Wegovy Available for $499 Monthly through Novo Nordisk’s Direct-to-Consumer Program

Novo Nordisk Introduces New Program to Lower Cost of Obesity Medication for Uninsured and Underinsured Patients

Novo Nordisk has recently launched a direct-to-consumer program called NovoCare, aimed at providing affordable access to Wegovy for individuals who are uninsured or have commercial insurance plans that do not cover the cost of the obesity drug.

Through the NovoCare program, patients can purchase a month’s supply of Wegovy for $499, significantly lower than the list price of around $1,350 per month. This initiative is intended to help individuals who face high out-of-pocket costs for obesity medications, particularly those whose insurance plans do not cover such treatments.

It is essential to note that individuals on Medicare or Medicaid are not eligible for the NovoCare program. However, for those who qualify, NovoCare also offers additional benefits such as home deliveries and refill reminders for Wegovy prescriptions.

The launch of this program comes after the FDA removed Wegovy from the drug shortage list in late February. By offering an FDA-approved medication through NovoCare, the company aims to provide patients with assurance regarding the safety, effectiveness, and quality of the drug, in contrast to compounded versions available from some telehealth providers.

In addition to Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly has expanded a similar program called LillyDirect to reduce the cost of its obesity medication, Zepbound, for individuals lacking insurance coverage. While these initiatives aim to make obesity medications more accessible, concerns have been raised about overprescription and the potential impact on the patient-physician relationship.

Overall, the launch of the NovoCare program signifies a step towards making essential medications more affordable for individuals who may otherwise struggle to access them.