How Much Does Wegovy Cost? Everything You Need To Know
Wegovy has gained popularity as a prescription medication that promotes significant weight loss in overweight patients.
Although this drug is becoming more common, Wegovy is quite expensive and may be difficult to afford without insurance.
However, there are a few ways that you can make your Wegovy prescription more budget-friendly.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the cost of Wegovy and what you can do to find the most affordable price.
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Quick Recap: What is Wegovy?
Wegovy — also known as semaglutide — is an injectable prescription medication used in chronic weight management.
It works by suppressing areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake, meaning you’ll feel less hungry throughout the day.
Over time, this also reduces how much food you consume, which can help you lose weight.
Although Wegovy has shown promising weight loss results in clinical trials, it’s important to note that this medication is currently not intended for cosmetic purposes.
This means that you can’t get a Wegovy prescription if you don’t have a medical condition – such as obesity – that requires you to lose weight.
Healthcare providers may only prescribe Wegovy for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher — which indicates obesity.
Wegovy may also be prescribed to individuals with a BMI of 27 or higher if they have weight-related comorbidities like diabetes.
How Much Does Wegovy Cost?
A one-month supply of Wegovy — or four injectable pens — retails for around $1,350 (or $269.80 per week).
It’s important to note that the cost may vary depending on your pharmacy and which state or city you live in.
In some areas, patients can expect to pay as much as $1,627 for a monthly supply.
Why is Wegovy so expensive?
In the U.S., a weight loss drug like Wegovy is much more expensive to manufacture and purchase than other countries.
This is largely because the price for the main ingredient — semaglutide — is higher in America compared to places like the U.K. or Europe.
Along with the increased demand for weight loss medications and the few alternatives available, the price of Wegovy will likely only lower when generic versions start to appear on the market.
Weight Loss Drugs | Cost in the U.K. | Cost in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
Wegovy | $257 | $1,348 |
Ozempic | $430 | $936 |
Mounjaro | $430 | $1,500 |
Will Your Insurance Cover Your Wegovy Prescription?
Wegovy is a relatively new drug that was only approved by the FDA in May 2023. This means that specific insurance plan pricing for the medication may not be available.
It also means that out-of-pocket costs may not be entirely accurate yet, which can make it difficult to determine the exact amount you’ll need to pay.
The first thing you can do is determine if your health insurance will cover your Wegovy prescription. This largely depends on your insurance plan.
Let’s take a look at the table below for more information.
Insurance Provider | Covers Wegovy | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Employer-covered or Private Insurance | Employers and private insurance providers typically decide on the benefits for their employees or clients. | You might need to submit a request for coverage if your plan doesn’t include it already. |
Medicare | Medicare does not currently cover medications used to treat chronic overweight conditions. | N/A. |
Veterans Administration (VA) | VA typically covers obesity management and weight loss drugs like Wegovy. | See your local VA provider to discuss your options. |
Tricare | Tricare may cover Wegovy in certain situations. | Your healthcare provider can request a coverage review to determine your eligibility. |
Medicaid | Each state determines which prescription drugs they want to cover, so it will depend on where you live. | Contact your state’s Medicaid office to find out if they cover weight management drugs. |
Government employees with health benefits | Wegovy may be covered in certain situations. | Ask your benefits manager about the coverage they offer for weight management drugs. |
Family coverage through an insurance company | You might be eligible for coverage, depending on your add-ons. | Check with your insurance company to find out if you are eligible for coverage or if you can upgrade your plan. |
If your insurance does cover Wegovy, you can expect out-of-pocket expenses to be as little as $25 for a month’s supply. This copay program covers up to six months of Wegovy.
You may also be eligible for additional savings through private or commercial insurance, depending on your individual provider.
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How to Save Money on Wegovy
Although the best way to lower the cost of Wegovy is by having health insurance that covers prescription medication, this isn’t always an option for everyone.
Luckily, there are still a number of ways to save money when buying Wegovy.
Coupons, savings cards, and assistance programs
If you pay cash for your prescriptions or if your insurance doesn’t cover Wegovy, you can request a discount through the WeGoTogether assistance program.
This option may help you save up to $500 for a one-month supply of Wegovy. To be eligible for this program, you must:
Have a valid Wegovy prescription
Not be enrolled in a federal or state healthcare program with prescription drug coverage
Be a U.S. citizen
Another assistance program is Wegovy’s SingleCare savings card, which lowers the monthly price of injections to $1,200, allowing you a saving of up to $600.
Savings cards are available on Wegovy’s manufacturer’s website. You can pay as little as $0 for a 28-day supply, with savings of $225 per box up to 12 fills.
You can visit the Wegovy coupons page for more information and eligibility requirements in your state.
Key Point: Reducing the Long-Term Cost of Wegovy
Using Wegovy long-term can become quite expensive. However, you may be able to lower your monthly costs in the following way:
- Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication: Using mail-order may help to lower your monthly costs by reducing the money you have to spend on travel every month. These pharmacies may also sell Wegovy at a better price because of a lower profit margin. You can check different online pharmacies to compare prices and find the one that best suits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there cheaper versions of Wegovy available?
There are other drugs on the market that deliver the same results as Wegovy, and they may be available at a more affordable price. These include:
It’s important to note that not all of these drugs are approved by the FDA for weight loss.
Some — like Mounjaro — are intended to help individuals manage type 2 diabetes and can only be prescribed as an off-label weight management treatment to patients with chronic conditions.
There is currently no generic version of Wegovy available.
Is Wegovy available over-the-counter (OTC)?
Wegovy is not available as an OTC medication, so a prescription is required to obtain this drug. There is currently no way to get Wegovy without a prescription.
Can you get Wegovy for free?
Some pharmaceutical companies may provide free or discounted medications to uninsured and low-income patients.
These programs typically have certain eligibility criteria that may vary, depending on the company.
While there are currently no known patient assistance programs for Wegovy, you can keep an eye on their website for updated information.
You can also check the Medicine Assistance Tool for available programs in your area.
How does Wegovy help you lose weight?
Wegovy is designed to suppress your appetite by mimicking a gut hormone called GLP-1. This hormone is typically released after eating and signals to the body that it feels full.
Since Wegovy can mimic this feeling, it helps you eat less over time.
The amount of weight you can lose while using Wegovy depends on a number of factors, including your personal circumstances, dosage, and how long you stay on the medication.
Where Can I Learn More About Wegovy?
If you want to know more about Wegovy, LifeMD is here to help.
Licensed medical professionals can support you through LifeMD’s weight management program, which offers an individualized plan to help you achieve your weight loss goals. You may qualify for a Wegovy prescription, or a prescription for another weight loss medication.
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