What Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 Price Cuts Mean for Patients and Providers

Novo Nordisk cut introductory out-of-pocket prices for its GLP-1 products, offering Ozempic and Wegovy at $199 per month for the lowest-dose options for the first two months, then $349 monthly thereafter. The change immediately lowers cash-pay barriers and could broaden timely access to obesity and diabetes treatment for self-paying patients.

The $199 introductory rate applies to the 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg injections for new patients for the first two months; it then moves to $349 monthly for the 1 mg Ozempic dose and for all Wegovy doses. The 2 mg Ozempic dose is excluded and remains priced higher. The offer targets out-of-pocket customers through pharmacy and telehealth channels and is limited in duration—reducing initial financial barriers but not covering every formulation.

Counsel patients early about the expected cost trajectory, and prioritize those likely to adhere through the scheduled price change to preserve treatment persistence and clinical benefit.

Experts anticipate the teaser rates will prompt payers to reassess formulary placement, prior-authorization triggers, and step-therapy requirements for GLP-1s as employers and insurers monitor utilization shifts. In parallel, short-term cash options could increase immediate access while exerting longer-term pressure on benefit design if employers view cash-pay channels as alternatives to coverage. Practice managers should monitor benefit verification and refill authorization timing closely to avoid gaps when patient out-of-pocket costs rise.