If you’re looking at treatment options for type 2 diabetes, you may want to learn more about Rybelsus (semaglutide).

Rybelsus is a prescription drug that helps manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Doctors prescribe it along with a healthy diet and exercise.

You can swallow the tablet. The active ingredient is semaglutide. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

You can read about how to save money on prescriptions and about the cost of the drug.

Note: For more details on Rybelsus, see this in-depth article.

The price you pay for Rybelsus can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if you have it), and the pharmacy you use.

Talk to your doctor, pharmacy, or insurance provider to find out how much you will pay for Rybelsus.

Note: If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover Rybelsus. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss Rybelsus in regard to your treatment. Then the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If Rybelsus requires prior authorization and you don’t receive it before you start treatment, you could pay the full cost of the drug.

Ask your insurance company if you need to get prior authorization.

There are answers to some frequently asked questions.

How much does Rybelsus cost without insurance vs. with insurance?

The cost of Rybelsus can be different depending on a few factors, including the pharmacy you use and your insurance coverage. Without insurance, prescription drugs such as Rybelsus cost more.

Talk to your pharmacy about how much you will pay for Rybelsus. If you have insurance, you can ask your provider what the cost is.

You can also check out this website from the drugmaker to see what your estimated cost for Rybelsus may be.

What’s the cost of Rybelsus with Medicare?

The cost of Medicare can vary depending on factors. You use the pharmacy for your specific Medicare plan.

You can see an estimate of what your costs may be on this website. Your pharmacist can also provide more information about how much you’ll pay for Rybelsus.

Does the cost of Rybelsus depend on the tablet strength (3 mg, 7 mg, or 14 mg)?

“The cost of Rybelsus doesn’t depend on the strength of the tablets. The price you pay for Rybelsus will depend on a number of other factors. If you have insurance, you will also be included in this.”

Talk to your doctor, insurance provider, or pharmacy about the cost for Rybelsus.

The drug is a brand name. It is not currently available in a generic version. A generic drug is a copy of the active drug in a brand-name drug. Generic drugs are cheaper than brand-name drugs.

Why is there such a cost difference between brand-name drugs and generics?

“Years of research and testing are needed to make sure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. The drugs can be expensive if they are tested. The drugmaker can sell the drug for 20 years. Generic versions can be created by other drugmakers after that. The market can lead to lower prices for generics. Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, so they don’t need to be studied again. This can lead to lower costs.”

You can lower your costs if you take a long term approach to your finances.

  • Look into getting a 90-day supply of your medication. You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Rybelsus if approved by your insurance company. This could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost of Rybelsus. If you’re interested in getting a 90-day supply of this drug, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
  • Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication. Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower your cost for Rybelsus. Plus, you could get your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order drugs. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug through mail order. If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need help understanding your insurance, check out these websites.

You can find information on insurance, drug assistance programs, links to savings cards or coupons, and other services on these sites.

If you have questions about paying for Rybelsus, including what your cost per month may be, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. A savings card for Rybelsus may also be available. To learn more, visit the Rybelsus website, text “Ready” to 21848, or call 1-833-275-2233. It’s important to note that if you have government-sponsored health insurance, such as Medicare or Medicaid, you won’t be eligible for the Rybelsus savings card.

If you still have questions about the cost of the drug, you can talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you will pay. If you have health insurance, you need to talk to your insurer to find out the actual cost for Rybelsus.

You can ask your doctor or insurance provider questions.

  • How much does the cost of a drug compare to other drugs?
  • “What are my options if I can’t afford it?”
  • Is there a drug that costs less than the one that costs more?

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.