With insurance vs cash: GLP-1s cost $25 with coverage, $149 to $499 self-pay

Which of the four situations are you in?

Sources:^{[1][2][3][4][5]}.

How do the $25 savings cards work?

These are copay cards for commercially insured patients whose plans cover the drug. Lilly’s cards for Zepbound and Foundayo say "as low as $25"^[1][3]; Mounjaro can be $25 for a 1-, 2- or 3-month supply if covered^[6]. Novo says commercially insured Wegovy patients may pay as little as $25, with maximum savings of $100 a month^[2], and Ozempic as little as $25 for up to 48 months^[7]. All exclude government beneficiaries^[6][3].

Novo’s $100 cap matters: if your plan’s copay for Wegovy is above $125, you’d pay the remainder (arithmetic on Novo’s stated maximum).

What if your plan doesn’t cover it?

Use the manufacturer self-pay channel or a telehealth program that passes those prices through. Mounjaro is a special case: commercially insured patients without Mounjaro coverage may pay $499 with Lilly’s savings card^[6]. Self-pay programs require you not to submit the purchase to insurance, and NovoCare’s terms say you won’t count the cost toward your deductible or out-of-pocket limit^[8]. Lilly’s Foundayo terms have a similar condition^[3].

Which programs work with insurance?

Among programs we track, Ro offers a free insurance check for Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound pens^[9]; Mochi handles prior authorization^[10]; Found has insurance plans at $99 to $199 a month plus your copay^[11]; and WeightWatchers says Med+ can be as low as $0 with qualified coverage^[12]. See all on the programs index.