GLP-1 Cost Guide 2026: Compare Prices for Every Medication

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GLP-1 medication prices at a glance (August 2026)

GLP-1 medications are the most effective weight-loss drugs ever developed, but their cost varies wildly depending on the brand, whether you use insurance, and whether you choose brand-name or compounded versions. This guide breaks down every option.

Brand-name GLP-1 costs explained

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg)

Wegovy is Novo Nordisk's FDA-approved semaglutide injection for chronic weight management. The list price is approximately $1,300/month, making it the most expensive GLP-1 on the market. However, NovoCare offers a savings card that can reduce the cost to as little as $0/month for commercially insured patients (maximum $650 savings per fill). Without commercial insurance, the NovoCare cash-pay pen program offers Wegovy at approximately $149/month — a dramatic reduction from the list price.

Read our Wegovy dosage guide →

Zepbound (tirzepatide)

Zepbound is Eli Lilly's FDA-approved tirzepatide injection for chronic weight management and obstructive sleep apnea. The retail price is approximately $1,050/month, but LillyDirect sells single-dose vials at $299 (2.5 mg), $399 (5 mg), and $449 (7.5 mg and 10 mg) — a fraction of the retail cost. This is currently the cheapest way to get FDA-approved tirzepatide without insurance.

Read our Zepbound guide →

Ozempic and Mounjaro (diabetes-indicated, used off-label)

Ozempic (semaglutide, lower doses) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. However, they are sometimes prescribed off-label. Insurance typically only covers them for diabetes, so using them for weight loss usually means paying cash. Ozempic costs ~$950/month and Mounjaro ~$1,000/month at retail.

Foundayo (orforglipron) — the new oral option

Foundayo is the first FDA-approved oral GLP-1 for chronic weight management that does not require fasting or injection. At $149/month via LillyDirect, it is the cheapest branded GLP-1 option. Clinical trials showed 12–15% body weight loss, slightly less than injectable tirzepatide but more convenient.

Read our Foundayo guide →

Compounded GLP-1 costs

Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are produced by compounding pharmacies under FDA regulations when brand-name drugs are in shortage. They are significantly cheaper than brand-name versions but are not FDA-approved. Prices through telehealth programs:

Note: Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and have not undergone premarket review for safety or efficacy. Always verify that the pharmacy is licensed and discuss risks with a clinician.

Insurance coverage for GLP-1 medications

Commercial insurance

Most commercial plans (Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna) cover Wegovy and Zepbound for chronic weight management if you meet the criteria: BMI ≥30 (or ≥27 with a weight-related condition like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or sleep apnea). Prior authorization is almost always required, and your provider must submit documentation of your BMI and comorbidities.

Medicare

As of August 2026, Medicare Part D does not cover GLP-1 medications prescribed for weight loss alone. Medicare may cover Ozempic or Mounjaro when prescribed for type 2 diabetes. A proposed CMS rule change could expand coverage to anti-obesity medications, but this has not been finalized.

Medicaid

Medicaid coverage for GLP-1 weight loss medications varies by state. Some states cover Wegovy and Zepbound with prior authorization; others do not cover them at all. Check with your state's Medicaid program for current coverage details.

FSA and HSA

You can use FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or HSA (Health Savings Account) funds to pay for GLP-1 medications if they are prescribed by a licensed provider. This includes both brand-name and compounded versions. Telehealth programs like NewSelf and Mochi Health accept FSA/HSA cards directly.

Manufacturer savings programs

How to minimize your GLP-1 cost

1. Check if you qualify for manufacturer savings cards. If you have commercial insurance, NovoCare and LillyDirect programs can reduce your cost to $0–$25/month.
2. Consider LillyDirect vials. Zepbound vials at $299–$449/month are the cheapest brand-name injectable option without insurance.
3. Explore telehealth compounded options. Starting at $179/month, these are the most affordable injectable GLP-1s if you do not have insurance.
4. Use FSA/HSA funds. Pre-tax dollars effectively reduce your out-of-pocket cost by 20–30%.
5. Ask about Foundayo. At $149/month, the oral option is cheaper than most injectables.
6. Check your insurance formulary. Some plans prefer one brand over another, which can dramatically affect your copay.

Use our GLP-1 Cost Calculator to estimate your monthly cost based on your insurance status and medication preference. For more cost-saving resources, see our guides on Wegovy pills, NovoCare self-pay, LillyDirect Zepbound vials, patient assistance programs, insurance appeals, and prior authorization.

Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you sign up through them, at no extra cost to you. Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any medication.