This article was reviewed by Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, FOMA.
Wegovy (semaglutide) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to promote weight loss in adults with overweight and obesity. Wegovy costs without insurance can add up, but if you’re looking to lose weight and improve your health, there are ways to save on the cost of Wegovy.
At retail pharmacies, the cost of Wegovy without insurance varies, but typically falls in the $1,300 to $2,000 per month range. Wegovy costs with insurance could be lower, but most insurance providers don’t cover this powerful weight loss medication, despite its many benefits.
In clinical trials, Wegovy helped people lose up to 20 percent of their body weight in 68 weeks. The participants, who also adopted lifestyle changes, lost an average of four percent of their body weight within the first two months of treatment.
If you’re ready to kickstart your weight loss journey, we’re covering everything you need to know about the average cost of Wegovy, how to get Wegovy without insurance, and how to get the most bang for your buck with a comprehensive weight loss program featuring Wegovy.
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How Much Does Wegovy Cost?
Wegovy costs without insurance depend on where you purchase it. Depending on the pharmacy you get Wegovy from, you might find monthly prices ranging from $1,300 to $2,000. But through Hers, you can access Wegovy (if prescribed) starting from $599 per month (with a six-month plan, paid in full upfront).
Because Wegovy is a prescription medication, it is also important to account for the cost of provider consultations when budgeting for treatment. If you’re interested in accessing Wegovy through telehealth, many companies charge an initial consultation fee, a membership fee and/or additional followup fees to connect with a provider, on top of the price of the medication.
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How Much Does Wegovy Cost With Insurance?
Wegovy isn’t typically covered by insurance — that applies to both private insurance and Medicare. Insurance providers often classify weight loss treatment as cosmetic, despite its many health benefits, and therefore don’t cover the cost of Wegovy or other GLP-1 medications for weight loss.
If your insurance plan does cover Wegovy — great news! But even with coverage, your Wegovy out-of-pocket costs may still include a copay or the need to meet a deductible.
That said, coverage is evolving and Wegovy costs without insurance are starting to come down. Some insurance providers cover Wegovy if you meet certain clinical criteria, but it differs from plan to plan. Review your policy carefully, check specific requirements, and talk to your provider if you’re concerned about Wegovy costs.
The final cost of Wegovy with insurance will depend on the details of your plan. Always confirm your benefits with your insurer to avoid surprises.
If you’re uninsured, or your insurance plan won’t approve the medication, there are self-pay and telehealth options available that allow you to access Wegovy for significantly less than the price you’d pay at a traditional pharmacy.
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Is Wegovy Covered by Medicaid?
Medicaid coverage for Wegovy varies by state. In some states, you may be able to get Wegovy at significantly reduced cost — or even for free — with prior authorization.
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How To Get Wegovy Without Insurance
If your plan doesn’t cover Wegovy, don’t panic. There are savings programs and self-pay options available that can lower your costs significantly.
SELF-PAY: When you access Wegovy through Hers, treatment plans start at just $599 per month when you opt for a 6-month plan and pay in full up front — no insurance required.
FSA/HSA: If you have a Flexible Savings Account or a Health Savings Account, you can also save up to 30 percent if you get reimbursed through your plan. The full amount of your GLP-1 injectable is considered a medical expense eligible for reimbursement. Exactly how much you’re reimbursed depends on the funds available in your account. Every plan is slightly different, so always check the guidelines and terms of your particular plan to confirm how much you might save.
These kinds of savings accounts help you save money with pretax dollars. FSAs and HSAs are funded with pretax dollars from your paycheck, so how much you save depends on your individual tax rate. The average savings is 30 percent, based on average state and federal tax rates. For example, 30 percent equals a savings of $1,078 with a six-month treatment plan including Wegovy through Hers. ($3589 payable up front, which equates to $599/month before any potential FSA/HSA refund.)
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Affordable Wegovy Alternatives
If your insurance doesn’t cover Wegovy and self-pay options are out of budget — or if your provider determines that it isn’t the right fit for you — there are other weight loss treatments that may better suit your lifestyle or financial situation.
Oral Weight Loss Medications
Weight loss injections aren’t your only option when it comes to weight loss treatments.
Oral weight loss kits may include some combination of the following medications:
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Bupropion
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Naltrexone
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Ozempic
Ozempic shares the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as Wegovy but is FDA-approved to manage type 2 diabetes. It is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Ozempic costs can range from $900 to $1,800 per month.
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Mounjaro and Zepbound
Mounjaro and Zepbound are two brand names for tirzepatide, another type of injectable weight loss medication, made by the pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli Lilly.
Mounjaro is often prescribed off-label for weight loss and costs about $1,000 to $1,100 a month. The list price is $1,069.08.
Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight loss and has a similar price point – it also costs roughly $1,000 to $1,100 a month, depending on the pharmacy. The list price is $1,059.87.
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Compounded Semaglutide
Compounded semaglutide has the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy, but it’s not an FDA-approved medication.
Compounded semaglutide may be prescribed when a provider deems it clinically necessary for a customer’s health profile. Costs for compounded semaglutide can vary, but it’s essential to obtain the medication through a licensed U.S. provider with a valid prescription.
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Wegovy Out-of-Pocket Costs: The Final Sum
Wegovy is a powerful tool for people managing overweight and obesity — and it may support sustained, meaningful weight loss.
Clinical studies show that Wegovy can help people lose up to 20 percent of their body weight over 68 weeks.
Here’s what you need to know about the cost of Wegovy:
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How much is Wegovy without insurance? At retail pharmacies, Wegovy may cost $1,300 to $2,000 per month. For people interested in paying without insurance, Hers offers access to Wegovy starting at $599 a month.
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Is Wegovy covered by insurance? Check with your insurance plan and provider to see if you’re eligible. You may need to meet certain criteria. Copays and deductibles mean your Wegovy prescription cost isn’t always zero, even if your insurance plan covers it.
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How much is Wegovy with insurance? Savings programs and insurance could reduce the cost significantly, but there are still Wegovy out of pocket costs.
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Wegovy alternatives: Oral medications that help promote weight loss, like metformin, can help you lose weight while staying within your budget.
Wherever you are in your weight loss journey, the first step is connecting with a healthcare provider to find out if weight loss medications are right for you.
Related: Metformin For PCOS: Weight Loss Benefits & Beyond
Related: Bone Broth for Weight Loss: Does This Trend Have Any Teeth?
This article originally appeared on Forhers.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
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