How Much Do GLP-1 Medications Actually Cost?
GLP-1 medications are among the most expensive drug classes in the US, with list prices ranging from $900 to $1,400 per month. What you actually pay depends enormously on your insurance situation, what savings programs you qualify for, and which pharmacy you use. See our detailed Cost & Insurance guide for a comprehensive breakdown.
GLP-1 Prices by Drug (2025 List Prices)
| Medication | Monthly List Price | Annual | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy (2.4mg) | ~$1,349 | ~$16,188 | Novo Nordisk |
| Ozempic (up to 2mg) | ~$936 | ~$11,232 | Novo Nordisk |
| Mounjaro (up to 15mg) | ~$1,069 | ~$12,828 | Eli Lilly |
| Zepbound (up to 15mg) | ~$1,059 | ~$12,708 | Eli Lilly |
Manufacturer Savings Cards — The Biggest Cost Reducer
Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly offer savings programs for commercially insured patients that can dramatically reduce monthly costs. Novo Nordisk's program can bring Wegovy costs to $0/month for eligible patients. Eli Lilly's Lilly Savings Card can reduce Mounjaro to $25/month and Zepbound to $0–$25. The key restriction: these cards are not available to Medicare, Medicaid, or other federally funded insurance participants.
Insurance Coverage Landscape
- Commercial/employer insurance: Highly variable. Coverage has been improving as employers recognize the cost-effectiveness of obesity treatment.
- Medicare: Generally does not cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss under Part D. May cover for diabetes management depending on your plan.
- Medicaid: Highly state-dependent. Some state Medicaid programs cover these medications; many do not.
What to do if your insurance won't cover it
Options include appealing the denial with documentation from your doctor, exploring compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide (availability varies), using GoodRx or similar discount programs, or asking your prescriber about patient assistance programs directly from the manufacturer. See our full Cost & Insurance guide for appeal letter templates and strategies.