GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound) treat conditions like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. These medications are well-known for their effectiveness, but they’re also notorious for their high cost. Without insurance, the drugs can cost upwards of $1,300 a month and are often taken long-term.
While most insurance covers GLP-1s for diabetes and heart disease, few offer coverage specifically for weight loss — but changes are coming.
In 2026, Medicare will pilot a program to reduce the cost of GLP-1s for weight loss. Even if they aren’t covered by insurance, less-expensive versions of GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1) are hitting the market, telehealth companies offer deep discounts, and drug manufacturers have made deals to sell them at a lower cost through various programs. Read on to find out what your options are if you’re considering these medications.
Making GLP-1s more affordable
Telehealth
GLP-1s have been on the market long enough — at such a high price — that insurers and healthcare providers have been working to find ways to make them more affordable.
One way you can get these drugs at a reduced cost right now is through various telehealth services. Companies like Hers, Ro, and Noom offer compounded versions of semaglutide and GLP-1 microdosing. These often range from $99 to $349 a month, depending on your dosage.
Microdosing GLP-1s means taking a smaller dose than normally given. Some people choose this to reduce the common side effects of GLP-1s like nausea, vomiting, and constipation, and it’s also a less-expensive way to get started on the drugs. It’s important to note, however, that compounded versions of the drugs aren’t approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Pill form
GLP-1s have traditionally been given as a weekly injection, but in 2026, a once-daily Wegovy pill hit the market. If your insurance covers the medication, your cost could be as low as $25 a month. For self-pay patients, the cost starts at $149 for 1.5 mg per month and increases with higher doses.
The FDA has approved the Wegovy pill for weight loss for people with obesity (a body mass index of 30 or higher), or in adults who are overweight (BMI of 27 or higher) and have at least one weight-related condition like hypertension or obstructive sleep apnea.
Discount drug programs
Because the cost of these drugs is so high, many organizations have tried to make them more affordable for patients.
- GoodRX has a coupon program for the Wegovy pill for $149 a month and Ozempic injection starting at $199 monthly.
- The manufacturers of GLP-1s also offer direct-to-consumer sales.
- NovoNordisk offers the same price as GoodRx for these two drugs.
- If your insurance covers Zepbound, its maker, Eli Lilly, offers a savings program that starts at $25 for a three-month supply.
TrumpRx has also negotiated lower prices on GLP-1s for people with and without insurance coverage. People without insurance coverage can now pay through TrumpRx:
- $199 a month for Ozempic and Wegovy
- $299 monthly for Zepbound
- $149 per month for the Wegovy pill
Medicare GLP-1 coverage in 2026
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is expected to begin covering GLP-1s – on a limited basis – in July 2026. To receive coverage, you must be diagnosed with obesity or be overweight with one of the qualifying weight-related conditions. Additionally, states were able to start covering GLP-1s for obesity in 2026 through Medicaid. About a dozen states have opted to participate.
CMS is launching a short-term pilot program to reduce the cost of GLP-1s for eligible beneficiaries of Medicare Part D. The department plans to lower the Medicare copay for injectable Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Zepbound and the injectable or pill forms of Wegovy to $50 a month. This will be the cost after you meet your plan’s deductible.
Part D coverage in 2027 and beyond
Originally, CMS planned for Part D prescription plan carriers to take part in a voluntary five-year CMS program, the Better Approaches to Lifestyle and Nutrition for Comprehensive hEalth(BALANCE) Model starting in 2027. Participating plans would be able to continue offering GLP-1s for weight loss for $50 a month. However, CMS is delaying the beginning of that program to give insurance companies more time to study the effects of coverage of GLP-1 on utilization and costs. In the meantime, Part D beneficiaries will be able to take advantage of cost reductions and coverage with the “bridge” program described above.
Most insurers cover GLP-1s to treat diabetes and heart disease, but the medications’ ability to help people lose significant amounts of weight has dramatically increased their popularity and demand. If you think a GLP-1 may be right for you, talk to your doctor. The cost can be reasonable if insurance covers these drugs. If yours doesn’t, it may take a little research to find the best price, but numerous programs can help.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical consultation or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
United Medicare Advisors does not endorse or recommend any specific products, treatments, or procedures mentioned in this article. Reliance on any information provided in this blog post is solely at your own risk. We encourage you to discuss any health concerns or questions with your doctor before making any decisions about your health or treatment.
