The WAC (wholesale acquisition cost) for Wegovy — the published list price — is approximately $1,349 per 28-day supply. That is almost never what patients actually pay. There are four meaningful ways to reduce your Wegovy cost, and one way that sounds appealing but carries significant risk.
NovoCare Savings Program (Most Accessible)
Novo Nordisk's direct-to-patient savings program (NCPDP 5758074) does not require insurance and is available to commercially insured or uninsured adults who meet income criteria. As of mid-2026:
- $349/month — standard NovoCare savings rate
- $199/month for the first two months — introductory rate for new starts (check current availability)
YourMD routes all semaglutide prescriptions through NovoCare exclusively. When your physician sends a Wegovy prescription, it goes directly to NovoCare's pharmacy network — you pay the savings price, not list price.
Who qualifies: US resident 18+, valid prescription, not enrolled in Medicare/Medicaid. Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries cannot use manufacturer savings cards under the federal anti-kickback statute.
Insurance Coverage in 2026
Approximately 50–60% of large employer plans (500+ employees) now include some obesity medication coverage. Call your insurer and ask specifically: "Does my plan cover Wegovy (semaglutide injection) for obesity? What is my copay and do I need prior authorization?"
If PA is required, your YourMD physician submits the medical necessity documentation. Standard criteria: BMI ≥30 (or ≥27 with comorbidity), documented weight loss attempts, no thyroid cancer or MEN2 history. First appeals succeed ~30–40% of the time when properly documented.
Medicare Part D: As of 2026, some Part D plans cover semaglutide for obesity — coverage is plan-specific. Even when covered by Medicare, manufacturer savings cards cannot be used (federal law).
Oral GLP-1 Alternatives at Lower Entry Points
- Wegovy Pill (oral semaglutide 25mg): Available through NovoCare starting ~$149–299/month depending on savings programs. Weight loss comparable to injectable (~16.6% at 68 wk). Requires fasting 30 min before food or water.
- Foundayo™ (orforglipron, Eli Lilly): $149–299/month via LillyDirect™ savings program (through Dec 31, 2026). No food/timing restrictions — the most convenient oral option. ~11.1% weight loss at 40 weeks — less than injectable options but meaningful. Available via NCPDP 1574056.
If cost is the primary barrier and you're comfortable with oral medication, either of these may be a more accessible starting point than injectable Wegovy.
Compounded Semaglutide — What Changed in 2025–2026
When the Wegovy shortage began in 2022, 503A compounding pharmacies could legally produce semaglutide under the FDA shortage exemption. Semaglutide is no longer on the FDA shortage list. The legal basis for compounding it has been removed. YourMD has a permanent policy of prescribing zero compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide — FDA-approved branded medications via NovoCare and LillyDirect only. See our full analysis: Compounded Semaglutide Safety.
YourMD Total Cost
YourMD GLP-1 Essential: $79/month physician service. Medication separate through NovoCare or LillyDirect — we don't mark up medications. At $349/month (Wegovy NovoCare) + $79/month (YourMD): $428/month total for physician-supervised, FDA-approved branded GLP-1 therapy. If you qualify for the introductory NovoCare rate: $199 + $79 = $278/month in months 1–2.
Related: Does Insurance Cover Wegovy or Ozempic? · GLP-1 Drug Comparison 2026