Ozempic Cost Calculator
Compare real-world costs for Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound with insurance, savings programs, and compounded alternatives
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Cost Breakdown Comparison
Medication Comparison (Your Insurance)
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Understanding GLP-1 Medication Costs
GLP-1 receptor agonist medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have transformed the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, but their high price tags remain a significant barrier for many patients. As of 2026, the list price for a one-month supply of Ozempic stands at approximately $1,396, with Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound priced in a similar range between $1,350 and $1,400 per month. These are wholesale acquisition costs set by manufacturers Novo Nordisk (Ozempic and Wegovy) and Eli Lilly (Mounjaro and Zepbound), and they represent the starting point before insurance negotiations, pharmacy markups, and patient assistance programs come into play.
Insurance coverage varies dramatically depending on the medication and the indication for which it is prescribed. Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and is generally covered by most commercial insurance plans when prescribed for that purpose, often with copays ranging from $25 to $150 per month. Wegovy and Zepbound, which are approved specifically for chronic weight management, face a patchwork of coverage: roughly 50 to 60 percent of commercial plans offer some weight-loss drug coverage as of 2026, but Medicare has historically excluded anti-obesity medications. Landmark legislation passed in late 2025 will begin extending Medicare coverage for these drugs in 2026 and 2027, with negotiated prices such as $274 per month for certain medications expected to reduce costs for seniors dramatically.
Manufacturer savings programs offer another avenue for reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Novo Nordisk's savings card for Ozempic can lower the copay to as little as $25 per month for the first two months for commercially insured patients, with ongoing savings of $150 to $350 off the remaining cost depending on the dose. Eli Lilly offers similar programs for Mounjaro and Zepbound. Additionally, Novo Nordisk introduced a self-pay promotion in late 2025 offering Ozempic for $199 per month for the first two months for patients without insurance coverage, running through March 2026. Compounded versions of semaglutide, available through specialty pharmacies, typically cost between $200 and $400 per month, though the FDA has raised concerns about the quality and dosing accuracy of some compounded products.
Patients navigating the cost landscape should work closely with their healthcare provider and pharmacist to identify the most affordable access route. Strategies include confirming insurance formulary placement, applying for manufacturer savings cards, comparing prices between retail and mail-order pharmacies, checking eligibility for patient assistance programs for low-income patients, and discussing compounded alternatives with their prescriber. With generic semaglutide expected to enter the U.S. market in March 2026 and ongoing policy changes expanding coverage, the cost picture for GLP-1 medications is likely to improve, though significant out-of-pocket expenses will remain a reality for many patients in the near term.
How to Use This Ozempic Cost Calculator
- Select your medication from the dropdown: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound. Each medication has different pricing structures and savings programs.
- Choose your current or prescribed dose level. Higher doses generally cost more, and dose affects savings program eligibility and compounded pricing.
- Select your insurance status: no insurance (self-pay), commercial insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. This determines estimated copay and coverage levels.
- Choose your pharmacy type. Retail pharmacies are most common, mail-order can save 10-15%, and compounded pharmacies offer the lowest prices for cash-pay patients.
- Click "Calculate Cost" to see your personalized cost estimate, including monthly and annual costs, savings program pricing, and a comparison across all four medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Ozempic cost without insurance in 2026?
Without insurance, the list price for Ozempic is approximately $1,396 per month. However, Novo Nordisk offers a self-pay promotion through March 2026 that reduces the cost to $199 per month for the first two months. After the promotional period, uninsured patients can expect to pay the full list price unless they qualify for patient assistance programs or opt for compounded semaglutide, which typically costs $200 to $400 per month. Generic semaglutide, expected in March 2026, could further reduce costs for self-pay patients.
Does insurance cover Ozempic for weight loss?
Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. Most commercial insurance plans cover Ozempic when prescribed for diabetes with copays typically ranging from $25 to $150 per month. For weight loss specifically, doctors may prescribe Wegovy (same active ingredient, semaglutide), which is approved for chronic weight management. About 50-60% of commercial insurance plans cover Wegovy or similar weight-loss medications as of 2026, though coverage and copay amounts vary significantly between plans.
What is the cheapest way to get Ozempic or similar medications?
The cheapest option depends on your situation. For commercially insured patients, using the manufacturer savings card can bring copays down to $25 per month. For uninsured patients, compounded semaglutide from a licensed compounding pharmacy ($200-$400/month) is often the most affordable route. Mail-order pharmacies may save an additional 10-15% compared to retail. Starting in March 2026, generic semaglutide could offer significant savings. Always compare prices across multiple pharmacies using tools like GoodRx or RxSaver, as prices can vary by hundreds of dollars between locations.
Will Medicare cover Ozempic or Wegovy in 2026?
Medicare Part D covers Ozempic when prescribed for type 2 diabetes. For weight-loss medications like Wegovy, Medicare coverage is expanding under legislation passed in late 2025. A new federal program launching in mid-2026 is expected to cap costs at approximately $350 per month for Medicare beneficiaries. Additionally, CMS has negotiated a price of $274 per month for certain GLP-1 medications starting in 2027 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act drug pricing provisions. Contact your Medicare Part D plan directly to confirm your current coverage and out-of-pocket costs.
Is compounded semaglutide safe and legal?
Compounded semaglutide is legal when prepared by a licensed 503A or 503B compounding pharmacy under a valid prescription. However, the FDA has expressed concerns about quality control, dosing accuracy, and sterility in some compounded GLP-1 products. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and do not undergo the same rigorous testing as brand-name drugs. If you choose compounded semaglutide, ensure your pharmacy is properly licensed and accredited, preferably by PCAB (Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board). Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
How much can I save with the Ozempic savings card?
The Novo Nordisk savings card can reduce your Ozempic copay to as little as $25 per month for the first two months for commercially insured patients. After the initial period, the card provides ongoing savings that can reduce costs by $150 to $350 off your copay depending on your dose and plan. The savings card is available to patients with commercial insurance and is not valid for government insurance programs (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare). You can apply for the savings card at the manufacturer's website or through your prescriber's office.
When will generic Ozempic be available?
Generic semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) is expected to become available in the United States in March 2026 following patent expirations. However, tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound) is not expected to have generic competition until approximately 2035. Generic availability could significantly reduce costs, though initial generic pricing is difficult to predict. The launch of generics may also prompt Novo Nordisk to lower their brand-name pricing to remain competitive. Check with your pharmacist for the latest updates on generic availability in your area.
How do Ozempic and Mounjaro costs compare?
Ozempic and Mounjaro have very similar list prices, both around $1,350 to $1,400 per month. The key cost differences lie in insurance coverage, savings programs, and long-term pricing outlook. Ozempic is more widely covered for diabetes, while Mounjaro may have broader weight-loss coverage through some plans. Both manufacturers offer savings cards for commercially insured patients. The biggest differentiator is the generic timeline: generic semaglutide (Ozempic's ingredient) is expected in March 2026, while generic tirzepatide (Mounjaro's ingredient) is not anticipated until around 2035, making Ozempic potentially much cheaper in the long run.
What if I can't afford my GLP-1 medication?
Several options exist for patients who struggle with costs. First, apply for the manufacturer's patient assistance program (PAP), which provides free medication to qualifying low-income patients. Second, use manufacturer savings cards to reduce copays. Third, ask your doctor about compounded alternatives or switching to a medication with better coverage on your plan. Fourth, compare prices across pharmacies including mail-order options. Fifth, check if your employer offers a specialty pharmacy benefit. Sixth, consider clinical trials for GLP-1 medications, which provide free medication during the study period. Non-profit organizations like NeedyMeds and RxAssist also maintain databases of assistance programs.
