Costco has recently stepped into the competitive market for GLP-1 medications, offering its members a substantial discount on the brand-name versions of semaglutide, known as Ozempic (for Type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (for chronic weight management).
Here is a breakdown of what a Costco member can expect to pay for semaglutide through the warehouse retailer:
Key Takeaway: The $499 Out-of-Pocket Price
The core pricing structure for semaglutide at Costco is part of a partnership with the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, and is available through the Costco Member Prescription Program (CMPP).
This $499 price is a flat rate for a four-week supply (a single injectable pen) and is a cash price, meaning it is for members who are paying out of pocket and not using health insurance.
Why the Costco Price is Significant
The $499 price tag represents a major reduction compared to the drugs’ high list prices:
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Ozempic (List Price): Typically around $935 to $1,000 per month.
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Wegovy (List Price): Often around $1,350 to $1,600 per month.
For the many patients whose insurance plans do not cover weight-loss drugs like Wegovy, or who have high deductibles for Ozempic, the $499 price effectively cuts the cost by nearly 50% to 70%. This offers a consistent, transparent pricing option without the need for manufacturer coupons or navigating complex insurance coverage limitations.
Who Qualifies for the Discount?
Costco Membership: The discount is offered through the Costco Member Prescription Program (CMPP), which is a prescription discount card program available to all Costco members.
Valid Prescription: A prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is still required for both Ozempic and Wegovy.
Self-Pay/Cash-Pay: The $499 rate is the price for non-insured purchases. If you have insurance, your final price will depend on your specific plan’s deductible, copay, and formulary coverage. Costco’s discount applies primarily when your insurance coverage is non-existent, limited, or more expensive than the cash price.
Additional Savings: Costco Executive Members and those using a Costco Citibank Visa card may be eligible for an additional 2% rebate on top of the discounted price, depending on the program’s terms.
Important Note on Insurance
It is crucial to understand that the Costco Member Prescription Program is not health insurance and cannot be used in combination with government-funded programs (like Medicare or Medicaid) or private insurance.
When you go to a Costco pharmacy, the pharmacist will run your prescription through your insurance first. If your copay or co-insurance is higher than the $499 cash price, you can choose to use the CMPP discount and pay the $499 out-of-pocket instead. If your insurance copay is lower, you would naturally use your insurance.