to weight loss, Wegovy is approved to lower the risk of serious heart problems like heart attacks and stroke in obese or overweight adults with heart disease.

With an estimated list price of $1,349 per month, the cost of Wegovy is very high, especially for those without adequate insurance coverage.

Currently, there is no patient assistance program (PAP) specifically for Wegovy. However, the manufacturer offers several other support options to help lower costs, including the Wegovy Savings Card for patients with commercial or private insurance and self-pay options for uninsured patients through NovoCare Pharmacy. There are also prescription discount websites like SingleCare, GoodRx, and Optum Perks. These coupons can help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.

Struggling with the cost of Wegovy? Learn about the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program, the savings card, NovoCare Pharmacy, and other options to pay as little as $0. Get step-by-step eligibility and application help.

Wegovy Savings Card: $0-499 per month

The Wegovy Savings Card program is offered by the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk US, to help people save money with or without insurance. It helps those with insurance to reduce their out-of-pocket costs of Wegovy to as low as $0/month by providing financial assistance to cover a portion of the cost, making the medication more affordable for qualifying individuals.

The program is typically available to those with commercial insurance or without any insurance coverage, and excludes those with government-sponsored insurance such as Medicare and Medicaid.

To qualify for the Wegovy Savings Card, you must meet certain criteria. If you’re eligible for the savings card, you can also join WeGoTogether for free. This program offers personalized support to help with weight loss and maintenance, including access to a health coach, a progress-tracking portal, and more.

To get started, apply for the Wegovy savings card on the Novo Nordisk website.

Eligibility criteria for the Wegovy Savings Card

If you are eligible for the Wegovy savings card program, you can receive Wegovy for as low as $0 per month if you have commercial insurance that covers the medication, or $499 per month if you do not have insurance coverage for Wegovy.

You need to meet these requirements to qualify:

• Be a legal resident of the U.S. or Puerto Rico
• Be at least 18 years old
• Not be enrolled in any government-funded programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, DoD, VA, or TRICARE/CHAMPUS, or any state prescription drug assistance program.

Pathway A: Insurance covers Wegovy (The $0 copay)

To get Wegovy for $0, you also need to meet these requirements:

• You must also be enrolled in a private or commercial drug insurance plan that covers Wegovy.
• Have a valid prescription for Wegovy that follows FDA-approved guidelines:
  • Chronic weight management in adults and children ages 12 and older with obesity (BMI of 30 or more) and overweight (BMI of 27 to 29.9) who also have weight-related health issues, like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or high blood pressure, or;
  • To reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as stroke or heart attack in overweight and obese individuals with heart disease.

If you meet these requirements, you may be able to pay $0 for a one-month, two-month, or three-month supply of Wegovy injection with the following limitations:

• Maximum savings of $225 for a 1-month prescription (28-day supply)
• Maximum savings of $450 for a 2-month prescription (56-day supply)
• Maximum savings of $675 for a 3-month prescription (84-day supply)
• Valid for up to 24 months from the date of activating the savings offer.
• Not transferrable or redeemable for cash

Pathway B: Insurance does not cover Wegovy (The $499 cash price)

To get Wegovy for $499 per month, you also need to meet these requirements:

• Your private or commercial insurance does not cover Wegovy, or;

• You are uninsured.

If you meet these requirements, you may be able to pay $499 for a 1-month supply of Wegovy injection with the following limitations:

• Maximum savings of $499 for a 1-month prescription (28-day supply)
• Maximum savings of $998 for a 2-month prescription (56-day supply)
• Maximum savings of $1,497 for a 3-month prescription (84-day supply)
• Valid for up to 24 months from the date of activating the savings offer.
• Not transferrable or redeemable for cash

The free support system: WeGoTogether®

The WeGoTogether support program goes beyond just helping patients save on their Wegovy prescriptions. It’s designed to help people stay consistent and feel supported.

This program includes:

• 1-on-1 health coaching: Patients can connect with trained health coaches for motivation, habit-building, mindset support, and lifestyle guidance. These coaches are not a substitute for medical care. They are a valuable accountability partner to help keep momentum going.
• Progress tracking tools: The platform allows users to track injection schedules, weight changes, and day-to-day habits like meals, movement, and sleep. Seeing progress visually can help maintain motivation over the long term.
• Personalized reminders & check-ins: Automated reminders ensure doses aren’t missed, while tailored nudges help reinforce healthy habits. These reminders adapt based on your goals and where you are in your weight loss journey.

GLP-1 medications are most effective when taken consistently and paired with small, sustainable lifestyle adjustments. The WeGoTogether support system is designed to make adherence easier and support patients in building routines that last.

Overcoming prior authorization (PA)

The list price of Wegovy is $1,349.02 per month without insurance. The high price poses a significant financial barrier for many individuals seeking long-term weight management treatment.

Insurance coverage for Wegovy can vary by insurance plan. While some commercial plans and Medicaid programs may cover it, approval often depends on meeting strict criteria, such as a diagnosis of obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related medical condition, type 2 diabetes, or hypertension. Prior authorization is typically required by most plans, and coverage is frequently denied for cosmetic or non-medical weight loss purposes.

If Wegovy isn’t covered by your insurance plan, you can submit a medical exception request with the help of your healthcare provider. If the medical exception request or prior authorization is denied, you can appeal with the help of your healthcare provider.

Healthcare professionals can work with your insurance company to obtain approval for your medication by submitting a prior authorization. A prior authorization may need to be completed before your insurance company will cover Wegovy.

Because of these limitations, many patients face unaffordable out-of-pocket costs, making access to Wegovy difficult without adequate insurance coverage or eligibility for the manufacturer’s savings programs.

How to apply for the Wegovy savings card program

To check eligibility and apply for the Wegovy savings card, follow these steps:

1. Check your insurance: You must be enrolled in a commercial drug insurance plan, not Medicaid, Medicare, or any government-funded program. You can check your coverage on Wegovy’s website.
2. Prescription: You have a Wegovy prescription that is for an FDA-approved indication.
3. Age and location: You are at least 18 years old and a resident of the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
4. Online form: Fill out a quick form on the Wegovy Savings Card website to check your eligibility.
5. Verification: The website will tell you if you qualify.

You can also talk to your doctor for more information and to request assistance with the application.

Once approved, you’ll receive your savings card. You can download it, have it emailed to you, physically mailed to you, or add it to your mobile wallet.

Once you have your card, use it at any participating pharmacy to save on Wegovy. Show the card to the pharmacist when you pick up your prescription.

Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

The NovoCare Patient Assistance Program (PAP) helps low-income individuals who are uninsured or underinsured and cannot afford their medications.

While the program provides access to other medications, it does not currently cover Wegovy. However, this could potentially change in the future.

This program is especially valuable for those managing type 2 diabetes who may face high out-of-pocket costs. If eligible, you could receive free Ozempic or Rybelsus, which has the same active ingredient, semaglutide.

The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program is not only a lifeline for those who need help affording their medications, but it’s also completely free to use.

You can visit the NovoCare website to check if you qualify and start the application process, or call 1-866-310-7549.

If you’re eligible, you will need to provide proof of income documents, so having recent pay stubs or tax returns ready can help speed up the process. Also, keep in mind that patient assistance programs usually only cover the medication when it’s prescribed for its approved use. Using the medication for weight loss without type 2 diabetes may not qualify. Also, keep in mind that patient assistance programs usually only cover the medication when it’s prescribed for its approved use, such as type 2 diabetes, reducing cardiovascular risks, and reducing the risk of kidney failure. Using the medication for weight loss without type 2 diabetes may not qualify.

Eligibility requirements for free Ozempic

To get free Ozempic through the Novo Nordisk PAP, you must meet the following criteria:

US residency

You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident living in the United States.

Income limitations

You must have a total household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This is the same income threshold used for many assistance programs.

Use the Federal Poverty Level Calculator to calculate your household’s FPL based on your income and household size.

If your household income is at or below 400% FPL, you may be eligible for the Novo Nordisk PAP. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Novo Nordisk PAP website or contact their support.

Insurance status

• Uninsured: Patients with no health insurance are eligible to apply.
• Medicare: Patients on Medicare may be eligible if:
  • They have spent more than $1,000 on prescription medications under Medicare Part D this calendar year, or
  • They were denied Medicare Extra Help/Low Income Subsidy (LIS) and do not have Medicare Part D coverage.
• Medicaid: People who are eligible for Medicaid must have applied for and been denied for consideration for the PAP.
• No other government programs: In general, applicants cannot be enrolled in or eligible for other federal or state programs, such as:
  • Medicaid (unless denied),
  • Low Income Subsidy (LIS)/Extra Help,
  • Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, or other government-funded programs.

Meeting these insurance requirements is essential for eligibility for the Novo Nordisk PAP. If you’re not sure about your insurance status or eligibility, help is available through the program’s support line or your healthcare provider.

Prescription requirement

To be eligible for the Novo Nordisk PAP, you must have a valid prescription from a U.S.-licensed healthcare provider for Ozempic.

This prescription must be for an approved medical use, such as type 2 diabetes, reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events, or reducing the risk of worsening kidney disease, kidney failure, and cardiovascular death.

The prescription must be included with your application. Without a current, valid prescription, your application cannot be processed.

Medical necessity

Ozempic must be medically necessary for the treatment of type 2 diabetes to be eligible for the Novo Nordisk PAP.

It’s important to note that eligibility may not apply if Ozempic is prescribed off-label for weight loss or other non-approved uses. The program is specifically intended to support patients using the medication as approved by the FDA.

The insurance hurdle: What to do if you’re denied

Even with medical necessity, many patients face insurance pushback when trying to get GLP-1 medications covered.

If your application to the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program is denied, don’t lose hope. There are ways to address common issues and improve your chances on appeal:

• Missing prior authorization: Most plans require your doctor to submit a prior authorization (PA) form explaining why this medication is medically necessary. If the PA wasn’t sent or wasn’t detailed enough, coverage is usually denied. Work with your provider to submit an accurate and complete prior authorization.
• Step therapy requirements: Some insurers require patients to try lower-cost medications or lifestyle interventions before approving newer treatments. For example, they may ask for documented use of metformin, phentermine, or a structured weight-management program.
• Plan exclusion for weight loss drugs: Some insurance plans automatically exclude coverage for medications labeled for weight loss, even if you have health conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, or PCOS. However, if the medication is being prescribed for a covered condition (type 2 diabetes), coverage may still be possible.
• Income slightly over limit: If your household income is just above the eligibility threshold, ask your healthcare provider to write a detailed appeal letter explaining your financial situation and medical need. Sometimes, exceptions can be made based on special circumstances.
• Missing or incomplete documents: Denials often happen when required paperwork isn’t included or is incomplete. Review the rejection notice carefully and resubmit your application with all missing documents, such as a recent W-2, pay stubs, or bank statements to verify income.
• Medicare patients: If you’re on Medicare and were denied due to insurance status, consider alternative support programs such as the Extra Help/Low Income Subsidy (LIS) or other nonprofit assistance organizations. Your healthcare provider or a patient advocate can help guide you toward these options.

Appealing promptly and thoroughly can increase your chances of approval. If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact the Novo Nordisk PAP helpline or seek support from your healthcare provider.

Steps to take if you’re denied coverage

If you’ve been denied coverage, follow these steps:

• Request the denial letter: This clarifies exactly why coverage was denied and what documents are needed to appeal.

• Ask your doctor to submit a stronger prior authorization: The PA should clearly outline your:
  • BMI and weight-related health conditions
  • Previous medication attempts (with outcomes or side effects)
  • Medical necessity and expected benefit
• Submit an appeal: Many insurers reverse denials on appeal, especially when accompanied by:
  • Medical records
  • Lab results
  • Documentation of previous therapies

A denial isn’t necessarily the end of the road. It’s often just a documentation process. With the right paperwork and persistence, many patients successfully secure coverage on appeal.

The savings card is a valuable savings tool, but only after insurance coverage is secured. Focus your efforts first on approval and documentation. The cost-saving benefits come after.

How to save on Wegovy if not qualified

Wegovy is only available as a brand-name medication, and generic Wegovy is not available yet. Fortunately, there are still ways to save.

Keep reading to learn more about how you can save on the cost of Wegovy with or without insurance coverage. If you have an insurance plan that covers Wegovy for your prescribed medical condition, you’ll pay less for the medication. With or without insurance, savings programs, manufacturer discounts, and coupons can help to make Wegovy more affordable.

Check your prescription coverage

If you have insurance, check the drug formulary (list of covered drugs) or contact your insurance provider to verify if Wegovy is covered for your prescribed diagnosis. All insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, have a formulary, which is a drug coverage list with a tier system. Higher tiers have higher out-of-pocket costs than lower tiers. As Wegovy is an expensive brand-name drug, it may be listed on a higher tier or not covered. If it’s not covered, you can consider submitting an exception request with the help of your provider or consider switching to a different insurance plan during the next open enrollment period.

If Wegovy is covered by your insurance plan, ask your insurance provider about the associated copay and deductible so you’ll know how much you’ll be spending out of pocket.

If Wegovy is covered by your insurance plan, you may be able to reduce your out-of-pocket costs by using the Wegovy Savings Card. If it’s not covered, you may be able to submit an exception request with the help of your healthcare provider.

Medicare savings

Medicare usually doesn’t cover Wegovy for weight loss. However, if you have heart disease and are overweight or obese, and your doctor prescribes Wegovy to reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke, Medicare may cover it. In March 2024, the FDA approved Wegovy for this indication.

If you’re on Medicare, you can’t use the Wegovy Savings Card, but you can still use coupons from prescription drug discount sites, with or without insurance. If the reintroduced Reduce and Treat Obesity Act is passed, Medicare would cover Wegovy under its prescription drug plan.

Compare pharmacy prices

Your local pharmacy may not necessarily have the lowest prices for all medications, including Wegovy. Prices vary widely by pharmacies across the U.S., and it’s highly recommended to compare prices across multiple pharmacies to get the best possible deal on your medication.

Wegovy coupons and discount cards

You can obtain Wegovy coupons or Wegovy prescription discount cards through prescription drug savings companies like GoodRx, WellRx, OptumPerks, and SingleCare, which offer prescription discounts of up to 80%. These coupons work at pharmacies near you without insurance. Prices vary by quantity, pharmacy, location, and medication form.

Discount cards cannot be combined with insurance or a manufacturer’s savings card. They serve as an alternative to cash payment when insurance coverage is unavailable or insufficient.

NovoCare Pharmacy

NovoCare Pharmacy is a self-pay option for patients who do not have insurance coverage for Wegovy. You can purchase all dosage strengths of the medication for $499 per month, directly from the manufacturer’s direct-to-consumer pharmacy.

90-day refills

Some mail-order pharmacies offer discounts on a 3-month supply of medications. Ordering a 90-day supply at a time to your home can also be more convenient. Eligibility may vary by your insurance plan’s quantity limits.

Ask your healthcare provider about free samples

You can speak to your healthcare provider about obtaining free samples that are typically provided when a patient initiates treatment. Pharmaceutical manufacturers provide doctors and clinics with free samples of their medications to help patients get started on treatment. However, this is not a sustainable strategy as samples are typically provided for up to one month.

Mail-order pharmacies

Mail-order pharmacies can offer lower prices because they have lower overhead since they don’t need physical stores. They often offer 90-day supplies, which can be cheaper per dose. Additionally, mail-order pharmacies may have special pricing agreements with insurance plans or work directly with drug manufacturers, cutting out extra costs. If you’re considering using a mail-order pharmacy, check with your insurance provider to see if it’s covered and compare prices with your local pharmacy.

Non-profit foundations

For people who have commercial insurance but still face high out-of-pocket costs (high deductibles or copays), there are independent foundations that sometimes offer financial assistance. These programs are typically needs-based and may require proof of income.

Organizations such as the Patient Advocate Foundation, Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), and HealthWell Foundation provide financial support to help cover copays and out-of-pocket medication costs.

Many foundations have disease-specific funds and may assist even if you have insurance, helping reduce the burden of high prescription costs.

These funds are limited and can run out. It’s important to apply as early as possible to maximize your chances of receiving assistance.

Lifestyle changes

According to the American Diabetes Association, diet and exercise play a key role in managing type 2 diabetes. Eating a balanced and reduced-calorie diet with whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables can help regulate blood sugar levels. Regular physical activity, like walking or cycling, improves insulin sensitivity and helps control weight.

Talk to your healthcare provider about Wegovy alternatives

If your insurance plan won’t cover Wegovy, you can speak with your healthcare provider about switching to a cheaper Wegovy alternative.

Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist medication used to treat obesity, support long-term weight management, and reduce the risk of heart problems related to obesity. Other GLP-1s may be cheaper than Wegovy or covered by your insurance.

Your provider can also review clinical trial data to understand how different medications compare in terms of weight loss effectiveness and safety.

During this discussion, they may evaluate your individual health conditions, such as your risk for diabetic retinopathy, hypoglycemia, or pancreatitis, especially if you are currently using sulfonylureas or other blood-sugar–lowering medications. This helps determine which medication is the safest and most affordable option for you.

FAQ’s

Can I use the Wegovy Savings Card if my insurance doesn’t cover it?

No, the Wegovy Savings Card only works after your insurance has approved coverage for the medication. It’s a co-pay assistance card, not a discount program. It cannot reduce the cost or make the medication affordable if your insurance plan does not cover Wegovy.

Can Medicare or Medicaid use Wegovy savings offers?

No. Manufacturer savings and coupon programs cannot be used with government-funded insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, VA, or TRICARE. If you’re on one of these plans, coverage depends on your specific plan rules. It’s recommended to confirm with your insurer or pharmacist.

What if I have Medicare? Is there any help for me?

If you have Medicare, coverage is especially limited because Medicare Part D is not allowed to cover weight-loss medications under current federal law. That means the Wegovy Savings Card won’t work, and manufacturer patient assistance programs usually only help completely uninsured people. This creates a significant coverage gap for Medicare patients seeking weight-loss treatment.

Is Wegovy covered by the patient assistance program (PAP)?

No, Wegovy is not currently included in the manufacturer’s patient assistance program (PAP). The PAP is available for Ozempic, but only when it’s prescribed for type 2 diabetes or another approved indication, not for weight loss. At this time, people seeking Wegovy for weight management cannot use PAP support.

How long does the patient assistance program approval take?

Approval through a patient assistance program typically takes 2–6 weeks from the time your application and documents are submitted. Delays are common if income verification or medical forms are incomplete. Submitting everything accurately the first time can help expedite the application process.

Is Wegovy for weight loss covered by insurance?

Coverage for Wegovy varies depending on your insurance plan. Some plans may cover it while others exclude all weight-loss medications. To find out if your plan covers Wegovy, check your plan’s formulary online or call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card to verify whether Wegovy is covered for weight management.

Are there any income limits for the Savings Card?

No, there are no income limits for the Wegovy Savings Card. Eligibility is based on your insurance type, not your income level. As long as you have commercial or private insurance that covers Wegovy, you may qualify for the savings offer.

Is there a permanent cash price for uninsured patients?

There is no guaranteed or permanent cash price for Wegovy for people without insurance. NovoCare is currently offering all doses of Wegovy for $499 per month through NovoCare Pharmacy. Always verify the current cash price directly with NovoCare Pharmacy.

Conclusion: Navigating savings options for Wegovy to save on your prescription

The two main pathways to manage Wegovy costs include the Wegovy Savings Card for patients with commercial insurance and NovoCare Pharmacy for those without insurance.

Although Wegovy is not currently included in a patient assistance program, the eligibility requirements and process are worthwhile to understand, as the manufacturer may cover the medication in the future.

Other options, like GoodRx, non-profit copay foundations, or switching to lower-cost alternatives, can also help reduce expenses.

Navigating the cost of prescription drugs can be complex, but you now have a clear roadmap to guide your decisions. Remember, you are your own best advocate every step of the way.

Trusted source

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

• Federal regulatory agency for food and health-related products

Go to source

Trusted source

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

• Federal regulatory agency for food and health-related products

Go to source

Trusted source

American Diabetes Association

• Nonprofit membership association that promotes efforts to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the well-being of diabetics

Go to source