Key Takeaways Novo Nordisk is providing Ozempic and Wegovy at a cost ranging from $199 to $349 per month. Approximately 1 in 5 American adul...
Key Takeaways
Novo Nordisk is providing Ozempic and Wegovy at a cost ranging from $199 to $349 per month.
Approximately 1 in 5 American adults has used a GLP-1 medication, according to statistics.
Experts claim that reduced costs might improve access but could also lead employers to stop offering health insurance.
WEDNESDAY, November 19, 2025 (Articlepedia TodayNews) — Individuals covering costs personally forOzempicor Wegovy could soon experience reduced prices, asNovo Nordiskintroduces new price reductions for its widely-used GLP-1 drugs.
The organization stated that by the end of March, individuals with prescriptions will be able to purchase the two smallest quantities ofOzempic and Wegovy$199 per month for a period of two months.
Following that, the monthly fee increases to $349. The discounts can be obtained via the medications' websites and applied at pharmacies or through online consultations.
The $199 deal is available exclusively for 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg injections. The more expensive $349 rate includes the 1 mg dose of Ozempic as well as all Wegovy dosages. The 2 mg dose of Ozempic is excluded.
The American healthcare system is intricate, featuring a range of insurance options and multiple methods through which patients can access their medications,Dave Moore, the executive vice president of U.S. operations at Novo Nordisk statedNBC News.
"Our latest savings plans deliver instant benefits, offering increased cost reductions for individuals who are currently uninsured or opt for out-of-pocket payments," he added.
These reductions in cost occur even though the listed prices for both drugs continue to be approximately $1,000 or higher each month.
They also follow a recent partnership with Costco, which started providing low-dose Ozempic and Wegovy for $499 per month without insurance coverage.
Novo Nordisk offers comparable cash-pay agreements via CVS, Walmart, and its own direct-to-consumer website.
President Donald Trumpmentioned this month that he is collaborating with Novo Nordisk andEli Lillyto reduce out-of-pocket expenses further to between $50 and $350, depending on the dosage and insurance coverage.
The demand for GLP-1 drugs has increased as research indicates they not only aid in weight reduction but could also enhance cardiovascular health, and assist in managingsleep apnea and reduce cancer mortality.
A recent KFF surveydiscovered that nearly 1 out of 5 U.S. adults has used a GLP-1 medication, and 1 out of 8 are currently taking one. Approximately 25% of users report having insurance yet still cover the entire cost themselves.
Dr. Shauna Levy, medical director of the Tulane Center for Weight Management in New Orleans, statedNBC NewsThe updated pricing may enable a greater number of patients to access treatment.
Fewer than a quarter of the population have commercial insurance that actually covers GLP-1 medications," Levy stated. "If $500 a month is too costly, then a new group of patients will find $350 a month more manageable.
However, specialists caution that the reductions might also come with negative consequences.Stacie Dusetzina, a health policy professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, noted that the $199 introductory rate might attract individuals, but the rise to $349 could deter them from continuing treatment before they experience significant advantages.
"It's a clever approach to sales, but I'm uncertain if it's an effective method for considering the well-being of individuals who are interested in these medications and could gain from them," Dusetzina stated.NBC News.
Lower cash prices could also prompt employers to rethink their coverage, she noted. Although more companies are now covering GLP-1 medications than last year, increasing benefit expenses might cause some to see these cash-payment alternatives as a justification for reducing their benefits.
"If they are searching for areas to reduce expenses, the significant emphasis and attention given to these more affordable cash-based options might provide employers with a justification," Dusetzina added.
Levy pointed out that GLP-1 medications are just one approach for managing obesity, and that bariatric surgery, which is commonly reimbursed by insurance, can also be a suitable choice for many individuals.
"I believe this is, on the whole, a significant benefit for patients, as reducing the cost enhances availability," Levy stated.
More information
The Cleveland Clinic offers additional information onhow do weight loss drugs function.
SOURCE: NBC News, Nov. 17, 2025
What It Implies for You
If you're currently covering the cost of GLP-1 medications yourself, these new offers could reduce your monthly expenses.
