GLP-1 medications aren't cheap. Even with insurance, copays can add up. Without coverage, you're looking at hundreds of dollars a month — sometimes over a thousand at retail pharmacy prices. But the sticker price isn't the final price, and patients who know where to look are paying a fraction of what others spend on the same treatment.
Manufacturer Savings Programs
Both Novo Nordisk (Wegovy, Ozempic) and Eli Lilly (Mounjaro, Zepbound) run savings card programs for patients with commercial insurance. These can bring your copay down to $0-$25 per month, depending on your plan. The catch: they typically don't work with government insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare), and they have annual caps or expiration dates. Still, if you have private insurance, this should be your first move. Ask your prescribing clinic if they can help you enroll — many handle this as part of the onboarding process. (See our Medicaid GLP-1 coverage.) (See our savings calculator.)
Compounded GLP-1 Medications
Compounding pharmacies produce semaglutide and tirzepatide at substantially lower costs — often $150-$350 per month compared to $1,000+ for the brand-name versions. These are mixed by licensed pharmacies using the same active ingredient, but they're not FDA-approved products. Quality varies between pharmacies, so it's worth asking your provider which compounding pharmacies they trust and have experience with. (See our semaglutide guide.)
This option has been a game-changer for cash-pay patients, though the regulatory landscape is shifting. Our coverage of compounded vs brand-name medications explains the trade-offs in more detail.
Telehealth Providers
Online weight loss clinics have driven prices down across the board. Because they operate with lower overhead — no physical office, fewer staff — many offer bundled programs at $200-$400 per month that include the medication, consultations, and shipping. Companies like Hims, Found, and Calibrate have built their businesses around making GLP-1 access more affordable. (See our telehealth GLP-1 providers.)
The savings can be real, but compare carefully. Some telehealth programs quote a low monthly rate but exclude the medication cost. Others include everything. Read the fine print. Our comparison of telehealth vs in-person clinics can help you weigh the options.
Shopping Around Locally
Clinic pricing is not standardized. Two clinics in the same city might charge $250 and $550 per month for essentially the same treatment. This isn't because one is better — it's because weight loss clinic pricing is opaque and there's little pressure to be transparent. Call or email at least three providers before committing. Ask for their total monthly cost, including medication, visits, and labs.
Use our clinic directory to find multiple providers in your area. You can filter by medication and check which clinics offer telehealth, then contact your top picks for pricing. Our pricing guide also has regional averages to give you a benchmark.
Other Cost-Cutting Strategies
A few more approaches worth considering:
- Patient assistance programs — both manufacturers offer programs for uninsured patients who meet income criteria. The discount can be substantial.
- Pharmacy discount cards — GoodRx and similar services occasionally have deals on GLP-1 medications, though the discounts are usually modest compared to manufacturer programs.
- Split-dose strategies — some providers work with patients on dose timing to stretch supply, though this should only be done under medical supervision.
- Appeal insurance denials — if your insurer denies coverage, appeal it. Many denials are reversed on appeal, especially with supporting documentation from your doctor. It's tedious but can save you thousands per year.