Prescription costs for Novo Nordisk medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and insulin products can run into the hundreds or thousands of dollars a month without insurance. For patients who don't have prescription drug coverage, or whose coverage still leaves the medication unaffordable, Novo Nordisk offers a Patient Assistance Program (PAP) through NovoCare, its patient support division.
The PAP is fundamentally different from the manufacturer savings cards you may have seen advertised. Savings cards reduce a copay for people who already have qualifying commercial insurance. The PAP instead provides the medication itself, typically at no cost, to patients who don't have adequate coverage in the first place and who meet income requirements.
Because the application requires both patient and prescriber input, understanding exactly what's needed before you start can prevent back-and-forth delays that stretch the process out by weeks.
Table of Contents
- What the Patient Assistance Program Actually Covers
- What Is NovoCare?
- Patient Assistance Program vs Savings Card vs Formulary Coverage
- Novo Nordisk Savings Card vs. PAP
- Income Limits by Household Size
- Ozempic Cost Without Insurance
- Insurance Status Requirements
- Medications Covered in 2026
- Application Form 2026 (Printable PDF)
- PAP Phone Numbers
- Check Application Status
- Required Documents
- How to Apply, Step by Step
- How Long Approval Takes
- How Medication Is Delivered
- Renewing Your Enrollment
- What to Do If You're Denied
- Frequently Asked Questions
What the Patient Assistance Program Actually Covers
The PAP is a charitable access program, not an insurance product. It exists to help patients who would otherwise go without treatment because they can't afford it and don't have coverage that makes it affordable.
| Feature | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Cost to Patient | Typically $0 for approved medications |
| Who Administers It | NovoCare, Novo Nordisk's patient support program |
| Funding Source | Manufacturer-funded charitable assistance |
| Enrollment Period | Typically 12 months, then reapplication required |
| Underlying Requirement | No adequate prescription coverage + income eligibility |
Patient Assistance Program vs Savings Card vs Formulary Coverage
Patients frequently confuse these three very different paths to affording a Novo Nordisk medication. Knowing which one applies to your situation saves time.
| Program | Who It's For | What It Does | Insurance Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patient Assistance Program | Uninsured or underinsured, income-eligible patients | Provides medication at no cost | No — designed for those without adequate coverage |
| Manufacturer Savings Card | Patients with eligible commercial insurance | Reduces copay/coinsurance | Yes — commercial insurance required |
| Standard Insurance Coverage | Insured patients whose plan covers the drug | Insurance pays its negotiated share | Yes |
Important: If you have commercial insurance and the medication is simply expensive due to your deductible or coinsurance, the savings card is usually the right program — not the PAP. The PAP is reserved for people without adequate drug coverage at all.
What Is NovoCare?
NovoCare is Novo Nordisk's patient support division — not a separate company. It administers three things under one brand:
- Patient Assistance Program (PAP): Free medication for eligible uninsured/underinsured patients (this guide)
- Savings Cards: Copay reduction for commercially insured patients
- Insurance Navigation: Help verifying coverage, prior authorizations, and appeals
Phone: 1-866-310-7549 (general NovoCare support). For savings card issues: 1-844-465-4262. For mail-order pharmacy: 1-800-488-5908 (Neovance Specialty Pharmacy).
Novo Nordisk PAP Phone Numbers
| Purpose | Phone Number | Hours (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| PAP Application & General Support | 1-866-310-7549 | Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm |
| Savings Card Support | 1-844-465-4262 | Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm |
| Neovance Specialty Pharmacy (Delivery) | 1-800-488-5908 | Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm |
| PAP Application Fax | 1-866-364-6633 | 24/7 fax line |
If you do not qualify for the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program, the company's NovoCare Pharmacy mail-order service offers an alternative: self-pay Ozempic delivered to your door from $199/month for new patients, with free shipping and no income requirements. If you need Ozempic delivered to your door, see our Ozempic mail order guide.
Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program Income Limits 2026
The Novo Nordisk PAP uses household-income thresholds for access to free medication. These are the exact 2026 thresholds:
| Household Size | Ozempic (200% FPL) | Insulin & Other Meds (400% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | ~$31,300 | ~$62,600 |
| 2 People | ~$42,300 | ~$84,600 |
| 3 People | ~$53,300 | ~$106,600 |
| 4 People | ~$64,300 | ~$128,600 |
| 5 People | ~$75,300 | ~$150,600 |
| 6 People | ~$86,300 | ~$172,600 |
| 7 People | ~$97,300 | ~$194,600 |
| 8 People | ~$108,300 | ~$216,600 |
Alaska and Hawaii limits are higher. For each additional person beyond 8, add approximately $11,000 to the Ozempic limit and $22,000 to the insulin limit. Uninsured Ozempic applicants must also submit a Medicaid denial letter regardless of income level.
Ozempic Cost Without Insurance 2026
If you don't qualify for the PAP, Ozempic is expensive at cash price. Here are your 2026 options:
| Option | Approximate Monthly Cost | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Retail cash price | ~$935–$1,029 | None |
| GoodRx / SingleCare | ~$850–$950 | Free discount card |
| NovoCare Pharmacy (self-pay) | $199 (new patient) / $349 / $499 | No income test; direct from manufacturer |
| Patient Assistance Program | $0 | ≤200% FPL, uninsured, Medicaid denial |
| Savings Card | ~$25/month | Commercial insurance required |
Cheapest path for uninsured patients: If you qualify for PAP, it's $0. If you don't qualify, NovoCare Pharmacy mail-order is the next cheapest option at $199/month for new patients — roughly 80% below retail cash price.
Insurance Status Requirements
Beyond income, the program is built around your current prescription drug coverage situation, not just whether you hold any insurance at all.
| Insurance Situation | Typically Eligible? |
|---|---|
| No health insurance at all | Usually Yes |
| Health insurance with no prescription drug benefit | Usually Yes |
| Medicare Part D with the drug excluded or unaffordable | Case-by-Case |
| Commercial insurance that already covers the drug | Usually No — savings card instead |
| Medicaid | Usually No — Medicaid already covers many options |
Medications Covered in 2026
Novo Nordisk updated its PAP formulary for 2026. Some medications were removed; others have new restrictions.
NovoLog Patient Assistance (Insulin Aspart)
NovoLog is covered under the 2026 PAP at 400% FPL. Both vial and FlexPen presentations are included. Uninsured patients qualify without a Medicaid denial letter. Ships via Neovance Specialty Pharmacy.
Fiasp Patient Assistance (Fast-Acting Insulin Aspart)
Fiasp is covered under 2026 PAP at 400% FPL. Your prescriber must specify "Fiasp" (not generic insulin aspart) on the application. Generic insulin aspart products were discontinued December 2025; brand Fiasp remains PAP-eligible.
Rybelsus Patient Assistance (Oral Semaglutide)
Rybelsus is covered at 400% FPL. It is a strong alternative for patients who prefer an oral GLP-1 over injections, or who do not meet Ozempic's stricter 200% FPL limit.
Xultophy Patient Assistance (Insulin Degludec / Liraglutide)
Xultophy is covered under 2026 PAP at 400% FPL. Because it is a fixed-ratio combination, your prescriber must document why combination therapy is medically necessary versus separate Tresiba and Victoza prescriptions.
Victoza Patient Assistance (Liraglutide)
Victoza remains covered at 400% FPL in 2026. It is approved for Type 2 diabetes and is often used when Ozempic is not appropriate or when a once-daily injection is preferred.
Tresiba Patient Assistance (Insulin Degludec)
Tresiba is covered at 400% FPL. It is the primary basal insulin alternative for patients previously on Levemir. Both FlexTouch and Penfill presentations are PAP-eligible.
Novolin Patient Assistance (Human Insulin)
Novolin N, Novolin R, and Novolin 70/30 are covered under 2026 PAP at 400% FPL. These are often the fastest options for approval due to lower cost and straightforward documentation.
| Medication | Category | 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Type 2 Diabetes (GLP-1) | Covered — uninsured only, ≤200% FPL |
| Rybelsus | Type 2 Diabetes (Oral GLP-1) | Covered |
| Victoza | Type 2 Diabetes (GLP-1) | Covered |
| Tresiba | Insulin | Covered |
| NovoLog / Fiasp | Insulin | Covered |
| Levemir (insulin detemir) | Insulin | Discontinued in US (end of 2024) — no longer available or covered by PAP |
| Wegovy | Chronic Weight Management | NOT covered by PAP in 2026 |
| Unbranded biologic insulins | Insulin | Discontinued from PAP in 2026 |
Levemir has been discontinued in the United States. Novo Nordisk stopped US distribution at the end of 2024. It is no longer manufactured or available through the PAP. If you were previously receiving Levemir through patient assistance, contact NovoCare at 1-866-310-7549 to transition to Tresiba or another basal insulin.
Need Wegovy? It is not available through the PAP, but uninsured patients can get oral Wegovy starting at $149/month or injectable Wegovy starting at $199/month through NovoCare Pharmacy. The TrumpRx program also offers Wegovy at approximately $350/month as of February 2026.
Ozempic Patient Assistance: 2026 Rule Changes
Ozempic has new restrictions under the Novo Nordisk PAP starting in 2026. These changes do not apply to insulin or other diabetes medications.
Ozempic PAP in 2026
- Uninsured patients only: If you have Medicare Part D, you are no longer eligible for Ozempic through PAP (most Medicare plans now cover Ozempic).
- Income limit: Uninsured patients must be at or below 200% FPL (not 400%).
- Medicaid denial required: Uninsured applicants must submit a Medicaid denial letter.
- Home delivery: Approved Ozempic is shipped directly to your home via Neovance Specialty Pharmacy.
- If your insurance requires prior authorization, see our Ozempic prior authorization guide.
Wegovy Is NOT Covered by PAP in 2026
- Wegovy is not available through the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program.
- Alternatives for uninsured patients:
- NovoCare Pharmacy: Oral Wegovy starting at $149/month; injectable starting at $199/month
- TrumpRx program: Wegovy at approximately $350/month (no income requirements)
- Wegovy Savings Card: If you have commercial insurance, copay can be as low as $25/month
- If your provider prescribed Wegovy for weight loss but you can't afford it, ask about Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes (same active ingredient, covered by PAP if you qualify).
Not sure which medication you need? Ozempic is FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Your prescriber must indicate the correct product — they are not interchangeable under the PAP.
Required Documents
Missing paperwork is the #1 reason applications stall. In 2026, Novo Nordisk requires additional documentation that wasn't needed before.
| Document | Who Needs It | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Completed patient section (online) | Everyone | Confirms identity, address, insurance status |
| Completed prescriber section | Everyone | Confirms diagnosis and medical necessity |
| Proof of income | Everyone | Recent tax return, pay stubs, or Social Security statement |
| Medicaid denial letter | Uninsured patients | Required if your income meets state Medicaid thresholds |
| Medicare Extra Help (LIS) denial | Medicare patients below 150% FPL | Proves you were denied Low Income Subsidy |
| Valid prescription | Everyone | Confirms specific medication and dose |
| Government-issued photo ID | Maine & Minnesota residents | State-specific requirement |
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Download or request the application
Applications are available through the NovoCare patient support website or by calling patient support directly, and can also often be provided by your prescriber's office.
Complete the patient section
Fill in your personal information, household size, income details, and current insurance status.
Have your prescriber complete their section
Your provider confirms your diagnosis, the medication and dose needed, and signs off on medical necessity.
Attach income and insurance documentation
Include a recent tax return or pay stubs, along with documentation showing your lack of adequate prescription coverage.
Submit the completed application
Applications are typically submitted by fax or mail, and some can be submitted online depending on current program setup.
Await a decision
You'll receive written notification of approval or denial, along with next steps for receiving your medication if approved.
Ready to apply? Start directly with NovoCare.
Call 1-866-310-7549 (Monday–Friday, 8am–8pm ET) or fill out the application online at the official NovoCare patient support portal.
Go to NovoCare → See Required DocumentsHow to Check Your PAP Application Status
Once submitted, check your status by calling 1-866-310-7549 with your confirmation number ready. Online applicants receive email decisions in 1–2 business days; fax/mail applicants should wait 7–10 business days before calling.
PAP Refills — No Separate Form Needed
Refills do not require a new application. Neovance Specialty Pharmacy calls you at 1-800-488-5908 when your refill is due. To update your shipping address, call NovoCare at 1-866-310-7549 at least 5 days before shipment.
How Long Approval Takes
| Situation | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Complete online application, all documents attached | 1–2 business days |
| Missing documents or incomplete fields | Delayed until resubmitted |
| Renewal application | 1–3 weeks (submit 30 days before expiration) |
Tip: Online applications are processed faster than fax or mail. The online portal eliminates delays from unreadable submissions. You can complete the application on a smartphone.
How Medication Is Delivered (2026 Update)
Novo Nordisk changed its delivery model in 2026. Medication now ships directly to your home instead of your prescriber's office.
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Approval | You and your prescriber receive written notification |
| Pharmacy Call | Neovance Specialty Pharmacy calls you at 1-800-488-5908 to schedule delivery |
| Shipment | Medicine ships to your home (or address of your choice) within 5 business days |
| Tracking | Optional text alerts with tracking number |
| Refills | Neovance contacts you when a refill is due; address can be updated by calling 1-866-310-7549 |
Important: Medication cannot be shipped to your local retail pharmacy. You must provide a valid home or mailing address. Shipping is fully covered by the program.
Decision Tree: Which Program Should You Apply To?
Step 1: Do you have commercial insurance that already covers this medication?
✔ Yes → You likely want the manufacturer savings card, not the PAP.
✖ No → Continue to Step 2.
Step 2: Is your household income within the program's limit for your household size?
✔ Yes → Continue to Step 3.
✖ No → You likely won't qualify for the PAP; ask your prescriber about other cost-assistance foundations.
Step 3: Do you have a valid prescription and a provider willing to complete their portion of the application?
✔ Yes → You're likely a strong candidate for the PAP — begin the application.
✖ No → Schedule an appointment first; the prescriber section is required before submission.
Renewing Your Enrollment
PAP enrollment is not indefinite. Most patients need to reapply, typically annually, with updated documentation reflecting their current income and insurance situation.
- Start the renewal process before your current enrollment period ends to avoid a gap in medication access.
- Provide updated income documentation, even if your income hasn't changed significantly.
- Confirm with your prescriber's office that they still have your case on file, since renewal also requires a prescriber signature.
- Report any change in insurance status immediately, since gaining adequate coverage may end your PAP eligibility mid-cycle.
Letting enrollment lapse before renewal is submitted can create a gap in medication access. Submitting your renewal packet a few weeks before expiration is the safest approach.
What to Do If You're Denied
A PAP denial isn't necessarily the end of the road. Most denials come down to income, missing documentation, or an insurance situation the program considers adequate coverage.
| Reason for Denial | What It Means | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Income slightly above threshold | Household income exceeds the program's limit | Explore nonprofit foundation grants or state pharmaceutical assistance programs |
| Missing documentation | Application was incomplete | Resubmit with all required documents attached |
| Existing adequate coverage | Program considers your current insurance sufficient | Use a manufacturer savings card instead, if eligible |
| Incomplete prescriber section | Provider signature or diagnosis information missing | Return to your prescriber's office to complete the form |
Alternative Assistance Options
| Resource | What It Offers |
|---|---|
| Independent Disease-Specific Foundations | Copay and premium assistance grants for qualifying diagnoses |
| State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs | State-run supplemental drug coverage for eligible residents |
| Hospital or Clinic Charity Care Programs | Discounted or free medication access through your care site |
| 340B-Participating Clinics | Reduced-cost medication for patients treated at qualifying clinics |
Common Mistakes That Delay a PAP Application
- □ Prescriber section left blank or unsigned.
- □ Income documentation doesn't match the household size listed.
- □ Insurance status documentation missing (e.g., no denial letter or formulary exclusion notice).
- □ Application submitted for a medication or dose that doesn't match the prescription.
- □ Outdated income documents (older than the program's accepted window).
- □ Renewal submitted after the enrollment period already lapsed.
- □ Contact information doesn't match between patient and prescriber sections.
Nearly all of these issues are simple paperwork mismatches. Double-checking that every section is complete and consistent before submission avoids the most common delays.
Quick Checklist Before You Submit
| Checklist Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Patient section fully completed | ☐ |
| Prescriber section signed and completed | ☐ |
| Recent proof of income attached | ☐ |
| Proof of insurance status attached | ☐ |
| Valid prescription matches requested medication/dose | ☐ |
| All contact information consistent across sections | ☐ |
Bottom Line
The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program exists specifically for people who don't have adequate prescription drug coverage and who meet household income requirements — it's not a general discount for insured patients. Getting approved quickly comes down to submitting a complete application the first time: patient and prescriber sections filled out fully, current income documentation attached, and proof that your existing insurance doesn't adequately cover the medication.
If you're denied, it's usually fixable — either by resubmitting missing paperwork or by turning to a different program better suited to your specific insurance situation. Renewing on time keeps your access uninterrupted once you're enrolled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility generally requires being a U.S. resident, having no adequate prescription drug coverage for the requested medication, and meeting the 2026 income limits for the specific medication. Uninsured Ozempic applicants must be at or below 200% FPL, while insulin and other medication applicants may qualify at 400% FPL.
The program generally covers a range of Novo Nordisk medications, including diabetes and weight-management products, for eligible patients. Availability and specific criteria can differ by product, so it's worth confirming current coverage for the exact medication you need when you apply.
No. A savings card reduces out-of-pocket costs for people who already have qualifying commercial insurance. The Patient Assistance Program provides medication at no cost to eligible uninsured or underinsured patients, regardless of commercial coverage.
It depends on your specific Part D plan and whether the medication is excluded or effectively unaffordable under your coverage. Medicare patients are typically evaluated case by case rather than automatically included or excluded.
Complete applications are often reviewed within two to four weeks. Applications missing documents take longer, since the program must request the missing information before continuing review.
Yes. The application has a required prescriber section confirming your diagnosis, the medication and dose needed, and medical necessity. Applications submitted without this section completed will not be processed.
Yes — approved medication is shipped directly to your home (or another approved mailing address) through Neovance Specialty Pharmacy. It cannot be shipped to a local retail pharmacy.
Yes. Enrollment is typically granted for a set period, often around 12 months, after which you must reapply and resubmit updated income and insurance documentation.
If your household income exceeds the program's threshold, you likely won't qualify for this specific program. Independent disease-specific foundations, state pharmaceutical assistance programs, and hospital charity care programs are worth exploring as alternatives.
Often yes. Having insurance that excludes the specific medication, or leaves it functionally unaffordable, can still qualify as inadequate coverage — but you'll typically need documentation, such as a formulary exclusion notice or denial letter, to support this.
A change in insurance status is exactly the kind of situation the program is designed for. You can apply or reapply reflecting your new insurance and income situation as soon as the change takes effect.
The Novo Nordisk savings card reduces Ozempic copays to as low as $25/month for commercially insured patients. It is separate from the Patient Assistance Program (which provides free medication to uninsured patients). The savings card has no income requirements but cannot be used by Medicare, Medicaid, or uninsured patients. Call 1-844-465-4262 or enroll at NovoCare.com.
Ozempic: ≤200% FPL (~$31,300 single, ~$42,300 married). Insulin & other meds: ≤400% FPL (~$62,600 single, ~$84,600 married). Limits increase with household size. Alaska and Hawaii thresholds are higher. Uninsured Ozempic applicants must also provide a Medicaid denial letter.
Uninsured patients seeking Ozempic must have household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and submit a Medicaid denial letter. Medicare Part D beneficiaries are no longer eligible for Ozempic through PAP. The application still requires proof of income, insurance status, and a completed prescriber section signed by your doctor.
NovoCare is Novo Nordisk's patient support division. It administers the Patient Assistance Program, savings cards, and insurance navigation support. When people refer to "NovoCare," they are usually talking about the support portal that handles PAP applications, not a separate program.
Medicare patients are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If your Medicare Part D plan excludes Ozempic or Wegovy, or the out-of-pocket cost is unaffordable, you may still qualify. You will typically need a formulary exclusion letter or proof that your plan does not cover the medication. See our Medicare PAP eligibility guide for details.
How We Researched This Guide
References
- Novo Nordisk. NovoCare Patient Assistance Program Overview and Application Materials.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Federal Poverty Level Guidelines.
- Partnership for Prescription Assistance. Patient Assistance Program Standards.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Part D Coverage Guidance.
Related Resources
Related Novo Nordisk & Patient Assistance Guides
- Ozempic Patient Assistance Program (Specific Application Guide)
- Ozempic Savings Card: $35/Month for Commercially Insured Patients
- Wegovy Prior Authorization Requirements by Insurance
- NovoCare vs. Lilly Cares: Which PAP Is Better?
- Can Medicare Patients Use Patient Assistance Programs?
- Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program (2026)
Editorial Policy: Refill Relay content is researched using publicly available manufacturer patient assistance program materials, federal poverty guidelines, and standard industry application practices. Every article is reviewed for clarity, accuracy and usefulness before publication.