Saxenda

Indicated For

Chronic weight management

About This Medication

# How to Get Saxenda for Free Through the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program ## Who Qualifies for the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program? If you need Saxenda (liraglutide) for chronic weight management but cannot afford it, the **Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program** may be able to provide it at no cost. This program is designed for people who meet specific income and insurance requirements. To give you a quick benchmark: if you live alone, your annual household income must be at or below **$60,240** to potentially qualify. In terms of insurance, you must be either uninsured or enrolled in Medicare — patients with private insurance that covers Saxenda are generally not eligible for this program. If you meet these basic criteria, read on to find out exactly how to apply. --- ## About Saxenda (liraglutide (obesity)) Saxenda is an injectable prescription medication approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or who are overweight with at least one related health condition. It belongs to a drug class called **GLP-1 receptor agonists**, which work by mimicking a hormone involved in appetite regulation. Saxenda is prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Without insurance or assistance, Saxenda can cost well over $1,000 per month, making it financially out of reach for many patients. The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program exists specifically to help eligible individuals access this medication without that financial burden. --- ## Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program uses income thresholds set at **400% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level**. Your total household income must fall at or below the limit for your household size: | Household Size | Max Annual Income | |---|---| | 1 person | $60,240 | | 2 persons | $81,760 | | 3 persons | $103,280 | | 4 persons | $124,800 | Your income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return, a W-2, or three months of recent pay stubs. If your household size does not appear in the table above, the limits generally continue to scale upward for each additional person. If your income is above these thresholds, you will likely not qualify for the free medication program. However, you are not out of options. Insured patients may be eligible for a Saxenda savings card (described in the Alternatives section), and other assistance resources are also available. It is always worth applying even if you are close to the limit, as Novo Nordisk makes the final eligibility determination. For **Medicare patients**, income limits may differ depending on whether you qualify for the Low Income Subsidy (LIS), also known as "Extra Help." If you receive LIS benefits, check with the program directly to confirm your specific eligibility threshold. --- ## Insurance Requirements Explained Understanding your insurance situation is key before applying. - **If you are uninsured:** You are a strong candidate for this program. Patients with no prescription drug coverage are among the primary groups this program is designed to serve. - **If you have Medicare Part D:** Federal law prohibits Medicare Part D plans from covering weight-loss medications like Saxenda. Because of this, Medicare patients are typically treated as uninsured for the purposes of this program and may apply using that status. This is one of the few cases where having Medicare does not disqualify you. - **If you have private insurance that covers Saxenda:** You are generally not eligible for this patient assistance program. However, you may qualify for the Saxenda Savings Card, which can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. See the Alternatives section for details. - **If you have Medicaid:** Medicaid patients are typically not eligible for manufacturer patient assistance programs. Contact your state Medicaid office to ask about coverage for Saxenda or weight-management benefits in your state. --- ## Step-by-Step: How to Apply 1. **Check your eligibility first.** Review the income table and insurance requirements above to confirm you are likely to qualify before gathering documents. 2. **Gather your required documents.** You will need: - Proof of income (most recent federal tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs) - A valid prescription for Saxenda from a licensed healthcare provider - A completed application form with both the patient section and the prescriber section signed 3. **Get your prescriber involved early.** Your doctor or healthcare provider must complete and sign part of the application. Contact their office as soon as possible, since this step can take extra time. 4. **Choose your application method.** You have several ways to apply: - **Online:** Visit [https://www.novocare.com/obesity/let-us-help/pap.html](https://www.novocare.com/obesity/let-us-help/pap.html) to start your application digitally. - **By phone:** Call **(866) 310-7549** to speak with a program representative who can walk you through the process. - **By fax:** Send your completed application and documents to **(866) 441-4190**. 5. **Submit your application and documents together.** Incomplete submissions will slow down processing, so make sure all sections are filled in and all documents are included. 6. **Wait for confirmation.** Processing typically takes **7–10 business days** after your complete application is received. --- ## What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery Once your application is submitted, allow **7–10 business days** for Novo Nordisk to review and process it. You will receive confirmation of approval or a request for additional information. If approved, your Saxenda will be **shipped directly to your home address** — you do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy. Make sure someone is available to receive the shipment, as temperature-sensitive medications may require a signature or prompt refrigeration. Your enrollment in the program is not permanent. **Annual reauthorization is required**, meaning you will need to reapply and verify your continued eligibility each year. Watch for renewal notices from Novo Nordisk so your medication supply is not interrupted. --- ## Alternatives If You Don't Qualify If you do not meet the program's requirements, here are other options worth exploring: 1. **Biosimilars:** There are currently **no FDA-approved biosimilar alternatives** to Saxenda. This option is not available at this time. 2. **Saxenda Savings Card (for insured patients):** If you have private insurance that covers Saxenda, you may be eligible for a savings card that reduces your copay. Learn more at [https://www.saxenda.com/savings-and-support/savings-card.html](https://www.saxenda.com/savings-and-support/savings-card.html). 3. **State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs):** Many states run their own programs to help residents afford prescription medications. Eligibility rules vary by state. Contact your state health department or search online for your state's SPAP. 4. **NeedyMeds.org:** This free, independent database lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, discount drug cards, and local resources. Visit [www.needymeds.org](https://www.needymeds.org) to search by medication name or condition. --- > *This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Eligibility determinations are made solely by Novo Nordisk. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.novocare.com/obesity/products/saxenda/let-us-help/pap.html](https://www.novocare.com/obesity/products/saxenda/let-us-help/pap.html) before applying.* ---

Program information last verified: February 27, 2026