Rybelsus (semaglutide (oral))
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP)
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $60,240 for a single person
Insurance
Must be uninsured or have Medicare Part D. Those with Medicare must have spent at least $1,000 on prescription drugs in the current year (note: Medicare rules are subject to change under the Inflation Reduction Act). Commercial insurance holders are generally ineligible.
Residency
U.S. resident or citizen with a valid address
Income Limits (400% FPL)
Income threshold is set at 400% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# A Patient Guide to Getting Rybelsus Free Through the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP)
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Who Qualifies for the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP)?
If you have Type 2 Diabetes and cannot afford Rybelsus, you may be able to get it at no cost through the Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP). This program is designed to help people who meet income and insurance requirements. For a single-person household, your annual income must be at or below $60,240 to qualify. On the insurance side, you must be either uninsured or enrolled in Medicare Part D — most people with private commercial insurance are not eligible for this program. If you meet these basic criteria, the Novo Nordisk PAP may be able to provide your Rybelsus at no charge, shipped directly to your home.
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About Rybelsus (semaglutide (oral))
Rybelsus is a prescription tablet used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It belongs to a drug class called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Rybelsus is notable because it is the first oral form of semaglutide approved by the FDA, making it unique among medications in its class. Without insurance or assistance, Rybelsus can cost several hundred dollars per month, putting it out of reach for many patients. The Novo Nordisk PAP exists specifically to help uninsured and Medicare patients access this medication without facing that financial burden.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The Novo Nordisk PAP sets its income limits at 400% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The table below shows the maximum annual income allowed based on 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 1040 tax return or a W-2 form. If your tax documents are not available, some programs also accept three months of recent pay stubs — check with the program directly to confirm what they will accept.
If your household size is larger than four people, contact the program at (866) 310-7549 to ask how they handle larger households, as income thresholds often scale upward.
If your income is above the limit for your household size, you likely will not qualify through this program. In that case, see the Alternatives section below for other options that may still help you lower your costs.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a major role in whether you qualify. Here is how the program applies to different situations:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the Novo Nordisk PAP for Rybelsus:
1. Check your eligibility. Review the income table and insurance requirements above before you begin.
2. Gather your documents. You will need:
- A completed application form, signed by both you and your prescribing doctor
- Proof of income (your most recent federal 1040 tax return or W-2)
- A valid prescription for Rybelsus from your doctor
3. Choose your application method. You have several ways to apply:
- Online: Visit https://www.novocare.com/diabetes/help-with-costs/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: Complete the paper application and fax it to (866) 441-4190.
4. Have your doctor sign the application. The prescriber signature is required. Many doctor's offices are familiar with this process and can help facilitate it.
5. Submit all documents together. Incomplete applications are a common reason for delays. Make sure all three required items are included before submitting.
6. Keep a copy of everything you submit for your records.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
After submitting a complete application, processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Once approved, Novo Nordisk will notify you of your acceptance. Your medication will be shipped directly to your home address — you do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy. You should not need to do anything additional at the time of delivery.
Your approval is valid for one year. To keep receiving Rybelsus through the program, you will need to reauthorize annually. You will go through a similar process each year, including updated income documentation. Plan to start the renewal process before your current approval period expires to avoid a gap in your medication supply.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not qualify for the Novo Nordisk PAP, you still have options:
1. Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar versions of Rybelsus available in the United States, so a lower-cost biosimilar alternative is not yet an option.
2. Rybelsus Savings Card (for insured patients): If you have commercial insurance, Novo Nordisk offers a savings card that may reduce your out-of-pocket costs. You can learn more and enroll at https://www.rybelsus.com/savings-and-support/rybelsus-savings-card.html.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states run their own prescription assistance programs, particularly for Medicare beneficiaries. Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or your state's department of aging to ask about available options.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database lists hundreds of assistance programs by drug name and condition. Visit www.needymeds.org to search for additional programs that may fit your situation.
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*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/diabetes/products/rybelsus/let-us-help/pap.html](https://www.novocare.com/diabetes/products/rybelsus/let-us-help/pap.html) before applying.*
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Documents You'll Need
If You Don't Qualify for the Assistance Program
Manufacturer Savings Card (for insured patients)
Novo Nordisk offers a savings card that may reduce your out-of-pocket cost if you have commercial insurance. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist for current savings card details.
Common Questions
Yes, Medicare Part D beneficiaries may qualify, but there is an extra requirement. You must have spent at least $1,000 out of pocket on prescription drugs during the current calendar year. Medicare rules may also shift under the Inflation Reduction Act, so confirm current requirements by calling (866) 310-7549 before applying.
Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days after Novo Nordisk receives your complete application. Once approved, your Rybelsus is shipped directly to your home. Incomplete applications can cause delays, so make sure you include all required documents — a signed application, proof of income, and a valid prescription.
Yes. The Novo Nordisk PAP requires annual reauthorization. You will need to submit updated income documentation and a renewed prescription each year to continue receiving your medication at no cost. It is a good idea to start the renewal process a few weeks before your current approval period ends to avoid any gap in coverage.
Unfortunately, people with commercial or private insurance are generally not eligible for the Novo Nordisk PAP, regardless of how much your plan covers. However, you may be able to use the Rybelsus Savings Card, which is designed for insured patients. Visit https://www.rybelsus.com/savings-and-support/rybelsus-savings-card.html to see if you qualify.
If your income exceeds the program's threshold, you will likely not qualify for the Novo Nordisk PAP. In that case, consider looking into the Rybelsus Savings Card if you have insurance, checking your state's pharmaceutical assistance program, or searching NeedyMeds.org for other programs that may have different income limits.
Ready to Apply for Rybelsus Assistance?
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No SSN required on the web form · From $49.95/month