6 ways to save money on Rybelsus

In this article:

• Rybelsus cost
• Can I get Rybelsus for free?
• How to save
• Rybelsus alternatives

In this article

• Rybelsus cost
• Can I get Rybelsus for free?
• How to save
• Rybelsus alternatives

Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a prescription glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 agonist) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, a healthcare provider may prescribe the oral medication off-label for weight loss. “Rybelsus and other GLP-1 agonist medications work by improving blood sugar control via stimulating insulin release, suppressing glucagon, and slowing gastric emptying,” says Annie DePasquale, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician and the founder and CEO of Collaborating Docs in Arlington, Virginia

If you’ve been prescribed Rybelsus or are considering it, it’s important to know the costs associated with this medication. Continue reading to learn more about the costs of Rybelsus, whether it’s covered by insurance, and ways to lower your out-of-pocket costs. 

How much does Rybelsus cost?

The average retail price of a 30-day supply of 7 milligrams (mg) tablets is $1,358 out of pocket. There currently aren’t any generic versions of this antidiabetic medication.

Fortunately, you may be able to receive insurance coverage for these medications through your commercial or private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. 

According to Novo Nordisk, the drug’s manufacturer, roughly 98% of commercial insurance recipients and 95% of Medicare Part D recipients receive coverage for Rybelsus. This is because many insurance companies list the medication as a preferred drug on their formulary, which is a list of prescription drugs covered by your health insurance company or prescription drug plan.

Here’s an example of estimated copayments for commercial insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid recipients in Alabama, according to the drug’s manufacturer:

With these estimated prices, please note that your coverage and copayment for Rybelsus may vary depending on where you live and your plan.

Many insurance plans will only cover Rybelsus if you have prior authorization. A prior authorization, or preauthorization, is an approval from your health insurance plan that may be required before you receive a medical service or prescription medication. If prior authorization stands in the way of getting a Rybelsus prescription, you can work with your healthcare provider to get approval.

In addition to prior authorization, Dr. Pasquale says an insurance company may require step therapy before paying for Rybelsus. “Step therapy is when treatment failure of other medications are documented to get the medication in question approved,” she says.

It’s also important to note that if you’re trying to get Rybelsus prescribed for off-label weight loss or weight management, most insurers won’t pay for the medication. It may be best to consider other approved weight loss medications, such as Wegovy or Zepbound, to increase your chances of getting approved.

Can I get Rybelsus for free?

One way you may be able to get Rybelsus is through a patient savings program. “I always recommend that patients look into savings programs offered by the pharmaceutical company specifically, as many have some options depending on clinical eligibility and financial hardship,” Dr. DePasquale says.

How to save money on Rybelsus

If you’re uninsured or find that your insurance doesn’t provide coverage for Rybelsus, there are other routes you can pursue to get savings on this antidiabetic drug. Here’s how to get Rybelsus cheaper:

1. Free SingleCare coupons

The SingleCare discount savings card can help you get the lowest price for Rybelsus tablets. With this savings card, you pay as low as $857 for a 30-day supply of 7 mg tablets.

What’s great about this prescription savings card is that you can use it whether or not you’re insured. In fact, using this card can be much cheaper than using your insurance and paying a copay. Some people can get up to 80% off their prescription drug prices.

To get this discount card, search for your preferred pharmacy on the Rybelsus coupon page on the SingleCare website. Next, click “Get free coupon,” which will provide a coupon you can save on your phone or print out. Simply show it to your pharmacist to get your discount.

Visit the pharmacy directory to find one that accepts the SingleCare savings card.

2. Manufacturer’s savings card

Novo Nordisk may offer a savings card that eligible patients can use to purchase Rybelsus at much lower prices. You may be eligible to obtain these savings if you have private or commercial insurance. If you’re enrolled in Medicare, Medigap, DOD, VA, TRICARE, Medicaid, or any other state or federal insurance programs, you are ineligible to apply for this Rybelsus savings card. 

3. Bulk-order medication

Another option to get Rybelsus cheaper is to get it in bulk. Before moving forward, you’ll want to check in with your insurance company to see if this is approved. If they allow you to buy medication in bulk, your healthcare provider can put in a Rybelsus prescription at your mail-order pharmacy for a 30- or 90-day supply. 

4. Non-profit organizations

Several non-profit organizations may help you pay for the costs of Rybelsus and other prescription medications. Some organizations may provide financial assistance for patients through patient assistance programs, coupons, rebates, savings cards, free trial offers, and free samples. However, these organizations may require you to meet certain eligibility requirements before providing financial assistance. 

5. Extra Help program

You may be eligible for the Extra Help program if you’re a Medicare Part D recipient. This program helps people with financial difficulties and limited resources to pay copays, premiums, deductibles, and other medical costs. 

You can apply for the Extra Help program if you have full Medicaid coverage, are receiving help from your state to pay for your Part B premiums, and/or are getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. If you’re accepted, you can expect to pay a lower price for brand-name drugs like Rybelsus.

6. Free samples

You may be able to get free samples of Rybelsus from your healthcare provider. Although this isn’t a long-term solution, it allows you to get the medication for a limited time. Plus, if you’re new to the medication, you can do a trial period to see if it’s worth getting a long-term prescription. At your next medical appointment, you can ask your healthcare provider if they offer any free Rybelsus samples.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Rybelsus?

Fortunately, Rybelsus is not the only antidiabetic medication on the market. If you don’t have insurance or your insurance provider doesn’t cover Rybelsus, you and your healthcare provider can discuss alternative, potentially cheaper options that provide the same benefits.

Below are the top Rybelsus alternatives, including their uses, dosages, and associated costs:

Please consult your healthcare provider to determine the best Rybelsus alternative.