Cost Disclaimer: Medication prices and insurance coverage change frequently. The prices in this guide are estimates as of 2025 and may not reflect current prices. Always check with your pharmacy and insurance company for current costs and coverage. This guide is for educational purposes only.
Overview
GLP-1 medications are expensive — list prices range from $800 to $1,400 per month. But what you actually pay depends on your insurance, savings programs, and which medication you choose. Understanding the true cost helps you make informed decisions and find the most affordable option.
The good news is that manufacturer savings cards can reduce costs to as little as $25/month for eligible patients, and patient assistance programs provide free medication for those who qualify. Even without insurance, there are ways to make GLP-1s more affordable.
This guide covers the list prices of all major GLP-1s, what you can expect to pay with insurance, and how to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
GLP-1 List Prices (2025)
List prices (without insurance) for a one-month supply: Ozempic (semaglutide injection) — $968–$1,029/month. Wegovy (semaglutide injection, higher dose) — $1,349/month. Mounjaro (tirzepatide injection) — $1,023–$1,079/month. Zepbound (tirzepatide injection, for weight loss) — $1,059/month. Rybelsus (semaglutide pill) — $918–$977/month. These are manufacturer list prices — what you pay without insurance or savings programs. Actual prices may vary by pharmacy and location. Prices have increased 5–10% per year. Check current prices at your pharmacy. Use OptimizeGLP's cost savings calculator to compare options.
What You Pay with Insurance
With insurance, your copay depends on your plan's formulary tier: Tier 1 (preferred generic) — $0–$15/month (GLP-1s are never Tier 1). Tier 2 (preferred brand) — $25–$60/month. Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) — $60–$150/month. Tier 4 (specialty) — $150–$500+/month. Most GLP-1s are Tier 2 or 3 on commercial plans. With a good commercial plan, you may pay $25–$60/month. With a high-deductible plan, you may pay full price until you meet your deductible. Medicare Part D covers Ozempic and Mounjaro (for diabetes) but not Wegovy or Zepbound (for weight loss). Medicaid coverage varies by state. Check your formulary to see your copay. Track your medication costs in OptimizeGLP.
Manufacturer Savings Cards
Manufacturers offer savings cards that can significantly reduce costs: Novo Nordisk (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) — offers cards that reduce costs to as little as $25/month for eligible patients with commercial insurance. Eli Lilly (Mounjaro, Zepbound) — offers cards that reduce costs to as little as $25/month for eligible patients with commercial insurance. Eligibility: typically requires commercial insurance (not Medicare/Medicaid/government insurance), and you must be 18+. Savings cards usually last 12–24 months and have maximum annual savings ($500–$1,000/year). Visit the manufacturer's website to check eligibility and sign up. These cards can make GLP-1s very affordable for patients with commercial insurance. Use OptimizeGLP's cost savings calculator to see your potential savings.
Patient Assistance Programs
For patients without insurance or with Medicare/Medicaid, manufacturers offer patient assistance programs (PAPs) that provide free medication: Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program — provides free Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus to eligible patients (income requirements apply, usually up to 400% of the federal poverty level). Eli Lilly Patient Assistance Program — provides free Mounjaro or Zepbound to eligible patients. Eligibility: typically requires no insurance or Medicare/Medicaid, income below a certain threshold, and US residency. Apply through the manufacturer's website with proof of income and a prescription. PAPs can provide free medication for months or years. If you can't afford GLP-1s, check if you qualify. Track your medication and costs in OptimizeGLP.
Compounded GLP-1s
Compounded GLP-1s (semaglutide or tirzepatide mixed by a compounding pharmacy) are available at a lower cost — typically $200–$500/month. Compounding is legal when there's a drug shortage (which has been the case for semaglutide and tirzepatide). Pros: much cheaper than brand-name, accessible without insurance. Cons: quality and safety vary (use only reputable providers), not FDA-approved (the FDA regulates compounding pharmacies but doesn't approve individual compounded products), may not be as effective or consistent as brand-name. If considering compounded GLP-1s, use only reputable telehealth providers (like Ro, Hims, or WeightWatchers Clinic) or compounding pharmacies that are PCAB-accredited. Avoid unregulated online sellers. Track your medication in OptimizeGLP.
Online Pharmacy Options
Some online pharmacies and telehealth providers offer GLP-1s at lower prices or with convenient delivery: Ro, Hims, WeightWatchers Clinic, Noom Med, and others offer GLP-1s (brand-name or compounded) with online consultations and home delivery. Prices vary — some offer compounded semaglutide for $200–$400/month. These services include a doctor's consultation, prescription, and ongoing monitoring. Pros: convenient, often cheaper, accessible. Cons: may not accept insurance, quality varies (especially for compounded versions), and you don't have a face-to-face relationship with the doctor. If using an online pharmacy, choose a reputable provider and ensure they require a legitimate medical consultation. Track your medication and costs in OptimizeGLP.
Cost Comparison: Brand vs Compounded vs Generic
Here's a cost comparison for a one-month supply: Brand-name (with savings card) — $25–$150/month (if you have commercial insurance and qualify). Brand-name (without insurance) — $900–$1,400/month. Compounded semaglutide — $200–$500/month. Generic — not yet available (patents expire in the 2030s). For most patients with commercial insurance, brand-name with a savings card is the cheapest option ($25/month). For patients without insurance or with Medicare/Medicaid, compounded GLP-1s are the cheapest option ($200–$500/month). Patient assistance programs can provide free brand-name medication for those who qualify. Use OptimizeGLP's cost savings calculator to compare your options.
Tips to Reduce Your Costs
To reduce your GLP-1 costs: 1) Check if you qualify for a manufacturer savings card ($25/month with commercial insurance). 2) Check if you qualify for a patient assistance program (free medication without insurance). 3) Compare prices at different pharmacies (prices can vary by $100+). 4) Ask your doctor about cheaper alternatives (older medications, compounded versions). 5) Use GoodRx or other discount cards (can reduce cash prices). 6) Consider a 90-day supply (often cheaper per month than 30-day). 7) Check if your plan has a preferred pharmacy (lower copay). 8) Consider compounded GLP-1s if cost is a barrier. 9) Use OptimizeGLP's cost savings calculator to compare all options. Track your medication costs in OptimizeGLP to see what you're actually paying.
Calculate your GLP-1 savings
Use our free cost savings calculator to compare GLP-1 costs, insurance coverage, and savings programs — see how much you could save per year.
Try the Cost Savings Calculator