In a move that's sure to ripple through the weight loss industry, Costco has slashed prices on popular medications Ozempic and Wegovy, offering them for just $499 a month to members paying out of pocket. The discount, announced just days ago, kicks in immediately and requires only a valid prescription—no insurance needed. This partnership with manufacturer Novo Nordisk comes as these semaglutide-based drugs continue to dominate headlines for their dual role in diabetes management and obesity treatment.
Indeed, the timing couldn't be more pressing. With list prices often exceeding $1,000 for a four-week supply, many patients have been priced out, especially those without coverage for weight loss purposes. Medicare and Medicaid, for instance, typically limit reimbursement to diabetes cases, leaving a gap for the millions seeking these injectables for shedding pounds. Costco's offer covers four pens per month, a straightforward deal that bypasses the usual pharmacy hassles. Moreover, executive members might snag extra cash back through the retailer's prescription program, sweetening the pot a bit further.
However, not everyone's popping champagne yet. Doctors note that even at half price, $499 remains a steep ask for lower-income folks, potentially widening the divide in access to these life-altering meds. Studies have shown Ozempic and Wegovy can slash risks of heart disease and stroke, yet shortages and high costs have fueled a black market of sorts. Costco's step feels like a pragmatic pushback, leveraging its warehouse model to undercut competitors. Still, it's limited to in-store pharmacies, so online shoppers or non-members are out of luck.
The broader question lingers: will this pricing shake-up finally democratize these blockbuster drugs, or just tease affordability without delivering it fully?