Key Takeaways
- Wegovy is a prescription medication for long-term weight management with a monthly price tag of approximately $1,349.02 before factoring in insurance coverage and other discounts.
- The availability of coverage for this medication varies significantly depending on the insurance policy and your geographical location.
- To ease the financial burden, the manufacturer offers a $25 copay card for those with insurance covering Wegovy and meeting certain criteria.
Wegovy is a prescription medication developed by Novo Nordisk for weight management. If you have insurance, you may be able to purchase a monthly supply of the medication for as low as $25. However, without insurance, the cost is estimated at $1,349.02.
This article explores the cost comparison of Wegovy with and without insurance. It also discusses several ways you may be able to save money on your prescription.
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What Is Wegovy?
Wegovy is classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drug designed to replicate the actions of a hormone found naturally in your body. This hormone, called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), plays a crucial role in stabilizing blood sugar levels and regulating digestion and appetite.
Wegovy is administered using a user-friendly pre-filled pen. Your healthcare professional will teach you how to administer the once-weekly injection yourself.
Currently, Wegovy is exclusively available as a brand-name medication and requires a prescription from your healthcare provider. At this time, there is no generic version of Wegovy.
While other GLP-1 medications are typically limited to treating individuals with type 2 diabetes, Wegovy has been approved for use by people without type 2 diabetes.
The mechanisms of action of Wegovy involve emulating the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone through several means, including:
- Stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas after meals.
- Slowing down the rate at which your stomach digests food, which leads to a prolonged feeling of fullness.
- Reducing the release of glucose (sugar) from the liver.
- Decreasing appetite and desire for food.
Side effects
The most common side effects include digestive system issues. According to clinical studies, about 5% of people who take Wegovy may experience one or more of these symptoms:
- Nausea (most common).
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Constipation.
- Stomach pain.
- Bloating.
- Fatigue.
- Excess gas.
- Headache.
- Heartburn.
- Dizziness.
Do not take Wegovy if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2). Wegovy has a black box warning for causing thyroid cancer cells in rodents. However, it is unknown if it has the same effect on humans.
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How Much Does Wegovy Cost?
According to the manufacturer, the price of Wegovy solution is about $1,349.02 per package, depending on the specific pharmacy you use.
With insurance
As each health insurance plan has unique coverage policies regarding weight management medications, it is beneficial to determine if your plan includes coverage for Wegovy and estimate your potential costs.
The Wegovy website offers a way to check your insurance coverage of Wegovy and your potential out-of-pocket cost per month.
After checking your costs, it is a good idea to call your insurance provider directly to confirm the information given to you through this tool. Filling out the cost estimator tool does not guarantee coverage or a copay amount.
With the Wegovy Savings Card, if your private or commercial insurance covers Wegovy, you might be eligible to pay as little as $0 for a 28-day supply (one box), with a maximum savings of $225 per 28-day supply for up to 12 refills.
Without insurance
Without insurance, you may be paying around $1,349.02 per month for your Wegovy prescription. Costs vary between pharmacies. You can call your local pharmacy and ask what they charge cash-paying clients for a one-month supply of Wegovy.
If you are a cash-paying customer or your commercial insurance does not cover Wegovy, with the Wegovy Savings Card, you can potentially save up to $500 per 28-day supply (one box) of Wegovy.
Is Weogvy Covered By Insurance?
The coverage of Wegovy varies by insurance, depending on your specific health insurance plan. It is best to review your insurance policy or contact your insurance provider to inquire about coverage.
If your health insurance plan does not provide coverage for Wegovy, options may still be available to help get coverage. Explore the following circumstances to see if any of them pertain to you, and discover additional information on potential avenues for securing coverage for Wegovy.
Employer-covered or private insurance
Coverage varies. If your plan does not include weight management medications, submit a request for coverage by writing a letter and taking it to your human resource (HR) person.
Medicare coverage
No coverage.
VA coverage
May provide coverage, talk with your local Veteran Administration provider.
Tricare coverage
Coverage is provided in certain situations. Your healthcare provider can request a coverage review from your insurance.
Medicaid coverage
Your state determines coverage. Contact your state’s Medicaid office for coverage information.
Government employees with health benefits
Ask your benefits manager if your plan covers Wegovy.
Individual or family coverage directly through an insurance company (i.e. Affordable Care Act)
Contact your insurance plan to find out eligibility or if you qualify for an upgrade or add-on for your plan.
Saving Money on Wegovy
Here are some strategies to potentially save money on your Wegovy prescription:
- Pharmacy discounts: Compare prices at different pharmacies in your area and online pharmacies to deliver in your area, as prices can vary. Utilize discount programs, coupons, or loyalty cards provided by pharmacies to potentially save money.
- Coupons and discounts: Conduct an online search for coupons and discounts. Numerous websites specialize in compiling promotional offers and coupon codes for specific medications.
- Fill a 90-day supply: Opting for a 90-day supply of Wegovy may be a beneficial method of cost savings. Many pharmacies provide discounts when you purchase a larger quantity of medication which can potentially decrease co-pay fees.
- Look into alternative treatments: Alternative treatments and sources are available for weight management. Working with a registered dietitian, you can develop a personalized and sustainable plan that includes lifestyle changes and learning nutritional strategies to help you reach your goals.
Find a dietitian near you that accepts insurance using Nourish.
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