In brief
A drug’s list price is the maker’s published price. Paying without insurance, using a discount card, paying your insurance share or using a government programme can each give a different price.
Identify the price category behind each quote so you can compare the figures on the same basis.
A dated example of an opening offer
On September 26, 2026, the offer for semaglutide (Ozempic) injection paid for without insurance was $199 for the first two monthly fills.
It covered the lowest strengths for new adult self-pay patients living in the United States, with terms running through December 31, 2026.
The later monthly amount was $349 or $499, depending on strength.
Using the offer meant no insurance reimbursement or credit towards an insurance deductible.
Your deductible is the sum you must pay towards covered care before the insurance plan begins to pay. Treat this example as a dated price record, then request a fresh quote.
Check what a saving means
In the terms reviewed on September 26, 2026, the major branded weight-care copay cards required commercial insurance and excluded government coverage.
People with Medicare or other government coverage could generally still pay the maker’s cash price, even though they could not use the copay card.
The portion of a covered bill you pay yourself is called a copay. A cash offer means paying without insurance. Ask which type of saving is being quoted.
Ask for the terms after the headline
The September 26, 2026 review found many cash offers and savings-card terms that were due to expire on December 31, 2026.
Request the price after the opening period, the quantity covered and any refill condition. Keep the date with the quote.