Wegovy for Weight Loss: Cost, Coverage, and How to Get It in 2025

Wegovy is an FDA-approved prescription medication for chronic weight management. This guide explains what Wegovy is, how much it costs with and without insurance, pharmacy pricing, side effects, and coverage options, including Medicare.

Wegovy for Weight Loss: Cost, Coverage, and How to Get It in 2025

Wegovy (semaglutide) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 as a prescription treatment for adults with obesity or overweight who also have weight-related health conditions.

What Is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable prescription medication in the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by mimicking hormones that regulate appetite and food intake, helping patients feel fuller and consume fewer calories. It is prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight management program that includes diet and exercise.


Wegovy Cost in 2025

  • Without insurance: Wegovy can cost around $1,300 to $1,400 per month.
  • With insurance: Costs vary widely. Some commercial insurance plans cover part of the expense, reducing out-of-pocket costs.
  • Medicare: Currently, Medicare does not broadly cover Wegovy for weight loss, though some Part D plans may cover it when prescribed for cardiovascular risk reduction.

Wegovy Availability at Retail Pharmacies

Wegovy is sold through major retail chains such as Walmart, Costco, and CVS, with both in-store and online purchase options.

  • Walmart: Cash prices typically range from $1,300 to $1,600 per month. With manufacturer savings cards, eligible patients may pay as little as $25 per month. Ordering a 90-day supply can lower per-dose cost.
  • Costco: Prices are usually $1,300 to $1,450 without insurance. Members may use the Wegovy Savings Card to reduce costs significantly, sometimes to $25 per month.
  • CVS and Walgreens: Cash prices are similar to other retailers. CVS has agreements with Novo Nordisk to offer Wegovy at about $499/month as a preferred option in its programs.
  • Online: Wegovy can also be ordered through licensed pharmacies such as NovoCare with delivery options, often starting at $499/month for eligible patients.

Wegovy Savings and Coupons

  • Novo Nordisk, Wegovy’s manufacturer, offers a Wegovy Savings Card that may reduce monthly costs for those with commercial insurance.
  • Eligibility excludes patients with Medicare, Medicaid, or other government-funded insurance.
  • Additional coupons and discounts are available through pharmacy networks and telehealth providers.

Wegovy Side Effects

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. Most improve with time.
Serious but less common risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems, and thyroid tumors. Wegovy should not be used by patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.


How to Get Wegovy

Wegovy requires a prescription. Patients can:

  1. Consult a healthcare provider or weight loss specialist.
  2. Undergo health screening to determine eligibility.
  3. Fill prescriptions at retail pharmacies such as Walmart, Costco, or CVS.
  4. Access Wegovy through telehealth platforms, which can prescribe and ship directly to patients.

Wegovy and Medicare Coverage

As of 2025, Medicare does not broadly cover Wegovy for obesity. Coverage applies only when prescribed for reducing cardiovascular risks in patients with obesity and pre-existing heart disease. Medicare Advantage and Part D formularies vary, and policy discussions may expand future access.


Conclusion

Wegovy offers significant weight loss benefits for eligible patients, but its high cost and limited coverage remain challenges. With manufacturer savings programs, pharmacy options at Walmart, Costco, and CVS, and online delivery services, patients have multiple ways to access treatment. Medicare coverage is still limited, though ongoing policy changes may expand access in the future.

References

  1. New England Journal of MedicineOnce-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
  2. Novo Nordisk – Wegovy Savings Card
  3. Kaiser Family Foundation – Wegovy and Medicare Coverage
  4. Advisory Board – Medicare Coverage Developments for Wegovy
  5. WSJ – CVS to Offer Wegovy at Discount
  6. NiceRx – Where to Find Wegovy in Stock Online