Costco to Sell Ozempic and Wegovy at Deep Discount for Members — $499 for Four-Week Supply
Starting Oct. 3, 2025, Costco will offer a four-week supply of Ozempic and Wegovy for uninsured members at $499 through the Costco Member Prescription Program, a roughly 40% reduction versus typical retail prices nationwide this fall.
Key takeaways
- What: Costco will offer Ozempic and Wegovy at a discounted out-of-pocket price of $499 for a four-week supply.
- Who benefits: The program targets uninsured customers and cannot be billed to private or public insurance.
- How: The offer is delivered via the Costco Member Prescription Program (CMPP) and requires a doctor’s prescription.
- Start date: Oct. 3, 2025; availability and pricing may vary by participating pharmacy.
Details
Dateline: Issaquah, Washington (Times Media Service) — Costco announced the program beginning Oct. 3, 2025. The retailer will offer both Ozempic (approved for type 2 diabetes, widely used off-label for weight loss) and Wegovy (approved for weight management) at the discounted cash price.
What Costco is offering
Under the Costco Member Prescription Program, a four-week supply of either GLP-1 injectable — Ozempic or Wegovy — will be available to uninsured, out-of-pocket-paying members for $499. Costco says this equals roughly a 40% reduction compared with some retail prices that can exceed $1,300 for the same supply. Costco’s CMPP page describes the offering as a pharmacy savings program administered with Ventegra Inc.
How the Costco prescription program works
The Costco Member Prescription Program (CMPP) lets members purchase certain medicines at preset prices without submitting an insurance claim. The program is administered by Costco Health Solutions and Ventegra Inc., and it is explicitly not insurance. Participants paying with CMPP cannot submit those purchases to state, federal or private insurance for reimbursement. Members should call their local pharmacy to confirm participation and current pricing. Read CMPP details.
Eligibility and practical steps for buyers
- Membership required: You must be a Costco member to use CMPP; Executive members and Costco Citibank Visa cardholders may receive an additional 2% discount.
- Prescription: A valid prescription from a licensed provider is required — pharmacies will not dispense Ozempic or Wegovy without one.
- No insurance billing: CMPP purchases are for out-of-pocket buyers only and cannot be combined with Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.
- Local availability: Participation varies by Costco pharmacy; members should call ahead to confirm stock and pricing. Check local CMPP listing.
Expert perspective and context
Medical and policy observers view Costco’s move as a significant private-sector step to reduce immediate out-of-pocket costs for high-demand GLP-1 drugs, while cautioning that the discount does not fully solve affordability or coverage gaps.
“A $499 price point helps some people,” said Dr. Rekha Kumar of Weill Cornell Medicine, “but for many with limited means, that cost remains a barrier.”
Demand for semaglutide-based drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy has surged on the strength of clinical weight-loss and glycemic-control results. Manufacturers such as Novo Nordisk have seen rapid sales growth; reports indicate the retailer-manufacturer relationship was part of the rollout. Read the rollout report.
Limitations and open questions
Key limits include:
- CMPP is for uninsured, cash-paying members; those with insurance cannot generally use CMPP prices for reimbursement.
- Not every Costco pharmacy will participate, and stock may vary by location and over time.
- Retailer discounts provide immediate relief for some patients but do not replace systemic policy solutions to drug pricing and coverage gaps.
Implications for Redding, California
Economic impact
For uninsured Redding residents who can afford the $499 cash price, the program could yield monthly savings of roughly 40% compared with higher retail costs, freeing household funds for other needs. If the Redding-area Costco pharmacy participates, the discount may shift some prescription business away from small local pharmacies that cannot match such program pricing.
Political consequences
The discount could spark local debate over drug affordability and the role of large retailers in health care. In Redding’s conservative-leaning communities, supporters may emphasize market-driven solutions like Costco’s program, while critics highlight remaining coverage gaps and affordability issues.
Social effects
The offering targets uninsured individuals and could expand access for some residents, but the $499 price remains a notable barrier for lower-income households. Improved access for some patients may lead to better short-term health outcomes, but sustained benefits require follow-up care and stable access.
Cultural relevance
In local conversations, the program may be framed as an example of private-sector relief that aligns with values of consumer choice and market-based solutions, while also drawing attention to stigma, medical responsibility, and preventive care discussions as access expands.
Practical applications for Redding residents
- Check participation: Call the Redding-area Costco pharmacy to confirm whether the discount is offered and to verify stock and current pricing. Costco CMPP listing.
- Bring a prescription: A valid prescription from a licensed provider is required for dispensing.
- Plan for recurring cost: Monthly refills at $499 can add up; discuss long-term treatment plans and affordability with your provider.
- Explore alternatives: Ask providers about patient-assistance programs, alternatives, or lifestyle interventions if the discounted price is still unaffordable.
