Brand-name diabetes and obesity medications from Novo Nordisk can cost well over $1,000 per month without insurance. The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP) provides eligible patients with free or heavily discounted medications, including some of the most prescribed drugs in America. For uninsured or underinsured patients, this program can mean the difference between affording treatment and going without.
Overview of the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program
The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program is operated through NovoCare, the company’s patient support hub. It offers free medications to qualifying individuals who lack adequate prescription drug coverage. The program covers a wide range of Novo Nordisk products used to treat diabetes, obesity, growth hormone deficiency, and other conditions.
Novo Nordisk has provided billions of dollars in free medications through this program since its inception. According to the company’s annual report, more than 200,000 patients received assistance in 2024 alone. The program is part of a broader industry effort to help patients access necessary treatments regardless of their financial situation.
Medications Covered
The program covers many of Novo Nordisk’s most popular products. These include Ozempic (semaglutide injection for type 2 diabetes), Wegovy (semaglutide for chronic weight management), Rybelsus (oral semaglutide), Victoza (liraglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide for weight management), NovoLog and Levemir insulin products, Tresiba (insulin degludec), and Fiasp (insulin aspart).
Coverage details vary by medication. Some products are available at no cost, while others may require a small copayment. The formulary is updated periodically, so check NovoCare.com for the most current list. If your medication is not covered, NovoCare representatives can direct you to alternative savings options. For questions about Medicare coverage of specific weight-loss drugs, see our guide on whether Medicare covers Wegovy.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program, you generally must meet the following criteria. You must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. You must not have prescription drug coverage through insurance, Medicare Part D, Medicaid, or any other government-funded program. Your household income must fall at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which in 2026 is approximately $62,400 for an individual or $129,600 for a family of four.
Some medications have different income thresholds. Insulin products, for example, may be available to patients with incomes up to 400% FPL, while newer GLP-1 medications may have stricter criteria. Patients with Medicare Part D who are in the coverage gap (donut hole) may also qualify for separate Novo Nordisk savings programs, though these are distinct from the PAP.
How to Apply
The application process begins with your healthcare provider. Your doctor must complete a prescription and enrollment form, which can be downloaded from NovoCare.com or requested by calling 1-888-668-6444. You will need to provide proof of income (such as a tax return or pay stubs), proof of residency, and a valid prescription.
Applications can be submitted by fax, mail, or through the online portal. Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Once approved, medications are shipped directly to your doctor’s office or a designated pharmacy. Approval is valid for one year, after which you must reapply with updated documentation. For broader strategies on managing prescription expenses, explore our healthcare costs guide.
Insulin-Specific Savings
Novo Nordisk offers additional insulin savings beyond the PAP. The company’s Insulin Value Program caps out-of-pocket costs at $35 per 30-day supply for patients with commercial insurance. This mirrors the $35 insulin cap established for Medicare Part D beneficiaries under the Inflation Reduction Act.
For uninsured patients, Novo Nordisk’s My$99Insulin program provides up to three vials or two packs of pens for $99 per month. This program does not require an income check and is available at participating pharmacies nationwide. These savings can also be combined with manufacturer coupons and prescription discount cards for maximum savings.
What Happens After Approval
Once approved, you receive a 90-day supply of your medication at no cost. Refills are processed automatically as long as your enrollment remains active. Your healthcare provider must submit a new prescription for each refill cycle, confirming that you still need the medication and that your treatment plan has not changed.
If your financial situation changes during the enrollment period, you are required to notify NovoCare. An increase in income above the eligibility threshold or gaining prescription drug coverage may disqualify you from the program. However, you can transition to other Novo Nordisk savings programs such as copay cards or discount offers.
Comparing Novo Nordisk PAP to Other Options
The Novo Nordisk PAP is one of many manufacturer assistance programs available. Companies like AbbVie and Eli Lilly offer similar programs for their respective drug portfolios. The key advantage of Novo Nordisk’s program is its breadth, covering diabetes, obesity, and endocrine therapies under one application process.
If you do not qualify for the PAP, other avenues exist. The 340B pharmacy program offers discounted medications through eligible healthcare facilities. GoodRx and similar platforms provide coupons that can reduce costs at retail pharmacies. State-level programs like SPAPs may also bridge the gap for patients with moderate incomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Medicare patients use the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program?
Medicare Part D enrollees generally cannot use the PAP, as federal regulations restrict manufacturer assistance for government-insured patients. However, Novo Nordisk offers separate savings cards and copay programs for Medicare beneficiaries, and the $35 insulin cap under Medicare Part D provides substantial relief for insulin users.
How long does it take to receive medication after applying?
Most applications are processed within 2 to 4 weeks. Once approved, your first shipment arrives within 5 to 7 business days. Emergency or expedited processing may be available in certain circumstances. Contact NovoCare at 1-888-668-6444 to discuss urgent needs.
Does the program cover Ozempic and Wegovy?
Yes, both Ozempic (for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (for chronic weight management) are covered under the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program for eligible patients. Eligibility criteria may differ between the two medications based on FDA-approved indications and formulary guidelines.
What if I am denied?
If your application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include exceeding income limits or having existing prescription coverage. You can appeal the decision or reapply if your circumstances change. NovoCare representatives can also help identify alternative savings programs.
Start Your Application Today
Prescription costs should not prevent you from managing diabetes, obesity, or other conditions effectively. The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program has helped hundreds of thousands of patients access critical medications at no cost. Visit NovoCare.com or call 1-888-668-6444 to begin your application. Pair this resource with insights from our healthcare costs guide to build a comprehensive savings strategy.