Diabetesblogs

GLP-1 Medicine Cost: Ozempic, Mounjaro and Savings Options

By the Diabetes Blogs editorial teamLast reviewed

Sources: Novo Nordisk; Eli Lilly; Medicare.gov (full list)

Novo Nordisk’s self-pay price for the Ozempic pen is $349 a month for 0.25, 0.5 or 1 mg (after a $199 introductory offer for new patients on 0.25 or 0.5 mg that ends Dec 31, 2026), and Lilly’s list price for Mounjaro is $1,112.16 for 28 days. With commercial insurance, both makers offer cards that can bring a copay to $25. Medicare Part D members cannot use the cards.

Side by side, as the makers state it

Ozempic pen (Novo Nordisk)Mounjaro (Lilly)
List priceNot stated on Novo’s savings page$1,112.16 for a 28-day supply
Self-payNew patients: $199 a month for the first 2 monthly fills, 0.25 or 0.5 mg (ends Dec 31, 2026). Then $349 a month for 0.25, 0.5 or 1 mg; $499 for 2 mgSelf-pay route through LillyDirect; price not confirmed by us
Commercial insurance cardAs little as $25, savings up to $100 a monthAs little as $25, monthly and annual limits
MedicarePart D members not eligible for the $25 offer; may use self-paySavings card not available to governmental beneficiaries; Lilly says about 8 in 10 Part D patients pay $0 to $50 for 28 days

Sources: Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic savings page and Lilly’s Mounjaro FAQ, checked 2026-10-22. Novo says it can change or end its program at any time.

Ozempic for type 2 diabetes: the cost angle

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription injection from Novo Nordisk used for type 2 diabetes. Self-pay means you buy it outside insurance, so the cost generally does not count toward your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. If your plan covers it, your copay may be lower than self-pay; ask both. Novo’s page also lists prices for other forms; read it for the current terms.

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Medicare

Medicare Part D plans set their own formularies and costs. Savings cards are for commercial insurance only; Medicare Part D and Medicaid enrollees are excluded from Novo’s $25 offer. Part D enrollees can still use self-pay options. See also insulin cost and the Medicare CGM rules.

Where not to buy

This site never links to compounded, “research peptide” or grey-market sellers. They are not the FDA-approved product, and their quality and safety are unknown. Use a licensed pharmacy with a prescription. Read the Mounjaro cost page for the Lilly details, and see the supply cost calculator to add it to your monthly total.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Ozempic cost without insurance?

Novo Nordisk’s own self-pay prices for the pen are $199 a month for the first 2 monthly fills of 0.25 or 0.5 mg for new patients (offer ends December 31, 2026), then $349 a month for 0.25, 0.5 or 1 mg, and $499 a month for 2 mg. Check the page for current terms.

Is there an Ozempic savings card?

For commercially insured people, Novo says you may pay as little as $25, with savings of up to $100 a month. Medicare Part D and Medicaid members are not eligible for the $25 offer.

Does Medicare cover GLP-1 medicines for type 2 diabetes?

Medicare Part D plans may cover them under their own formularies. Medicare beneficiaries can use self-pay options but not the $25 savings card. Ask your plan for your cost.

What is the difference between list price and self-pay?

List price is the maker’s price before insurance and discounts. Self-pay is a lower cash price the maker offers outside insurance, and it may not count toward your deductible.

Is it safe to buy GLP-1 medicine from a compounding or online seller?

We do not link to compounded or grey-market sellers. Use a licensed pharmacy with a prescription, or the maker’s own pharmacy.

Information only, not medical advice. Your care team may set different targets for you, and only a lab test ordered by a clinician can diagnose diabetes or prediabetes. See our medical disclaimer.

Sources

Last reviewed: by the Diabetes Blogs editorial team. Information only, not medical advice.

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