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.

Rybelsus comes as a tablet that you swallow. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)

Keep reading for details on Rybelsus and cost, and how to save money on prescriptions.

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.

To find out how much you’ll pay for Rybelsus, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

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.

Be sure to ask your insurance company whether Rybelsus requires prior authorization.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Rybelsus and cost.

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

The cost of Rybelsus can vary based on a few factors, including the pharmacy you use and your insurance coverage (if you have it). In general, prescription drugs such as Rybelsus cost more without insurance.

To find out how much you’ll pay for Rybelsus, talk with your pharmacist. If you have insurance coverage, you can call your insurance provider and ask what Rybelsus may cost you.

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 Rybelsus with Medicare can vary depending on certain factors. These include your specific Medicare plan and the pharmacy you use.

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)?

No, the cost of Rybelsus usually doesn’t depend on the tablet strength. But keep in mind that the price you pay for Rybelsus will depend on several other factors. These include the pharmacy you use and your insurance coverage (if you have it).

To learn more about what your cost for Rybelsus will be, talk with your pharmacist, doctor, or insurance provider.

Rybelsus only comes as a brand-name drug. It’s not currently available in a generic version. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name drug. Generics tend to cost less 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 ensure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. This testing can make the drugs expensive. The drugmaker of a brand-name drug can sell the drug for up to 20 years. After that, other drugmakers can create generic versions. This competition in the market can lead to lower costs for generics. And because generics have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This can also lead to lower generic costs.

If you take Rybelsus long term, you may be able to lower your costs in the following ways:

  • 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 covering the cost of Rybelsus or understanding your insurance, check out these websites:

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

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 Rybelsus, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you’ll pay for this drug. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you’d pay for Rybelsus.

Examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor or insurance provider include:

  • How does the cost of Rybelsus compare with other drugs that treat my condition?
  • What are my options if I can’t afford Rybelsus?
  • Is there a similar drug available that costs less than Rybelsus?

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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.