Novo Nordisk Introduces Direct Discounts for Wegovy

Novo Nordisk joins Lilly in offering direct discounts on GLP-1 medication.

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The rising demand for GLP-1 weight-loss medications has put pressure on drugmakers to make these treatments more affordable—especially for patients whose insurance plans do not cover them. In response, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have launched direct-to-consumer discount programs for Wegovy and Zepbound, providing a new way for patients to access these medications at reduced costs.

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Novo Nordisk introduces direct discounts for Wegovy

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Novo Nordisk has announced a new self-pay program that allows patients to purchase Wegovy for $499 per month—a significant discount from the $1,349 list price for a month’s supply. The savings are available exclusively through NovoCare, the company’s direct-to-consumer platform.

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With this move, Novo Nordisk is following Lilly’s lead in bypassing traditional insurance coverage, offering patients a more affordable way to access FDA-approved GLP-1 medications. However, patients must pay out-of-pocket, as insurance cannot be used with these discounts.

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Novo Nordisk’s decision to enter the self-pay market comes amid growing frustration with health insurers refusing to cover obesity medications, despite widespread medical recognition of obesity as a chronic disease.

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With Medicare still restricted from covering obesity drugs and many private insurers scaling back coverage, direct discounts offer a critical alternative for self-pay patients.

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Why Are These Discounts Necessary?

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Despite the overwhelming demand for Wegovy and Zepbound, many insurers refuse to cover them. Medicare, for instance, does not cover weight-loss drugs unless the patient also has a cardiovascular condition.

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A recent GoodRx report found that 4.9 million Americans who previously had insurance coverage for Zepbound lost that coverage in 2025—highlighting the growing gap between patient demand and insurance availability.

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Without insurance, retail pricing for these medications can be staggering:

Wegovy list price: $1,349 per month

Zepbound list price: $1,086 per month

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For many, paying out-of-pocket is not an option, making self-pay discount programs the next best alternative.

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Final Thoughts: Should You Consider a Direct Discount Program?

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If you’ve been struggling to get insurance coverage for Wegovy or Zepbound, Novo Nordisk’s and Lilly’s self-pay discount programs could be a cost-saving option—especially if you’re currently paying full retail price at a pharmacy.

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However, if you have insurance that might cover these medications, it’s still worth pursuing prior authorization appeals before committing to an out-of-pocket plan.

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For more details on self-pay pricing and eligibility:

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🔗 Visit NovoCare.com for Wegovy’s program
🔗 Visit Zepbound.lilly.com for Lilly’s program