Quick answer: the Ozempic patient assistance program is the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP), which gives Ozempic at no cost to uninsured U.S. citizens or legal residents with household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.[1] In 2026, people with Medicare drug coverage and anyone with commercial insurance are not eligible for Ozempic through the program.[1]

Prices and program terms checked October 2026. They change often; confirm with the manufacturer or your plan.

Ozempic is the semaglutide brand approved for adults with type 2 diabetes.[4] Its list price is about $1,000 a month, so the PAP is the main route to free Ozempic for people with low income and no coverage.

Ozempic PAP eligibility in 2026

To qualify for Ozempic through the PAP, you generally must:[1][2]

  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
  • Have no insurance. People with private or commercial insurance are not eligible, and Medicare beneficiaries with drug coverage can no longer get Ozempic through the program.
  • Have total household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
  • Not be enrolled in or eligible for Medicaid, Medicare Extra Help (the Low-Income Subsidy) or VA benefits. If your income is low enough to qualify for Medicaid in your state, you must first show a Medicaid denial letter.
  • Have a prescription for Ozempic within its approved use.

The program covers Ozempic pens (0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg doses).[2]

Income limits: what 200% FPL means in dollars

Novo Nordisk uses the federal poverty level and points applicants to NeedyMeds for current figures.[1] Based on the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and D.C.:[3]

Household size100% FPL (2026)200% FPL (Ozempic limit)
1$15,960$31,920
2$21,640$43,280
3$27,320$54,640
4$33,000$66,000

Alaska and Hawaii have higher guidelines.[3] Confirm the exact number the program uses before you apply.

What changed for 2026

Novo Nordisk made several changes to the PAP for 2026:[1][2]

  • Medicare and Ozempic. Medicare beneficiaries with drug coverage are no longer eligible to receive Ozempic through the PAP. (Medicare patients can still get Novo insulins if their income is at or below 400% FPL.)
  • Lower income limit for Ozempic. Uninsured patients need income at or below 200% FPL for Ozempic, while other covered products use 400%.
  • Some products removed. Novo says some medicines are no longer part of the program for 2026.
  • Online applications and home delivery. Faxed applications are no longer processed, and medicine ships to the patient’s home rather than the doctor’s office.

How to apply for the Ozempic PAP

  1. Talk to your prescriber. The provider completes their portion online and sends an electronic prescription to Neovance Specialty Pharmacy, the program’s pharmacy.[2]
  2. Complete your portion. You get a secure email link. You and your provider’s office both need an email address.[1]
  3. Upload documents. These may include proof of income, a government ID, and a Medicaid or Extra Help denial letter if you might qualify for those programs.[2]
  4. Wait for review. Complete applications are processed within 2 business days.[2]
  5. Schedule delivery. Neovance calls to arrange shipping, and medicine should arrive within 5 business days.[2]

The online portal is at diabetespap.novocare.com. Novo lists a paper form if the portal is unavailable. For questions, call 1-866-310-7549.[1]

How long approval lasts

For uninsured patients, approval lasts 12 months. You can reapply each year as long as you still qualify.[2] If you are still adjusting your dose, your prescriber can send up to a 2-month supply at a time; once on a steady dose, up to 12 months of refills can be written.[2]

Tips for a smooth Ozempic PAP application

  • Check Medicaid first. If your income could qualify you for Medicaid in your state, the PAP will ask for a denial letter before it can approve you.[1]
  • Gather documents early. Have proof of household income and a government ID ready. Novo warns that missing documents delay processing.[2]
  • Make sure your prescriber’s office has an email address on file. The online application cannot move forward without one.[1]
  • Watch your email and phone. Your part of the application arrives as a secure email link, and the pharmacy calls to schedule delivery.[2]
  • Note your renewal date. Approval for uninsured patients lasts 12 months; reapply before it ends so you don’t miss doses.[2]

If your situation changes

Tell the program if you gain insurance or your income changes. Getting commercial coverage ends your PAP eligibility, but it may make you eligible for the Ozempic savings card instead.[1] Joining a Medicare drug plan also ends eligibility for Ozempic through the PAP in 2026.[1]

If you don’t qualify for the Ozempic PAP

  • Medicaid. If you qualify, state Medicaid programs must cover GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, often with prior authorization.[7]
  • Medicare. Part D covers Ozempic for diabetes, and your 2026 out-of-pocket drug costs are capped at $2,100. Extra Help lowers costs further for people with limited income.[6]
  • Commercial insurance. Use the Ozempic savings card to pay as little as $25 per fill.
  • Self-pay. Ozempic pens cost $349 a month ($499 for 2 mg) through NovoCare, with a $199 intro price for new patients through December 31, 2026.[5] See Ozempic cost without insurance.