Saxenda (liraglutide (obesity))
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $60,240 for a single person
Insurance
Must be uninsured or have Medicare. Because Medicare Part D does not cover weight-loss medications by law, Medicare patients are typically eligible to apply as uninsured for Saxenda.
Residency
U.S. resident with a valid address
Income Limits (400% FPL)
Calculated as 400% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level. For Medicare patients, the income limit may differ depending on Low Income Subsidy (LIS) eligibility.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# 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.
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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.
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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.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Understanding your insurance situation is key before applying.
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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 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.
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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.
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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.
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 to search by medication name or condition.
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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/obesity/products/saxenda/let-us-help/pap.html](https://www.novocare.com/obesity/products/saxenda/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
After Novo Nordisk receives your complete application, processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Once approved, your medication is shipped directly to your home. Make sure your address is correct on the application and that someone can receive the package, since Saxenda requires refrigeration.
Yes, in most cases. Because federal law prohibits Medicare Part D from covering weight-loss medications like Saxenda, Medicare patients are typically treated as uninsured for the purposes of this program. You may apply using that status. If you also receive the Low Income Subsidy (Extra Help), your income limit may differ, so it is worth calling (866) 310-7549 to confirm your eligibility.
The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program requires annual reauthorization. This means you will need to reapply each year and show that you still meet the income and insurance requirements. Novo Nordisk should notify you before your enrollment expires, but it is a good idea to track your renewal date so your medication is not interrupted.
It may still be worth applying, since Novo Nordisk makes the final eligibility determination and program guidelines can sometimes have flexibility. If you are not approved, you can explore the Saxenda Savings Card if you have private insurance, or check NeedyMeds.org for other assistance options in your area.
Yes. The application has both a patient section and a prescriber section, and your doctor or healthcare provider must complete and sign their portion. Contact your provider's office early in the process, since getting a prescriber's signature can sometimes take extra time and may delay your submission if not handled promptly.
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