How to get Ozempic for $25 (or less!)

If you've been trying to reach a healthier weight, you may be considering semaglutide medications like Ozempic or Wegovy. Semaglutide mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which plays a role in appetite regulation and blood-sugar control. But because these medications can be pricey and are intended for long-term use, cost can be a major concern. So how much does Ozempic cost, and is it covered by insurance? Here's what you need to know, plus simple tricks to help bring down the out-of-pocket cost.

- KARA WAHLGREN

How much does Ozempic cost?

Taking GLP-1 receptor agonists can lead to rapid weight loss. A study in Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism found that participants who took 2.4 mg of semaglutide for 68 weeks lost up to 20% of their body weight.

To achieve these results, you have to take semaglutide regularly, which can be expensive. So how much does Ozempic cost, exactly? If you’re paying out of pocket, the list price for a four-week supply of Ozempic is $968.52. The list price for a four-week supply of Wegovy is $1,349.02.

Those numbers are daunting —especially when you consider that the results of the study were based on 68 weeks of treatment. The total cost over the course of 68 weeks could add up to more than $16,000 for Ozempic and nearly $23,000 for Wegovy.

“These medications are expensive,” says Sulagna Misra, M.D., BCMAS, founding physician at Misra Wellness. “Cost is definitely a barrier for patients to receive treatment.” The good news? Most people don’t have to pay the full list price because discounts are available and insurance may help cover the cost of semaglutide medications.

Is Ozempic covered by insurance?

Both Ozempic and Wegovy may be covered by insurance, but the amount of coverage varies. Here are a few factors that can affect whether or not insurance will help pay:

1. Type of insurance plan According to a study in the