It seems like you can get anything from Costco, including gold and silver, and members were excited this spring to learn they could also get access to weight-loss drugs like Ozempic through a program. Now, however, access to the program has changed.
Earlier in 2024, Costco and Sesame, a healthcare marketplace, opened a weight-loss program Costco members could sign up for. This came after Costco started offering outpatient healthcare services last year through its partnership with Sesame. Through that program, members could get prescriptions to weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.
In late August, however, Sesame announced the Costco weight loss program had "concluded," so no new people could enroll in it. Existing enrollees, though, are able to continue in the program.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Costco and Sesame started the weight-loss program after finding that about one in five customer inquiries in their healthcare services was about weight loss, Sesame co-founder and president Michael Botta told CNN.
All other Sesame-partnered healthcare services with Costco remain the same, it's just that the weight-loss program is now no longer accepting new enrollees.
How much do weight-loss drugs like Ozempic cost at Costco?
The Sesame/Costco weight loss program, which is continuing in the same form only for existing members, costs $179 for a three-month subscription. The subscription includes a video consultation, prescription, insurance coordination for the prescription authorization, ongoing support and a lab order, if necessary. Sesame says existing members will continue working with the same provider and "there will be no changes to your program benefits."
Getting a prescription doesn't mean the cost of the medication is covered, however. The $179 subscription fee does not include the cost of medications. Members will need to check their insurance to see what’s covered. Without insurance, weight-loss medications like Wegovy, Ozempic and Saxenda can cost between $950 to $1,600 per month, Sesame said.
If you already have a prescription, whether through Sesame or another provider, you can always check prices with the Costco Member Prescription Program.
What other health services can you get at Costco?
If you're not an existing enrollee in the weight loss program, there are still ways to access healthcare at Costco.
Costco members can receive discount pricing on a range of healthcare services through Sesame, including:
- Virtual primary care for $29
- Health check-ups that include a standard lab panel and virtual follow-up consultation with a provider for $72
- Virtual mental health therapy for $79
- 10% off all other Sesame services, including in-person appointments
To start accessing care, you'll of course need to be a Costco member, and then sign up for an account with Sesame.
Does Costco's weight loss program save you money?
Taken together, the price to access weight-loss drugs through the Costco and Sesame weight loss program added up.
A regular Costco membership costs $65 per year, as of September, and then you'd add $179 for the Sesame weight loss program, and finally the cost of the drugs themselves. If you consider a cost of Ozempic of $1,000 monthly without insurance, it adds up.
But, of course, what this provides is easy accessibility, as you can get care (and a $1.50 hot dog) with your local Costco. Beware, though, that with the popularity of weight-loss drugs comes shortages to meet the high demand.
Related Content
-
Need More Money for Retirement? You May Have Already Saved It.Over 29 million lost 401(k) accounts worth almost $1.65 trillion have been forgotten by their owners. Here are eight ways you can locate your account.
-
Five Ways to Save for Retirement in 2025If you did a poor job saving for retirement last year, don't despair. There are ways to build your nest egg in the new year.
-
The Wrong Money Question to Ask After Trump's ElectionIf you're wondering what moves to make with a new president moving into the White House, you're being dangerously shortsighted. Here's what to do instead.
-
All About Six Types of Auto Insurance CoverageDo you know what your auto insurance policy covers? Here's a primer on some coverage categories, along with examples of how each type of coverage works.
-
Why You Should Check Your College's Financial HealthColleges throughout the country are struggling financially as enrollment shrinks and expenses rise, making it important to check the financial health of the college your or your child is attending.
-
Where to Store Your Cash in 2025Take a fresh look at budgeting and savings opportunities for where to store your cash this year, to ensure you leave no stone unturned.
-
Financial Planning: Sisters Should Be Doin' It for ThemselvesMore and more women are ringin' on their own financial bells (with apologies to Aretha Franklin and Eurythmics) — but that demands a robust financial plan.
-
The Verizon Administrative Settlement Payment is a Reminder Class-Action Lawsuits Won't Make You RichPeople are receiving payouts from the Verizon administrative settlement and are surprised at how small they are. This provides a helpful financial lesson reminder.
-
Seven Ways Retirees Can Crush Holiday Debt in the New YearHere's how to get rid of that holiday debt you racked up.
-
Is Money Messing Up Your Family's Life?Parents who discuss money and attitudes toward money with their children are more likely to raise financially successful and responsible adults.
