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
Patient assistance programs (PAPs) and manufacturer savings coupons are the two best ways to reduce GLP-1 medication costs. PAPs provide free medication to eligible patients without insurance or with Medicare/Medicaid, while savings coupons reduce costs to as little as $25/month for patients with commercial insurance.
These programs are offered by the manufacturers (Novo Nordisk for Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus; Eli Lilly for Mounjaro, Zepbound) and can save you thousands of dollars per year. However, many patients don't know about them or don't know if they qualify.
This guide covers how PAPs and savings coupons work, who qualifies, and how to apply — so you can get your GLP-1 at the lowest possible cost.
Manufacturer Savings Cards (Coupons)
Manufacturer savings cards (also called coupons) reduce your copay to as little as $25/month. Novo Nordisk offers: Ozempic Savings Card — $25/month (max $500/year savings, 24-month limit). Wegovy Savings Card — $25/month (max $500/year savings, 24-month limit). Rybelsus Savings Card — $25/month (max $300/year savings, 12-month limit). Eli Lilly offers: Mounjaro Savings Card — $25/month (max $500/year savings, 24-month limit). Zepbound Savings Card — $25/month (max $500/year savings, 24-month limit). Eligibility: commercial insurance (not Medicare/Medicaid/government insurance), 18+, US resident. Sign up on the manufacturer's website. Present the card at your pharmacy. Track your savings in OptimizeGLP.
Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)
Patient assistance programs provide FREE medication to eligible patients. Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP) — provides free Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus. Eligibility: no insurance or Medicare/Medicaid, income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level (about $58,000 for individuals, $120,000 for a family of four in 2025), US resident, prescribed for an FDA-approved use. Eli Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program — provides free Mounjaro or Zepbound. Eligibility: no insurance or Medicare/Medicaid, income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, US resident. Apply through the manufacturer's website with proof of income, a prescription, and a doctor's signature. If approved, you receive a 90–120 day supply, renewable. Track your medication in OptimizeGLP.
How to Apply for a Savings Card
Applying for a manufacturer savings card is simple: 1) Visit the manufacturer's website (ozempic.com, wegovy.com, mounjaro.com, zepbound.lilly.com, rybelsus.com). 2) Click on "Savings" or "Offer." 3) Check eligibility (commercial insurance, 18+, US resident). 4) Sign up online (you'll provide your name, email, and insurance information). 5) Download or receive your savings card (via email or mail). 6) Present the card at your pharmacy along with your prescription. The card activates automatically — your copay is reduced to $25/month (or the amount specified). The card lasts 12–24 months. Reapply when it expires. Track your savings in OptimizeGLP. If you have Medicare/Medicaid, you're not eligible for savings cards — apply for a PAP instead.
How to Apply for a Patient Assistance Program
Applying for a PAP takes more time but can provide free medication: 1) Visit the manufacturer's website (novocare.com for Novo Nordisk, lillycares.com for Eli Lilly). 2) Check eligibility (no insurance or Medicare/Medicaid, income at or below 400% of FPL, US resident). 3) Download the application form. 4) Fill out the patient section (your information, income, insurance status). 5) Have your doctor fill out the medical section (diagnosis, prescription, signature). 6) Attach proof of income (tax return, pay stubs, Social Security letter). 7) Mail or submit online. 8) Wait 2–4 weeks for a decision. 9) If approved, you'll receive a 90–120 day supply, renewable. Reapply as needed. Track your medication in OptimizeGLP. PAPs are the best option for patients without insurance or with Medicare/Medicaid.
Income Requirements for PAPs
PAP income requirements are typically at or below 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL). For 2025, 400% of FPL is approximately: $58,320 for individuals, $78,880 for couples, $99,440 for a family of three, $120,000 for a family of four, $140,560 for a family of five. If your income is at or below these levels and you don't have insurance (or have Medicare/Medicaid), you likely qualify. Some programs have higher limits (500% of FPL) or consider extenuating circumstances. If you're slightly above the limit, apply anyway — you may still qualify. Check the manufacturer's website for current limits. If you don't qualify for a PAP, use a savings card ($25/month with commercial insurance) or compounded GLP-1s ($200–$500/month). Track your costs in OptimizeGLP.
Other Discount Programs
Beyond manufacturer programs, there are other ways to save: 1) GoodRx — free discount card that can reduce cash prices by 10–40% at participating pharmacies. 2) SingleCare — similar to GoodRx, free discount card. 3) Costco Pharmacy — often has lower cash prices than other pharmacies (you don't need a membership to use the pharmacy). 4) Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs — offers some medications at cost plus a small markup (doesn't currently offer GLP-1s, but check). 5) State pharmaceutical assistance programs (SPAPs) — some states offer assistance for residents who don't qualify for Medicaid. 6) Nonprofit organizations — some offer grants for medication costs (check NeedyMeds, RxAssist). Compare all options using OptimizeGLP's cost savings calculator. Track your costs in OptimizeGLP.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes: 1) Not checking if you qualify for a savings card — many patients don't realize they can get GLP-1s for $25/month. 2) Not applying for a PAP if you don't have insurance — you may qualify for free medication. 3) Letting your savings card expire — reapply before it expires. 4) Not comparing pharmacies — prices can vary by $100+. 5) Not using GoodRx or other discount cards — they can reduce cash prices. 6) Assuming you can't afford GLP-1s — there are many programs to help. 7) Not tracking your costs — you may be paying more than you need to. 8) Buying from unregulated online sellers — only use reputable providers. Track your medication and costs in OptimizeGLP to avoid these mistakes and ensure you're getting the best price.
If You Don't Qualify for Any Program
If you don't qualify for savings cards (because you have Medicare/Medicaid) or PAPs (because your income is too high), your cheapest options are: 1) Compounded GLP-1s — $200–$500/month from reputable telehealth providers (Ro, Hims, WeightWatchers Clinic). 2) GoodRx or SingleCare discount cards — can reduce brand-name prices by 10–40%. 3) Costco Pharmacy — often has lower cash prices. 4) Older, cheaper weight loss medications — phentermine ($30–$100/month), orlistat ($30–$80/month), or Contrave ($100–$200/month). These are less effective than GLP-1s but much cheaper. 5) Lifestyle changes — diet and exercise can produce significant results without medication. Use OptimizeGLP's cost savings calculator to compare all options. Track your progress in OptimizeGLP regardless of which option you choose.
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