How coverage changes what you pay for a GLP-1
What you pay for a GLP-1 depends less on the drug than on how you pay: a commercial plan with a savings card can mean $25 a month, Medicare’s GLP-1 Bridge $50, and cash $149 or more. These guides explain each route from the primary source: manufacturer terms, FDA and CMS via KFF. No dosing or treatment advice.
How the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge works: $50/month copay for obesity GLP-1s for eligible Part D enrollees, July 1, 2026 to Dec 31, 2027. What is and isn’t covered.
Medicaid GLP-1 coverageMedicaid coverage of GLP-1s for obesity is optional: 13 states covered them as of Jan 2026, down from 16. Diabetes, heart and sleep apnea uses must be covered.
Compounded GLP-1s in 2026FDA declared the tirzepatide shortage resolved Dec 19, 2024 and semaglutide Feb 21, 2025. Grace periods have ended. What 503A/503B rules mean for prices.
With insurance vs cashSavings cards can bring covered Zepbound, Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro or Foundayo to $25 a month. Without coverage, self-pay is $149–$499. Checked Oct 19, 2026.
TrumpRx GLP-1 pricesTrumpRx.gov lists Wegovy pill $149/mo, Wegovy pen $199, Ozempic $199 and Zepbound $299. How they compare with LillyDirect and NovoCare. Checked Oct 19, 2026.
Zepbound, Wegovy and Mounjaro savings cardsManufacturer savings cards for Zepbound, Mounjaro, Foundayo, Wegovy and Ozempic: $25 with commercial coverage, Mounjaro $499 if not covered, Medicare excluded.
Rybelsus, Trulicity, Saxenda and Victoza costTrulicity lists at $1,006.93 a month and Saxenda at $1,349.02; Rybelsus is being replaced by the Ozempic pill. Generics and savings cards. Checked Oct 19, 2026.
The GLP-1 market in October 2026GLP-1 cash prices fell from $499–$1,000+ to $149–$449 a month since 2024. Direct sales, Medicare Bridge, generics and 2027 list-price cuts, sourced.
Cheapest GLP-1 by routeThe lowest published price for each drug and channel, with the catches spelled out.
Which guide do I need?
- You have a commercial (employer or marketplace) plan: start with GLP-1 savings cards, then insurance vs cash if your deductible is high.
- You have Medicare: read the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge guide; manufacturer cards don’t apply.
- You have Medicaid: coverage for weight loss depends on your state; see Medicaid GLP-1 coverage.
- You’re paying cash: compare TrumpRx listings with manufacturer and telehealth prices on the drug pages, and read the FDA status of compounded GLP-1s before choosing one.