Costco to sell Ozempic and Wegovy at huge discounts (even without insurance)

Guess having access to weight loss wonder drugs got a lot easier!

In a major move aimed at easing the burden of high drug costs, Costco is set to sell Ozempic and Wegovy — two popular injectable medications used for diabetes and weight management — at deeply discounted prices, even for people without insurance. Under this arrangement, Costco members with a valid prescription can purchase a four-week supply of these drugs for $499 out-of-pocket.

Want to know more about it?

Read on.


What’s happening?

Through a collaboration with Novo Nordisk, Costco members with a valid prescription can now buy a one-month supply for $499 via their Member Prescription Program. What’s this deal all about?

$499 for a month’s supply: Costco is partnering with drugmaker Novo Nordisk to make Ozempic and Wegovy available through its Member Prescription Program at a flat price of $499 for a four-week supply, for members who pay cash (i.e., without relying on insurance).

Requirement of prescription: Importantly, those wishing to buy these medicines must still have a valid prescription from a licensed provider.

Additional discounts for some members: Costco Executive Members and those using a Costco Citibank Visa card may receive an extra 2% discount on top of the $499 price, depending on eligibility and terms.

Scope and availability: The offer is being rolled out at more than 600 Costco pharmacy locations in the United States.

Costco’s decision to sell Ozempic and Wegovy at steep discounts — halving what many currently pay — marks one of the most striking shifts yet in pharmaceutical retail in the US. Traditionally, many patients have either paid full list price or relied heavily on insurance coverage or discount programs. Now, the retail chain is stepping in as a direct bridge between drugmaker and patient.



Why is this happening and why now?

This move reflects and builds upon a similar strategy launched by Novo Nordisk earlier this year, when it began offering Wegovy and Ozempic at $499 monthly for cash-paying patients through its NovoCare pharmacy program. But why at this time?

High demand, high prices: Ozempic (for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (for obesity and weight management) contain the active ingredient semaglutide. These drugs have become extremely popular, especially Wegovy, in weight-loss discussions in recent years. But their high list prices have been a barrier for many, especially those without insurance or whose insurance doesn't cover obesity treatments.

Competition and counterfeit challenges: As demand for GLP-1 drugs surged, so did the appearance of compounded (unapproved) versions sold at much lower prices — often with questionable safety. By selling the approved products at lower cash prices, Novo Nordisk and Costco aim to draw patients away from unsafe alternatives.

Increasing pressure on pharma and pricing: Pharmaceutical companies face growing public, regulatory, and political pressure to make lifesaving medicines more affordable. The high cost of GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic has prompted calls for reform and greater transparency in drug pricing. By collaborating with Costco — a trusted retailer with a huge customer base — Novo Nordisk can broaden access to its legitimate, FDA-approved products, reduce reliance on potentially unsafe counterfeit or compounded versions, and retain market share as competition and regulatory scrutiny intensify.



Pros, cons, and what’s next

What consumers stand to gain from this deal?

Lower cost barrier: For many, paying $499 per month is far more feasible than paying full list prices (which can exceed $1,000 monthly for uninsured patients).

Simplified access: Buying from Costco pharmacies — retailers many already frequent — may simplify logistics and transparency.

Safety and authenticity: Because these would be authentic products from a reputable manufacturer via a trusted pharmacy, the risk of counterfeits may decrease.


What risks or limits remain despite this one-of-a-kind shift?

Still expensive for some: Even $499 a month may be unaffordable for many people, especially for long-term use.

No insurance coverage implied: The discount is for out-of-pocket (cash) purchases; this does not guarantee that insurance plans will cover these drugs or accept this pricing.

Eligibility, doses, and restrictions: It remains to be seen whether all dosages, formulations, and treatment regimens will be eligible under this program.

Geographic and rollout limits: The rollout is only in the U.S. (for now) and may take time to reach all Costco pharmacies.

Sustainability: Whether the $499 price can be maintained long-term or will increase under market pressures is uncertain.



This Costco-Novo Nordisk deal could signal a broader industry shift. By bypassing some traditional insurance channels and offering lower fixed prices via retail partners, pharmaceutical companies may explore more direct-to-consumer pathways. This can potentially reduce friction for patients, increase transparency in pricing, and force competitors to respond.

But will other pharmacy chains follow with similar deals — or counter with their own programs? And will insurers start covering these drugs more broadly to compete with discounted cash programs? More importantly, will demand surge, triggering shortages or supply chain pressure?

Retailers like Costco may also become more integral players in healthcare delivery, not just in selling consumer goods but in facilitating prescriptions and chronic care. As major retailers become “healthcare gateways,” consumer expectations regarding pricing, convenience, and transparency may rise.