by United States – Costco has announced a new, discounted pricing option for Ozempic and Wegovy, two popular prescription injectable pens used for weight loss and diabetes management. Starting recently, these medications will be available at over 600 Costco pharmacies nationwide for $499 per four-week supply for those without insurance, aiming to improve access for many who previously found the cost prohibitive.
Affordable Access to Authentic Medications
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, has partnered with Costco to offer these drugs at prices comparable to what is available through the company’s direct-to-consumer website as well as major retailers like CVS and Walmart. Costco members with a prescription get the discounted rate of $499 for a one-month supply, and executive members or holders of Costco Citibank credit cards benefit from additional cash back rewards as part of the pharmacy program.
David Moore, president of Novo Nordisk U.S., emphasized the importance of offering genuine medications where patients can reliably access them:
“We want to make sure we offer the real, authentic Wegovy and Ozempic where patients seek care. We know that Costco is a trusted brand.”
The Impact on Patients Without Insurance
While those with insurance might pay significantly less—on average $25 a month if covered—the $499 self-pay option fills a crucial gap for uninsured patients or those whose plans do not cover these drugs.
- Approximately 1 in 5 people with private insurance do not have coverage for at least one GLP-1 medication prescribed for weight loss.
- As of 2024, only 13 states cover GLP-1 drugs for obesity treatment.
- Roughly 1 in 8 adults report using a GLP-1 agonist.
Dr. Rekha Kumar, endocrinologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, highlighted the significance of this new availability:
“This will definitely improve one of the issues with access, meaning that there is another place that people can get the medicine that you know isn’t their retail pharmacy, isn’t an online telehealth pharmacy, but a large store that many people in the United States go to.”
Expert Insights on Broader Accessibility Challenges
Despite these improvements, health experts caution that the high price of $499 is still a barrier for many, especially for lower-income individuals who would benefit most from these medications.
Dr. Harlan Krumholz, cardiologist and professor at Yale School of Medicine, underscored the disparity:
“The people who have the greatest need for these medications are precisely the people who are in lower socioeconomic strata who have either poor insurance or no insurance, and don’t have the discretionary funds to be spending on medications. If we really want to make the biggest difference on the health of the nation, we have to make sure that the people who would benefit the most have access to medications that are being shown to be beneficial.”
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Background and Future Outlook
Recent research shows that Ozempic and Wegovy not only aid in weight loss but also have benefits such as reducing stroke risk, protecting heart health, and improving liver disease outcomes. The decision by Novo Nordisk to work with Costco expands authentic drug availability amidst growing competition from cheaper compounded alternatives.
For more detailed information and updates, visit NBC News Health.
What This Means for Consumers
- Over 600 Costco pharmacies now stock Ozempic and Wegovy at $499 for a month supply.
- Prescription required, with discounts and rewards available for executive members and Citi credit cardholders.
- This pricing option targets uninsured patients seeking authentic medications.
Costco’s initiative is a step toward more equitable access but highlights ongoing challenges in affordability and insurance coverage.
Your Voice Matters
What do you think about Costco’s effort to make Ozempic and Wegovy more accessible for uninsured individuals? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
