- What is Wegovy?
- Do I need a prescription for Wegovy?
- Who is eligible for Wegovy?
- Does insurance usually cover Wegovy?
- How much does Wegovy cost without insurance?
- How much does Wegovy cost with insurance?
- How to get Wegovy covered by insurance
- Can you get coupons for Wegovy?
- What to do if you can’t afford Wegovy?
- Are there any cheaper weight loss medications?
- 7 key tips to save money on Wegovy
- Conclusion
- Source
Looking to cut costs associated with Wegovy use?
This drug has been scientifically proven to combat weight gain and lessen the hazards associated with excessive weight.
But, there is one major downside – Wegovy can be quite expensive.
The good news is there are several strategies you can use to minimize the cost of Wegovy.
Keep reading to learn more about Wegovy, its cost, how insurance coverage works, and money-saving tips.
What is Wegovy?
- Generic name: Semaglutide
- Type of drug: Disposable injection pen
- Route of administration: Subcutaneously (under the skin)
- Dosage: 2.4mg weekly
- Intended use: to help overweight and obese people lose weight while reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other weight-related health issues.
- Side effects: Abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, fatigue, and bloating.
Wegovy (pronounced wee-goh-vee) is a prescribed injectable medication that is intended to help people reduce their weight and maintain weight loss.
It is used for:
- Obese adults with a BMI of 30 or above
- Obese adolescents (aged 12 and above) with a BMI equal to or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex.
- Certain adults who are overweight (BMI of 27 or above) with weight-related health concerns such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy works by imitating a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is normally released after you eat.
It targets regions of the brain that control hunger and eating habits. It slows down stomach emptying and makes you feel full for longer.
By mimicking this hormone, Wegovy can contribute to weight loss. Various studies have proven the drug to be effective.
A randomized clinical trial showed that people who were given Wegovy lost an average of 15.8% of their weight over a period of 68 weeks.
However, this was when combined with advice to modify diet and increase physical activity. So, even when using this drug, it is important to make relevant lifestyle changes.
Do I need a prescription for Wegovy?
Yes. Wegovy is one of the FDA-approved weight loss medications and requires a prescription from your doctor.
Your doctor will evaluate your medical history and determine if the medication is appropriate for you.
Who is eligible for Wegovy?
You might be eligible for Wegovy if:
- Your body mass index (BMI) is over 30 or, if your BMI is over 27 and you have health conditions related to your weight, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
- Despite making lifestyle changes, you have been unable to lose weight, and/or you have a history of fluctuating weight.
It is crucial to bear in mind that even if you meet the above criteria, you may not be eligible for Wegovy.
Your medical history, current medications, and insurance coverage will also be factors to consider.
The final decision will be based on a discussion between you and your doctor to ensure that the treatment is appropriate for you.
Does insurance usually cover Wegovy?
Whether Wegovy is covered by insurance or not depends on your particular insurance plan. Currently, most health insurance plans don’t fully cover the cost of Wegovy and other weight loss drugs.
Most government programs like Medicare are also known not to cover the cost of weight loss medications.
So the burden of paying for weight-loss drugs often falls on the patient. Fortunately, there are several ways around this problem.
Your healthcare provider can appeal to your insurance company on your behalf and request a waiver of the medication’s coverage restrictions under the insurance plan’s policies.
Your healthcare provider can also talk you through various paths and explore options that can help you manage the expense, such as patient assistance programs or discount cards. We discuss some of these options later.
How much does Wegovy cost without insurance?
One pack of Wegovy consists of four pens, with each pen containing a single dose of Wegovy. The pack should last approximately one month since it is a weekly injection.
If you don’t have insurance coverage, the list price of Wegovy is $1,349.02 per package. This equates to a weekly cost of $337.3 or $16,188.2 per year.
The list price is the price set by the manufacturer. However, the cash price of Wegovy may vary based on factors such as distribution cost, which affect the pharmacies that dispense the drug. So, the price may be different across various pharmacies.
How much does Wegovy cost with insurance?
The amount of coverage you get depends on the specific type of insurance plan you have. The best way to find out how much coverage you have is by contacting your health insurance provider directly.
If your health insurance plan includes coverage for Wegovy, you might be able to save as much as $225 for a 28-day supply (one box), $450 for a 56-day supply (two boxes), or $675 for an 84-day supply (three boxes).
Once you have received your twelfth prescription refill, the cost may be further decreased to $25 per 28-day supply of Wegovy, $50 per 56-day supply, or $75 per 84-day supply, with maximum savings of $200 per 28-day supply, $400 per 56-day supply, and $600 per 84-day supply.
These reductions can be a big help for people trying to cut the expense of Wegovy, but it’s vital to double-check your insurance coverage’s specifics with your provider, including any applicable copays or deductibles.
How to get Wegovy covered by insurance
As mentioned, you’ll first need to contact your insurance provider to find out whether they offer coverage for weight loss medications. If they do, ask them what processes you have to carry out.
Some insurance companies require your doctor to fill out a “prior authorization form,” which will be sent to the company as part of an approval process. After receiving the form, the company will decide whether you’re eligible or not and inform you.
Can you get coupons for Wegovy?
Yes, you can get coupons for Wegovy. For people without insurance who wish to lower their Wegovy out-of-pocket cost, this can be a helpful option.
Free Wegovy coupons can be found on websites like GoodRx. They can be used at Walgreens and Walmart pharmacies, among others.
You can save between 7% and 34% on Wegovy’s retail price at these pharmacies by using these coupons.
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What to do if you can’t afford Wegovy?
If you are unable to afford Wegovy, there are a few steps you can take to offset the cost:
- Talk to your healthcare provider: Discuss your financial situation with your healthcare provider. They may provide alternative treatment options or suggest assistance programs that can help make Wegovy more affordable.
- Look for financial assistance programs: Research government or charitable initiatives that provide funding for prescription drugs. These programs, which are frequently income-based, may offer assistance to people who are unable to pay for their prescription drugs.
- Examine the many insurance options: Check your health insurance policy to see if prescription drugs for weight management are covered. If not, consider looking into insurance plans with superior coverage for weight control procedures.
- Consult a pharmacist: Ask a pharmacist for advice on cost-cutting measures, including discounts, coupons, or less expensive alternatives.
Are there any cheaper weight loss medications?
There are some less expensive alternatives to Wegovy that can be used to treat disorders related to excess weight.
Some of them are listed below:
- Contrave (bupropion/naltrexone)
- Victoza (liraglutide)
- Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Orlistat
- Rybelsus
- Phentermine
It is essential to ask your healthcare provider for advice to find the alternative drug that is most suited to your unique needs.
If you are looking for a more natural alternative, here are some of them:
7 key tips to save money on Wegovy
Whether you have insurance on not, there are a few ways you can cut costs and make Wegovy more affordable.
We discuss some strategies below:
1) Manufacturer assistance programs
Drug manufacturers often have patient support programs available. For those who qualify, these programs may offer financial aid, discounts, or even free medication.
The manufacturers of Wegovy (Novo Nordisk) offer NovoCare, a program that aids patients with affordability and access to assistance.
To help you save money on the prescription, they offer a manufacturer’s coupon. You may be able to purchase Wegovy for as little as a $0 copay for a 28-day supply using their Wegovy Savings Card.
When using the discount card in conjunction with insurance, you can save up to $225. When using it without insurance, you can save up to $500.
For further information, check out the manufacturer’s website or call them directly at 888-793-1218.
2) Prescription discount cards or coupons
Various companies offer discount cards and coupons for Wegovy that can help you save substantial amounts. To obtain the best discounts for your scenario, compare different options.
3) Pharmacy price shopping
Look around for Wegovy prescription pricing at several pharmacies. Calling or visiting many pharmacies can help you choose the most affordable choice in your area because prices can vary. Some pharmacies might provide discounts or loyalty programs that help lower the price.
4) Health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
Use your FSA or HSA dollars to purchase Wegovy if you have either of those accounts. Pre-tax funds can be saved in these accounts for qualified medical costs, such as prescription drugs.
5) Consult your healthcare professional
Go over your financial worries with your healthcare practitioner. They might be able to offer suggestions for cost-cutting measures or different types of treatments that might still be suitable for your requirements.
6) Consider substitutes
There are several medications available as substitutes for Wegovy. To determine the most suitable option for your specific needs, it is important to have a discussion with your doctor, who will consider your circumstances and medical history to help determine which substitute medication is the best choice for you.
7) Splitting doses
Before considering the option of splitting Wegovy doses for potential cost savings, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. A higher-dose drug may occasionally be divided into smaller doses to save money.
Discuss with your doctor about the possibility of splitting the medication. They can guide you on whether it is safe and effective to split Wegovy.
It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations to ensure proper dosage and optimal treatment outcomes.
Conclusion
Wegovy is a medication used to regulate weight, particularly for people who are obese or overweight with weight-related health issues.
While it is an effective medication, Wegovy can be quite expensive, with a list price of about $1350.
The cash price can differ depending on factors such as region, pharmacy, insurance coverage, and dosage.
At the moment, most insurance policies don’t cover the whole cost of its use. However, there are various strategies you can use to save money.
These methods include comparing prices at various pharmacies and exploring manufacturer assistance programs.
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