GLP-1 Cost Calculator

How GLP-1 Costs Are Determined

GLP-1 medication costs depend on three factors: which medication you take, your insurance coverage type, and whether you qualify for manufacturer savings programs.

Manufacturer Savings Cards

Both Novo Nordisk (for Wegovy/Ozempic) and Eli Lilly (for Zepbound/Mounjaro) offer savings cards that reduce monthly costs to as little as $25 for eligible commercially insured patients. These cards are free to apply for and are the single most impactful cost reduction available.

• Wegovy / Ozempic: Apply at NovoCare.com
• Zepbound / Mounjaro: Apply at Zepbound.com or Mounjaro.com

Savings cards require active commercial insurance. They are not available for Medicare or Medicaid patients.

Zepbound Self-Pay Vials

For uninsured patients, Eli Lilly introduced Zepbound single-dose vials in late 2024 — the same medication without the autoinjector pen. Available directly at LillyDirect.com:

• 2.5 mg vials: ~$399/month
• 5 mg vials: ~$499/month
• 7.5–15 mg vials: ~$549/month

No equivalent self-pay option exists for semaglutide, making tirzepatide the clear choice for uninsured cash-pay patients.

Prior Authorization

Most insurance plans require prior authorization (PA) before covering obesity medications. Your provider submits documentation of your BMI and qualifying conditions. If denied, appeals succeed in a meaningful percentage of cases — especially with a letter of medical necessity from your provider.