Manufacturer savings programs
Major GLP-1 manufacturers offer savings programs for eligible patients.
Novo Nordisk
Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus®, Saxenda®
- Savings cards. Offers savings cards for eligible commercially insured patients that can reduce copays. Specific savings amounts vary by medication and program terms.
- Wegovy® pill offer. Wegovy's oral formulation launched with a $149/month starting dose savings offer for eligible patients. Terms and availability may change.
- Patient assistance. Novo Nordisk offers patient assistance programs for uninsured or underinsured patients who meet income-based eligibility requirements.
Eli Lilly
Mounjaro®, Zepbound®
- Savings cards. Offers savings cards for eligible patients with commercial insurance. Lilly has also offered self-pay pricing options for certain medications.
- Self-pay options. Eli Lilly has offered direct self-pay pricing for some medications, providing an alternative for patients without insurance coverage. Terms vary.
- Patient assistance. Lilly offers patient assistance programs for qualifying patients who are uninsured or meet income-based criteria.
Types of savings programs
Different programs serve different situations.
| Program | Who it's for | How it works | Potential savings | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer savings cards | Commercially insured patients | Present the card at the pharmacy along with your insurance. The savings card reduces your copay after insurance processes the claim. | Can reduce copays to $0-$25 for eligible patients | Not available for Medicare, Medicaid, or government-insured patients. Eligibility requirements and caps apply. |
| Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) | Uninsured or underinsured patients meeting income requirements | Apply through the manufacturer. If approved, medication may be provided at reduced or no cost. Applications typically require income documentation. | May provide medication at no cost to qualifying patients | Eligibility is typically income-based. Application processing can take time. Programs may have enrollment caps. |
| Pharmacy discount tools | Anyone, particularly those without insurance coverage | Use tools like GoodRx, RxSaver, or SingleCare to compare cash prices across pharmacies. Present the discount coupon at the pharmacy counter. | Varies significantly by pharmacy and location | Cash prices can vary dramatically between pharmacies. These tools help you find the lowest available cash price in your area. |
| Self-pay / cash programs | Patients without insurance or with high out-of-pocket costs | Some manufacturers offer direct self-pay pricing or special cash-price programs. Check the manufacturer website or ask your pharmacy. | Varies by manufacturer and medication | Availability and pricing change. These programs may have different terms than savings cards. |
Tips to get the most savings
Practical steps to reduce your out-of-pocket GLP-1 costs.
- 1Always ask your pharmacy about discountsPharmacists are often aware of savings programs and manufacturer coupons you may not know about. Ask at the counter before paying full price. Some pharmacies have their own discount programs as well.
- 2Check if your employer offers specialty pharmacy benefitsSome employer-sponsored plans include specialty pharmacy benefits with lower copays for medications like GLP-1 agonists. Check with your HR department or benefits administrator about any pharmacy benefit options.
- 3Compare prices across pharmaciesCash prices for the same medication can vary by hundreds of dollars between pharmacies — even pharmacies within the same neighborhood. Use pharmacy discount tools to compare before filling your prescription.
- 4Ask your doctor about samplesSome doctors' offices have sample medications from pharmaceutical representatives. While not a long-term solution, samples can help bridge gaps in coverage or allow you to try a medication before committing.
- 5Check manufacturer websites regularlySavings programs, offers, and eligibility criteria change frequently. Check the official manufacturer websites periodically for new programs, updated savings card terms, and special promotions.