Costco to sell Ozempic and Wegovy at steep discount for uninsured members in new Novo Nordisk deal
Costco is partnering with Novo Nordisk to offer Ozempic and Wegovy at $499 for a four‑week supply starting October 3, 2025, for uninsured members who enroll in the Costco Member Prescription Program and pay out of pocket.
Key takeaways
- Price: Ozempic and Wegovy will be offered at $499 for a four-week supply — about a 40% reduction versus some uninsured retail prices.
- When: The program begins Friday, October 3, 2025.
- Eligibility: Requires Costco membership and enrollment in the Costco Member Prescription Program (CMPP); not available to prescriptions billed to Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance.
- Prescription required: A valid prescription from a licensed provider is necessary; pharmacists and clinicians emphasize medical oversight.
Main coverage
What, when and who is eligible
What: Costco will sell Ozempic and Wegovy at a discounted price of $499 for a four-week supply.
When: The offer begins Friday, October 3, 2025.
Who is eligible: Costco members who enroll in the Costco Member Prescription Program (CMPP) and pay out of pocket. The discount does not apply to prescriptions billed to Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance. Executive members and Costco Citibank Visa cardholders may receive an additional 2% back.
Why this matters
GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide — sold under brand names Ozempic and Wegovy — have surged in demand for diabetes and weight management. That demand has driven higher prices and occasional shortages. Costco’s agreement with Novo Nordisk aims to expand access for uninsured customers who pay cash.
Reporting based on Costco materials and local news coverage: iHeart, KIRO7, and Costco CMPP.
Details from Costco and Novo Nordisk
Costco’s public materials state the discount is available through the CMPP, which is a savings program, not insurance. Membership in Costco plus CMPP enrollment are required. Costco urges members to check local pharmacy availability because pricing and stock can vary by location.
Novo Nordisk confirmed it is working with retailers to broaden access and has struck similar deals with other chains. These efforts are intended to stabilize supply and widen affordable options for uninsured patients.
Who can’t use the Costco discount
The discounted price is intended for those paying out of pocket and therefore does not apply to prescriptions billed to Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance plans. Some insurers are beginning to cover GLP-1 drugs, but coverage varies across carriers and states.
Prescription requirement and clinical care
“The CMPP is not insurance.” — Costco materials
Even with the discount, a valid prescription from a licensed provider is required. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes and is often prescribed off-label for weight loss; Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Medical experts stress clinical evaluation before starting GLP-1 treatment because of potential side effects and interactions.
Price comparison and affordability questions
The $499 four-week price is roughly a 40% reduction compared to some retail prices for uninsured buyers that can exceed $1,300 per month. Nevertheless, health policy experts warn that $499 monthly may still be unaffordable for many uninsured or underinsured people, and the program does not eliminate all access barriers.
Practical steps for members
- Enroll in the Costco Member Prescription Program (CMPP) online or at a local Costco pharmacy.
- Obtain a prescription from a licensed provider and present it at the Costco pharmacy.
- Check local Costco pharmacies for stock levels, store limits or rules.
- Ask a pharmacist about dosing, side effects, monitoring and injection technique before starting treatment.
Investigative questions and local concerns
Open questions include whether local Costco pharmacies will have sufficient supply, how clinicians will manage increased prescribing demand, and whether uninsured people still face barriers such as travel, out-of-pocket costs, or local quantity limits. Local reporting notes this type of deal may be replicated at other retailers, affecting market dynamics and long-term pricing.
Implications for San Diego, California
Economic impact: San Diegans who are uninsured could save hundreds monthly if they obtain Ozempic or Wegovy through the CMPP; for those paying more than $1,300 at retail, the $499 rate lowers immediate costs.
Health access: San Diego’s mix of chain and independent pharmacies means Costco’s offering could relieve some pressure on community clinics, but access will depend on local store stock and patients’ ability to reach a Costco location.
Clinical care: Local providers should be prepared to evaluate candidates, prescribe appropriately, and monitor for side effects. Pharmacies may need to increase counseling about dosing and injection technique.
Policy and social impact: The program highlights questions about private-sector solutions to coverage gaps and may prompt local leaders to consider broader insurance coverage for evidence-based obesity treatments. In a health-conscious region like San Diego, increased availability could increase demand and public conversation about responsible prescribing.
