Brand-name GLP-1 list prices (US, 2026)
| Medication | Indication | List price (approx.) | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic (semaglutide) | Type 2 diabetes | $1,000 | Novo Nordisk |
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | Weight management; CV risk | $1,350 | Novo Nordisk |
| Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) | Type 2 diabetes | $1,000 | Novo Nordisk |
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | Type 2 diabetes | $1,100 | Eli Lilly |
| Zepbound (tirzepatide) | Weight; OSA in obesity | $1,060 | Eli Lilly |
| Saxenda (liraglutide) | Weight management | $1,400 | Novo Nordisk |
| Victoza (liraglutide) | Type 2 diabetes | $900 | Novo Nordisk |
| Trulicity (dulaglutide) | Type 2 diabetes | $900 | Eli Lilly |
List prices are approximate and change over time. Actual pharmacy charges vary by region, retailer, and supply chain. Manufacturer savings programs frequently change.
Insurance coverage
Type 2 diabetes indications
Most commercial insurance plans cover Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Victoza, Rybelsus, Byetta, or Bydureon for adults with documented type 2 diabetes. Plan formularies differ on preferred products; prior authorization is often required. With coverage and a manufacturer savings card, out-of-pocket cost is typically $25-$100 per month.
Weight management indications
Coverage of Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda is highly variable:
- Some commercial plans cover at a copay tier.
- Many self-insured employer plans have added GLP-1 weight management coverage; some have rescinded coverage due to cost.
- Medicare Part D generally does not cover weight management drugs due to a 2003 federal law; policy reform is under discussion.
- Medicaid coverage varies by state.
- VA covers some GLP-1 drugs for veterans meeting criteria.
Prior authorization for weight management typically requires documented BMI, comorbidities, and prior weight loss attempts.
Find the most affordable option for your situation
A telehealth clinician can review your eligibility for brand-name (with savings programs) or legally compounded GLP-1 options.
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Manufacturer savings programs
NovoCare (Novo Nordisk)
- Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Saxenda, Victoza savings cards for commercially insured patients.
- Patient assistance programs for uninsured patients meeting income criteria.
- Wegovy direct cash-pay channel introduced in 2025 at lower prices than retail.
LillyDirect (Eli Lilly)
- Mounjaro and Zepbound savings cards for commercially insured patients.
- LillyDirect direct-to-consumer sales of selected Zepbound vial strengths at approximately $349-$499 per month for cash-pay.
State and nonprofit programs
- State pharmaceutical assistance programs in several states.
- NeedyMeds and similar nonprofits aggregate patient assistance program eligibility.
Compounded GLP-1 cost
When legally available, compounded options through telehealth typically cost:
- Compounded semaglutide: $150-$400/month.
- Compounded tirzepatide: $200-$500/month.
These are generally bundled programs that include clinical evaluation, prescription, and medication. Insurance does not cover compounded preparations because they are not FDA-approved drug products. See compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide for details on legality and quality.
Strategies to lower GLP-1 cost
- Use manufacturer savings cards if commercially insured.
- Compare pharmacy prices via GoodRx or similar tools.
- Mail-order pharmacies may be cheaper for some plans.
- Direct-to-consumer manufacturer channels (LillyDirect, NovoCare cash-pay) for self-pay patients.
- Compounded GLP-1 through telehealth where legally available.
- HSA/FSA funds for tax-advantaged payment of qualifying medical expenses.
- Patient assistance programs for low-income patients.
- Discuss switching among GLP-1 options if formulary coverage differs.
See our dedicated cheapest GLP-1 options guide.
Cost-effectiveness perspective
GLP-1 medications can reduce healthcare costs over the long term in patients with obesity and cardiometabolic disease — preventing complications of diabetes, cardiovascular events, and obesity-related conditions. Cost-effectiveness analyses (e.g., ICER reports) generally find GLP-1 receptor agonists cost-effective at lower price points than current list prices, particularly for cardiovascular risk reduction in overweight patients with established cardiovascular disease (the Wegovy SELECT indication).
For the individual patient, the relevant question is whether ongoing therapy is affordable and sustainable in your specific situation, with attention to total annual cost (often $1,800-$15,000+) and the long-term commitment required.
See what GLP-1 will actually cost you
A telehealth provider can review brand-name savings programs and compounded options that may fit your budget.
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