Quick answer: the Novo Nordisk patient assistance program (PAP) provides certain Novo Nordisk diabetes medicines at no cost to eligible U.S. patients who are uninsured or on Medicare. In 2026, uninsured patients need household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level for Ozempic and at or below 400% for insulins and other covered products.[1] People with commercial insurance are not eligible, and Medicare enrollees with drug coverage can no longer get Ozempic through it.[1]
Prices and program terms checked October 2026. They change often; confirm with the manufacturer or your plan.
Novo Nordisk makes semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy), liraglutide (Victoza and Saxenda) and many insulins. Its PAP is separate from its copay cards and self-pay prices. It is free to join, with no registration charge or monthly fee.[2]
Covered drugs in 2026
The PAP’s 2026 product list includes:[3]
| Type | Products |
|---|---|
| GLP-1 | Ozempic pens (0.25/0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg dose pens) |
| Combination | Xultophy 100/3.6 (insulin degludec and liraglutide) |
| Insulins | Fiasp, Novolin R, N and 70/30, NovoLog, NovoLog Mix 70/30, Tresiba U-100 and U-200 |
| Devices and supplies | NovoPen Echo; NovoFine 32G needles |
Not on the 2026 list: Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza and Rybelsus do not appear.[3] Novo says some medicines were removed from the program for 2026.[1] If you need Wegovy, see the Wegovy patient assistance program guide for alternatives.
Eligibility rules
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
- Have Medicare or no insurance. Private or commercial insurance makes you ineligible.
- Meet the income limit for your situation.
- Not be enrolled in or eligible for Medicaid, Medicare Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) or VA benefits. If you might qualify for Medicaid or Extra Help, you must submit a denial letter.
Income limits by drug and insurance status
| Patient group | Medicine | Income limit |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured | Ozempic | At or below 200% FPL |
| Uninsured | All other covered products | At or below 400% FPL |
| Medicare | Novo Nordisk insulins | At or below 400% FPL (below 150% needs an Extra Help denial) |
| Medicare with drug coverage | Ozempic | Not eligible in 2026 |
In dollars, using the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states:[4]
| Household size | 200% FPL | 400% FPL |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $31,920 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $43,280 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $54,640 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $66,000 | $132,000 |
Novo directs applicants to NeedyMeds for the FPL figures it uses, so confirm before you apply.[1]
What changed in 2026
- Medicare beneficiaries with drug coverage are no longer eligible for Ozempic through the PAP.[2]
- The old rule that Medicare Part D patients must spend $1,000 out of pocket first was removed.[2]
- Some products were dropped from the program.[1]
- Applications moved online; faxed applications are no longer processed.[2]
- Medicine now ships to the patient’s home, not the provider’s office.[2]
How to apply
- Your prescriber starts it. They complete their portion at diabetespap.novocare.com and send an electronic prescription to Neovance Specialty Pharmacy.[2]
- You finish your portion through a secure link sent by email. Both you and your provider’s office need an email address.[1]
- Upload documents: proof of income, government ID, and any Medicaid or Extra Help denial letter.[2]
- Review: complete applications are processed within 2 business days.[2]
- Delivery: Neovance calls to schedule, and medicine should arrive within 5 business days.[2]
Novo also posts a paper application if the online form is unavailable. Questions go to 1-866-310-7549.[1]
How long approval lasts and refills
- Uninsured patients: 12 months, renewable each year.
- Medicare patients: through the end of the calendar year. Medicare Part D patients can apply for next year’s enrollment after October 15, 2026.[2]
- Refills: the pharmacy contacts you before each refill. People still adjusting their dose get up to a 2-month supply at a time.[2]
PAP vs savings card vs self-pay
Novo Nordisk runs three kinds of help, and each is built for a different person:
- The PAP is for people with no insurance or with Medicare, and limited income. It provides free medicine shipped to your home.[1][2]
- The savings card is for people with commercial insurance that covers the drug. It lowers the copay but does not make the drug free.
- Self-pay prices are for anyone paying cash, with no income test.[6]
If you qualify for the PAP, it is usually the best deal because the medicine is free. If your income is just above the limit, self-pay is often the next-best option.
Medicare patients and insulin
Medicare beneficiaries can still use the PAP for Novo Nordisk insulins if their household income is at or below 400% FPL. If income is below 150% FPL, they must first show they were denied Extra Help.[1] Enrollment runs through the end of the calendar year, and quantities may be reduced for Part D enrollees.[2]
Tips before you apply
- Check whether you qualify for Medicaid or Extra Help first. If you do, you will need a denial letter before the PAP can approve you.[1]
- Have documents ready: proof of household income and a government ID.[2]
- Ask your prescriber’s office whether they have used the online portal. Both you and the office need email addresses for the application to move forward.[1]
- Set a renewal reminder. Approval for uninsured patients lasts 12 months.[2]
Where to get help
For questions about eligibility or an application, call Novo Nordisk’s PAP line at 1-866-310-7549.[1] For problems with a prescription, a delivery or a refill after approval, the program’s pharmacy, Neovance, can be reached at 1-800-488-5908.[2] Your prescriber’s office can also check the status of the provider portion of your application.
If you don’t qualify
- Commercial insurance: use the Ozempic or Wegovy savings offer. See semaglutide coupon.
- Medicare: your 2026 out-of-pocket drug costs are capped at $2,100, and the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan can spread payments over the year.[5]
- No insurance, income too high: Novo’s self-pay prices start at $149 a month for the semaglutide pills and $349 for most pen doses.[6] See semaglutide cost.
For the Ozempic-specific rules, see the Ozempic patient assistance program, and for every route to free medicine, see how to get Ozempic for free.
