GLP-1 Cost Calculator
Compare monthly and annual costs for Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound across different insurance and pharmacy options.
Full Cost Comparison
Monthly estimated costs across all GLP-1 medications and coverage options.
| Medication | No Insurance | Commercial | Medicare (Part D) | Compounded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic (semaglutide) | $900 | $25 - $75 | $35 | $150 - $300 |
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | $1,050 | $25 - $75 | $35 | $200 - $350 |
| Zepbound (tirzepatide) | $1,060 | $25 - $75 | $35 | $200 - $350 |
Understanding GLP-1 Medication Costs
Brand vs. Compounded
Brand-name GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro can cost over $1,000/month without insurance. Compounded versions from licensed pharmacies may offer significant savings, though availability varies.
Insurance Coverage
Many commercial insurance plans cover GLP-1 medications with copays of $25-$75/month. Medicare Part D began covering these medications for diabetes, with typical copays around $35/month.
Savings Programs
Manufacturer savings cards (e.g., Eli Lilly's Zepbound Savings Card) can reduce costs for eligible patients. Check each manufacturer's website for current programs.
Price Variations
Prices vary significantly by pharmacy, location, and individual coverage. The estimates shown are based on 2024 national averages and should be used as a general guide only.
Complete Guide to Paying for GLP-1 Medications in 2026
GLP-1 medications are among the most expensive drugs in America. But the sticker price ($900–$1,060/month) is rarely what patients actually pay. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of every coverage pathway available in 2026, from commercial insurance to manufacturer coupons to compounded alternatives.
How Commercial Insurance Covers GLP-1 Medications
Coverage varies dramatically by plan and employer. Here is what you need to know:
- Ozempic and Mounjaro for diabetes: Most commercial plans cover these with a standard copay ($25–$75/month) when prescribed for Type 2 diabetes. Prior authorization is almost always required.
- Wegovy and Zepbound for weight loss: Coverage is inconsistent. Many employers exclude these, but large self-insured employers are increasingly adding coverage as evidence of cardiometabolic benefits grows. As of 2026, ~40% of commercial plans cover Wegovy or Zepbound for obesity.
- Prior authorization tips: Your doctor must document a BMI of 30+ (or 27+ with a comorbidity), a failure of lifestyle interventions, and absence of contraindications. Having complete documentation ready speeds approval.
- Appeals: If denied, request a peer-to-peer review between your doctor and the insurance medical director. Appeals succeed approximately 50–60% of the time with proper documentation.
Medicare Part D Coverage (2026 Update)
As of 2026, Medicare Part D covers Ozempic and Mounjaro for Type 2 diabetes. Coverage for Wegovy and Zepbound for obesity remains limited — the 2024 Biden administration proposed expanding Medicare coverage for anti-obesity medications, but implementation timelines remain uncertain.
For patients with Medicare coverage for diabetes, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) caps out-of-pocket prescription costs at $2,000 per year starting in 2025, significantly reducing annual exposure for high-cost GLP-1 users.
Manufacturer Coupon Programs (2026)
| Medication | Program Name | Eligibility | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance | Commercially insured; income limits apply | As low as $25/month |
| Wegovy | Wegovy Savings Card | Commercially insured, not on Medicare/Medicaid | Up to $500 off/month (first year) |
| Mounjaro | Mounjaro Savings Card | Commercially insured, qualifying coverage | As low as $25/month |
| Zepbound | Zepbound Savings Card | Commercially insured, not on government insurance | As low as $550/month for first month, then tiered |
Always verify current program terms on the manufacturer's official website. Programs change frequently.
Compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide: The $150–$350 Option
Compounding pharmacies — both local and telehealth-connected — have offered significantly cheaper semaglutide and tirzepatide since 2023, when FDA placed both active ingredients on its drug shortage list. In 2024, the FDA attempted to end compounding access, but legal challenges kept options available through early 2026.
What to look for in a compounding pharmacy:
- PCAB (Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board) accreditation
- Licensed by your state board of pharmacy
- Requires a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber
- Third-party purity testing and certificates of analysis available upon request
- No overseas sourcing — all APIs should be from FDA-registered facilities
10 Strategies to Reduce Your GLP-1 Medication Cost
- Check your insurance formulary first. Call your insurer and ask specifically whether your GLP-1 drug is on the formulary, what tier, and what the prior auth requirements are.
- Use the manufacturer savings card. Even with commercial insurance, savings cards can bring your copay to $0–$25 for the first year.
- Explore patient assistance programs (PAP). Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly both have income-based PAPs for uninsured patients that can provide medication free or at very low cost.
- Compare GoodRx, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs, and Amazon Pharmacy. Prices for the same prescription can vary by $200–$400/month between pharmacies.
- Ask about 90-day supplies. Some insurers offer discounts for 90-day mail-order fills vs. monthly retail fills.
- Consider telehealth platforms. Companies like Ro, Hims & Hers, and Form Health offer compounded semaglutide bundles including consultation and medication.
- Request a step-therapy exception. If your plan requires you to try other drugs first, your doctor can file an exception if there is a clinical reason to start GLP-1s directly.
- Appeal every denial. First-pass denials are often overturned on appeal with additional documentation.
- Check for clinical trials. ClinicalTrials.gov lists ongoing GLP-1 trials where medication is provided free. Search "semaglutide" or "tirzepatide" in your area.
- Negotiate if self-pay. Some pharmacies will price-match or offer cash-pay discounts not listed publicly. Always ask.