Plan and prepare
What could the whole course of care cost?
Get the full price in writing for both your first prescription supply and the one after it. Keep medicine, visits, tests, and any ongoing fee as separate lines.
Is there one price for the same medicine?
No. A maker’s list price, a cash offer, an insurance payment, and a government-program price describe different bills.
As of September 26, 2026.
Medicare · A government-program priceThe figure a maker publishes is called its list price. A cash offer sets a price for payment without insurance.
As of September 26, 2026.
Government price page · Cash-offer termsSay whether you would pay through insurance, a government program, or your own money when comparing prices. Ask what the price includes, rather than comparing headlines alone.
What does an offer price leave out?
The government price page, checked on September 26, 2026, showed a $199 price for each of the first two monthly supplies of semaglutide (Ozempic) pens. That price applied to those two supplies only.
As of September 26, 2026.
Government price page · The introductory offerThe offer was for new US patients aged 18 or older who paid outside insurance, through December 31, 2026. It covered only certain starting pen strengths. The prescribed injection’s medicine amount is called its strength.
As of September 26, 2026.
Government price page · Who qualifiedAfter the first two monthly supplies, the listed cost was $349 or $499 per month. Which price applied depended on the pen strength written on the prescription.
As of September 26, 2026.
Government price page · The later costAsk the pharmacist to match your prescription to the offer’s terms. Ask which starting price and which later price apply to that exact pen.
The offer required patients not to seek insurance repayment or count the expense toward their deductible, the amount paid before plan benefits apply.
As of September 26, 2026.
Government price page · Insurance limitsWhat else goes on my comparison sheet?
Ask: Is the medicine included? Are tests extra? Is follow-up included? Is there a recurring fee? Will I still face charges if the visit ends without a medicine prescription?
Ask for the cancellation and refund terms in writing. Leave space for the price after any offer ends.
Can I count on an old screenshot?
Many cash offers and savings cards checked on September 26, 2026 had terms ending on December 31, 2026.
As of September 26, 2026.
Government price page · A dated offerAsk for the terms that apply to your medicine supply. These figures describe an offer, not a Houston clinic’s fee.