Health
Costco Offers Discount on Weight Loss Drugs
Health Points
- Costco now offers discounted GLP-1 weight loss drugs for shoppers without insurance.
- Ozempic and Wegovy require a prescription and cost $499 for a month’s supply at Costco.
- Experts note that, despite savings, prices remain out of reach for many patients.
Costco shoppers can now access GLP-1 weight loss medications like Wegovy and Ozempic at lower prices, even without insurance. The new partnership with Novo Nordisk offers a month’s supply for $499, significantly easing the cost burden for those paying out of pocket.
It’s important to note that a doctor’s prescription is necessary to buy these medications. Many insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, do not cover them for weight management, leaving patients to pay high prices.
While the discount provides some relief, experts highlight that the cost remains challenging for many people with medical needs.
“This is definitely a step in the right direction, but it’s not necessarily getting the medicine to people who need it the most at a price that is affordable,” said Dr. Rekha Kumar, endocrinologist at Weill Cornell.
Looking ahead, GLP-1 medications may soon be available in pill form, with several pharmaceutical companies reporting successful trials of oral versions. However, final pricing for these pill forms has yet to be determined.
Some consumers have turned to unregulated supplements and patches found online, or compounded versions from certain pharmacies, but FDA officials warn these may carry unknown risks.
The Costco partnership aims to provide safe, authentic medication options. David Moore of Novo Nordisk emphasized, “We know that Costco is a trusted brand.”
If you are considering GLP-1 medications, talk with your healthcare provider about your best, safest options.
