If you’ve walked into a Costco warehouse before, you know the routine: bulk snacks, giant TVs, maybe a rotisserie chicken for dinner. Now, add something far more unexpected to that list: discounted prescriptions of Ozempic and Wegovy.
That’s right. Novo Nordisk, the drugmaker behind two of the most in-demand medications in America, has teamed up with Costco to sell these GLP-1 injectables directly at its pharmacy counters. Starting this week, members with a prescription can pick up a four-week supply for $499 out of pocket.
It’s a major shift in how these medications are being offered—and it says a lot about where the conversation around accessibility, affordability, and health is heading.
Why Ozempic and Wegovy Are Such a Big Deal
Unless you’ve been completely offline for the past two years, you’ve heard of these drugs. Ozempic was originally approved for Type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is marketed for weight management. Both belong to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which regulate blood sugar and appetite.
For some people, the results have been nothing short of life-changing. We’re not just talking about weight loss here. Studies now show these medications may also reduce stroke risk, protect the heart, and even help with liver disease. That’s huge.
The problem? Price and access. Many insurance plans won’t cover these drugs if they’re prescribed for obesity alone, even though doctors say they can transform long-term health outcomes. For uninsured patients, the sticker shock has been enough to keep them out of reach.
Costco Steps Into the Pharmacy Spotlight
So why Costco?
According to David Moore, President of Novo Nordisk U.S., it’s about trust. “We know that Costco is a trusted brand,” he told NBC News, emphasizing that the company wants patients to access the “authentic” medications rather than turning to compounding pharmacies or online knock-offs.
Here’s the deal:
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Price: $499 for a one-month supply of Wegovy or Ozempic.
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Eligibility: Available only with a valid prescription.
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Cash Back: Executive members and Costco Citibank cardholders get a reward as part of Costco’s pharmacy program. (Not a straight discount, but still a perk.)
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Coverage: Over 600 Costco pharmacies nationwide are stocking the drugs.
For patients with insurance, coverage will depend on their individual plan. For those without? At least now there’s a self-pay option at a predictable price.
The Catch: $499 Still Isn’t Cheap
Let’s be real: $499 a month is not pocket change. That’s rent for some people, a car payment for others. And for many uninsured Americans, it’s simply not doable.
Dr. Harlan Krumholz, a Yale cardiologist, put it bluntly: “The people who have the greatest need for these medications are precisely the people who are in lower socioeconomic strata… and don’t have the discretionary funds to be spending on medications.”
So while Costco’s move is a step toward greater access, it doesn’t solve the bigger structural problem of insurance coverage gaps.
Insurance Coverage: A Patchwork
Here’s where things get messy.
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For some patients with coverage, Out-of-pocket costs can be as low as $25/month (on average), according to Novo Nordisk.
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For others: Coverage is partial or nonexistent. GoodRX reports that about 1 in 5 people with private insurance don’t have coverage for at least one GLP-1 drug prescribed for weight loss.
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At the state level: As of 2024, only 13 states cover GLP-1s for obesity treatment under their health programs. That leaves many patients navigating a confusing—and often unfair—system.
If you’ve ever had to call your insurance company multiple times just to understand your coverage, you know how exhausting it is. Now imagine doing that for a medication your doctor says could literally save your life.
Why This Move Still Matters
Even with the $499 price tag, Costco’s program matters for a few key reasons:
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Legitimacy: Patients know they’re getting the real medication, not a compounded version that may not meet FDA standards.
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Accessibility: Costco is everywhere. For many Americans, it’s easier to stop by a warehouse pharmacy than to hunt down a specialty clinic.
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Transparency: Patients without insurance at least have a clear price point, rather than the wild variability of retail pharmacies.
Dr. Rekha Kumar, an endocrinologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, said it best: “This will definitely improve one of the issues with access… even if it will not solve the issues of insurance coverage and cost.”
The Bigger Picture: Weight Loss Drugs and Public Health
It’s tempting to view Ozempic and Wegovy as just another health trend—like keto diets or Peloton bikes. But this is bigger.
We’re talking about drugs that could reshape how America deals with diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. If millions more people had access, the long-term savings on hospital bills, heart surgeries, and diabetes complications could be enormous.
Yet right now, the people who arguably need these drugs the most are often the ones least able to afford them. That’s the paradox.
What You Should Do If You’re Considering These Medications
If you’ve been curious about Ozempic or Wegovy but put off by cost or access, here are a few practical steps:
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Talk to your doctor first. These drugs aren’t for everyone. You’ll need a prescription and monitoring.
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Check your insurance carefully. Don’t assume coverage. Ask your provider about prior authorizations, restrictions, and monthly costs.
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Do the math. If you’re uninsured, $499 a month is still steep. Factor in whether you can sustain it long-term.
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Explore rewards. If you’re a Costco Executive member or have their Citibank card, the cash back perks could slightly ease the burden.
And remember: lifestyle changes—diet, exercise, stress management—still play a critical role in long-term health, whether or not you’re on medication.
Final Thoughts
The headline Costco to sell Ozempic and Wegovy at $499 for the uninsured—sounds simple enough. But underneath, it reflects the messy crossroads of healthcare, economics, and accessibility in America.
Here’s what really stands out: these medications could transform public health, but only if the people who need them most can actually afford them. Costco’s move chips away at the problem, but it doesn’t solve it.
For now, if you’re uninsured and determined to try a GLP-1, Costco’s pharmacy might be your most predictable option. But the bigger question lingers: will the healthcare system catch up to the science and make these life-changing drugs truly accessible for all?
Because until that happens, breakthroughs like Ozempic and Wegovy will remain, for many, just out of reach.
