BCBS Federal Wegovy Price Increase: Alternatives to Consider

Jan 28, 2025 | Weight Loss Information

Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) prescribed for the treatment of obesity, chronic weight management, and reducing cardiovascular events related to obesity.

While Wegovy has proven to be a very effective medication for weight loss and weight management, it can be expensive without insurance coverage. The average retail list price is over $1,800 per month. Not many people can afford it.

Until recently, BCBS Federal Insurance provided coverage for Wegovy, making it accessible for eligible members. However, starting January 2025, BCBS Federal increased its out-of-pocket costs for Wegovy prescriptions to $600–$700 per month. Other plans, such as FEP Blue Focus, will no longer cover Wegovy.

If you’re a BCBS member, you’re likely looking for affordable alternative medications to Wegovy (semaglutide). This post will examine Wegovy’s cost under BCBS, the alternatives you can consider—like compounded medications—and how you can regain control of your journey to better health.

 

What Is the Monthly Cost of Wegovy Without Insurance?

The retail list price of Wegovy is approximately $1,350 for a 28-day supply, which amounts to $16,200 annually. But, because of pharmacy markups, the actual cost can range between $1,500 and $2,000 monthly if you pay completely out of pocket.

Factors influencing how much you’ll pay include the pharmacy you use, your insurance coverage or lack thereof, your location, the dosage prescribed by your healthcare provider, and your eligibility for manufacturer savings cards or patient assistance programs.

Since Wegovy is usually prescribed for long-term use, these expenses can quickly increase. Unfortunately, no generic version of Wegovy is currently available, and prices are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future.

 

What Does Wegovy Cost Under BCBS Federal?

Previously, under Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Federal’s Standard and Basic plans, Wegovy was classified as a Tier 2 medication, resulting in lower out-of-pocket costs for members. Patients paid a copayment of $25. However, starting January 1, 2025, BCBS health insurance changed coverage of Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) medications like Wegovy and Zepbound. The insurance has downgraded the medications to a different coverage tier.

The drugs people got for $25 per month are now increased to between $600 and $700 per month. Additionally, certain plans, such as FEP Blue Focus, have discontinued coverage for Wegovy starting in 2025.

Members enrolled in these plans will need to explore alternative options, including switching to a different insurance plan during open enrollment, paying the full cost out-of-pocket, or considering more affordable alternatives like compounded medications.

 

Affordable Wegovy Alternatives to Consider

If your BCBS plan does not cover Wegovy or has increased the out-of-pocket cost, there are alternative options to consider. Here are some medications you may want to discuss with your healthcare provider.

 

Ozempic or Mounjaro

If you’ve been diagnosed with obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus at the same time, you may be eligible for a branded GLP-1 RA or GLP-1/GIP RA like Ozempic or Mounjaro.

Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable drug prescribed once a week. It has the same active ingredient as Wegovy, semaglutide. The primary difference between Wegovy and Ozempic is their FDA-approved conditions and dosages.

The FDA approved Ozempic to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. Similar to Wegovy, it also reduces weight and lowers the risk of serious cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease, such as death, heart attack, or stroke.

Ozempic is given at lower dosages than Wegovy. (The highest dose of Ozempic is 2 mg weekly vs. 2.4 mg weekly for Wegovy.).

Mounjaro is also injected once a week under the skin, and it contains the same active ingredient as Zepbound, tirzepatide. Unlike Wegovy and Ozempic, which have different dosages, Mounjaro and Zepbound are prescribed in the same dosage.

Zepbound is the same as Wegovy, but it stands out because it’s a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 agonist. It reduces appetite and increases fullness, thus supporting weight loss efforts. Studies have shown that Zepbond may achieve greater weight loss than Wegovy.

However, like Wegovy, Zepbound has also seen an increase in out-of-pocket costs under BCBS Federal insurance. Certain insurance plans do not also cover Zepbound completely.

While there hasn’t been a direct comparison between Wegovy and Mounjaro, research of people with type 2 diabetes receiving the highest doses of tirzepatide experienced more weight loss than those taking the 2 mg dose of semaglutide.

Mounjaro and Ozempic are less likely to be covered by insurance when prescribed off-label for weight loss, but if you have type 2 diabetes and need help managing your weight, they may be covered by your insurance, including BCBS.

 

Compounded semaglutide

Compounded semaglutide may be an affordable alternative to the brand name Wegovy. Compounded semaglutide has the same active ingredient as Wegovy. Drug compounding is when a doctor, licensed pharmacist or an outsourcing facility blends, combines, mixes, or alters ingredients to meet specific patient needs.

Compounded semaglutide may be prescribed for weight loss by compounding pharmacies, online pharmacies, some health clinics, and providers, especially during medication shortages or when a patient has problems with insurance coverage.

The FDA has a list of drugs that are in shortage, and injectable semaglutide is now in short supply. The FDA understands that patients may resort to compounded formulations of the necessary drugs during prescription shortages.

The FDA advises people who cannot use the FDA-approved version due to an allergy or other special need to use compounded medications. For instance, a person who has trouble swallowing pills can seek a liquid form of a drug from a compounding pharmacy.

The FDA listed Wegovy and Ozempic as having a drug shortage since May 2023, which means they can be compounded.

If you and your doctor determine that compounded semaglutide would be a suitable Wegovy alternative for you, you should be sure that an accredited US-based compounding pharmacy makes it and that a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional is required.

 

How Much Does Compounded Semaglutide Cost?

Compounded semaglutide offers a cost-effective solution compared to the brand-name Wegovy. At NP2GO, we offer affordable pricing for compounded semaglutide with a flexible, month-to-month membership structure. We aim to provide accessible weight loss and weight management options without requiring insurance. Here are the prices for compounded semaglutide at NP2GO:

  • Month 1 (0.25 mg): $199/month
  • Month 2 (0.5 mg): $199/month
  • Month 3 (1 mg): $199/month
  • Month 4 (1.7 mg): $299/month
  • Month 5 (2.5 mg): $299/month

What’s included?

  • Shipping and syringes
  • Provider check-ins for ongoing support
  • Access to an unlimited nurse call/text line
  • The flexibility to cancel anytime

That’s a lot more affordable than the cost of Wegovy, which starts at approximately $1,300 per month.

NP2GO provides transparent and inclusive pricing, ensuring you know what you’re paying for. Unlike some telehealth companies that charge additional fees for initial consultations or ongoing weight loss support, NP2GO offers a comprehensive membership plan with no hidden fees.

 

How to Get Compounded Semaglutide

Clinics like NP2GO help simplify the process by connecting you with a licensed healthcare provider who can prescribe compounded semaglutide online if you’re eligible.

Getting compounded semaglutide with NP2GO is a simple and quick process. You’ll fill out a medical history form and take a quick online test to see if you qualify for treatment. After reviewing your information, a licensed healthcare provider will contact you via the platform and suggest a treatment plan.

If you’re eligible, your provider will send your prescription to your preferred pharmacy or deliver it straight to your door.

If you’re not eligible for semaglutide, our provider can also recommend alternative weight-loss medications that meet your needs.

 

How to Maximize Weight Loss on Compounded Semaglutide

All weight loss medications work best when you adopt a balanced diet and exercise habits. Most medications are prescribed in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise.

Have control over food and focus on nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, whole grains, vegetables, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and high-calorie beverages that could hinder your progress, and eat smaller, more frequent meals to stabilize your blood sugar levels.

As for exercise, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. It’s also helpful to look for other ways to be active, like using stairs instead of escalators and taking short walks when running errands instead of using your car.

Sticking to the dosage and schedule recommended by your healthcare provider is also important. Compounded semaglutide works best when taken consistently, so ensure you don’t miss doses.

If you need motivation or have questions about your treatment and how to adjust your lifestyle, you can take full advantage of NP2GO’s unlimited nurse call/text line and regular provider check-ins. We’re here to help.

 

Compounded Semaglutide vs. Brand-Name Wegovy

The table below shows a comparison between compounded semaglutide and brand-name Wegovy.

FeatureBrand-name WegovyCompounded semaglutide
CostStarts at around $1,300/monthRanges from $199–$299/month at NP2GO
AvailabilityShortages are commonReadily available from compounding pharmacies
Prescription requirementRequires a prescription from a licensed providerRequires a prescription from a licensed provider
Active ingredientSemaglutideSemaglutide
FDA approvalFDA-approved for chronic weight managementNot FDA-approved
Insurance coverageSome insurance plans may provide partial coverageNot covered by insurance
Delivery methodSubcutaneous injection (once weekly)Subcutaneous injection (once weekly)
Side effectsNausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other potential side effectsSimilar to Wegovy (e.g., nausea, diarrhea, constipation)
RegulationFDA-regulatedOverseen by state pharmacy boards

 

FAQs

What are the new costs of Wegovy under BCBS Federal plans?

The new costs of Wegovy under BCBS Federal plans vary based on your specific coverage. Recent changes have increased out-of-pocket costs for many patients. Previously, some plans offered $25 monthly copays, but now costs may be higher, ranging from $600-$700. Contact BCBS Federal or your provider to confirm your updated costs.

 

Are there cheaper alternatives to Wegovy for weight loss?

Yes, there are cheaper alternatives to Wegovy for weight loss, including Ozempic, Mounjaro, and compounded semaglutide. Compounded semaglutide is made by licensed pharmacists or doctors.

 

How does compounded semaglutide work?

Compounded semaglutide is an altered version of a medication that mimics the effects of the GLP-1 hormone, which signals fullness and reduces cravings. It also slows digestion, which helps the body burn calories more effectively.

 

Does BCBS Federal cover compounded semaglutide?

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Federal doesn’t cover compounded semaglutide because it is custom-made and not FDA-approved, often excluding them from insurance coverage.

 

What are the benefits and risks of compounded medications?

Compounded medications can be helpful for people with allergies as they’re tailored to individual needs. They can also be more affordable than brand-name drugs. While compounded medications are not FDA-approved, and their safety, effectiveness, and quality may vary, it’s essential to source them from reputable providers.

 

Get Compounded Semaglutide with NP2GO

With BCBS increasing copays for Wegovy and, in some cases, not covering it, compounded semaglutide presents an affordable and effective alternative for those seeking weight loss solutions.

At NP2GO, we ensure the highest safety and quality standards for our compounded semaglutide prescriptions. Each batch is rigorously tested for potency, sterility, bacterial endotoxicity, particulate matter, pH, and appearance, with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) provided to guarantee its quality.

We make the process seamless with initial video consultations and labs, unlimited messaging for ongoing support, and medication delivery to your doorstep with free shipping.

Ready to take control of your weight loss journey? Contact NP2GO today and experience affordable, high-quality care tailored to you!