Brand name GLP-1 medications cost $12,000-17,000 annually without insurance. But with the right strategies, most patients can access treatment for $2,400-6,000/year. This guide shows you how.
Complete Cost Breakdown
| Option | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand (no insurance) | $1,000-1,400 | $12,000-17,000 | FDA approved / Unaffordable for most |
| Brand (with insurance) | $25-500 | $300-6,000 | Affordable / Rare coverage |
| Compounded (online) | $200-500 | $2,400-6,000 | Affordable / Quality varies |
| Patient assistance | $0-300 | $0-3,600 | Very affordable / Strict eligibility |
Strategy #1: Compounded GLP-1s (Best for Most)
✅ Why This Works
- $200-500/month: 70-80% cheaper than brand name
- Same active ingredient: Chemically identical semaglutide/tirzepatide
- Widely available: Dozens of online telehealth providers
- Fast access: Prescription and delivery within 48-72 hours
- Legal: FDA allows compounding during drug shortages
💡 Top providers: Henry Meds ($297/mo), Mochi Health ($299/mo), Hims/Hers ($299/mo)
Strategy #2: Insurance Coverage
Insurance Coverage Reality
- Only 20-30% of insurance plans cover GLP-1s for weight loss
- Copays vary widely: $25-500/month if covered
- Prior authorization required: Must prove medical necessity
- Higher coverage for diabetes: 60-70% of plans cover for T2D
How to Maximize Insurance
- Check formulary: Call insurance to verify coverage before starting
- Get prior authorization: Provider submits medical necessity documentation
- Diagnosis coding matters: E66.01 (obesity) + comorbidity (hypertension, prediabetes) increases approval odds
- Appeal denials: Many succeed on appeal with provider letter
Strategy #3: Manufacturer Savings Programs
Wegovy Savings Card
- Savings: Pay as little as $0-550/month with commercial insurance
- Eligibility: Commercial insurance only (not Medicare/Medicaid)
- Website: WegovySavingsCard.com
Mounjaro/Zepbound Savings Card
- Savings: Pay as little as $25/month with commercial insurance
- Eligibility: Commercial insurance, not government plans
- Website: Mounjaro.com/savings-resources
⚠️ Limitation: These savings cards require commercial insurance. If uninsured, you cannot use them.
Strategy #4: Patient Assistance Programs
✅ Free or Low-Cost Medication
For patients who cannot afford treatment:
- Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance: Free Wegovy/Ozempic for qualifying patients (income-based)
- Lilly Cares Foundation: Free Mounjaro/Zepbound for qualifying patients
- Eligibility: Typically household income under 400% federal poverty level, uninsured or underinsured
- Application: Provider must submit application on your behalf
Cost Optimization Strategies
💡 Additional Ways to Save
- HSA/FSA funds: Use pre-tax dollars for GLP-1 costs
- Shop around providers: Prices vary $100+/month between telehealth companies
- Maintenance doses: Once at goal weight, may reduce to lower dose = lower cost
- 3-month supply: Some compounders offer discounts for quarterly orders
- Referral programs: Many online providers give $50-100 credits for referrals
The Bottom Line
Brand name costs $12,000-17,000/year without insurance - unaffordable for most patients.
Best option for 90% of patients: Compounded GLP-1s from reputable online providers ($2,400-6,000/year).
If you have commercial insurance, use manufacturer savings cards to reduce copays to $25-550/month.
Patient assistance programs provide free medication for qualifying low-income patients.
Bottom line: Almost everyone can find affordable access to GLP-1s with the right strategy.