List prices for GLP-1 medications once topped $1,300 a month. In 2026, most people who pay out of pocket pay far less — $149 to $349 a month through manufacturer self-pay programs — and eligible Medicare enrollees can pay $50. At the same time, many insurers have cut weight-loss coverage. This hub pulls together what things actually cost now and every legitimate way to lower your price.
What GLP-1s cost right now
| Medication | Self-pay price per month |
|---|---|
| Wegovy tablets (NovoCare) | $149 (1.5 mg) · $199 (4 mg) · $299 (9 mg & 25 mg) |
| Wegovy injection (NovoCare) | $199 intro for 0.25/0.5 mg (first 2 fills, through Dec. 31, 2026) · $349 for 1–2.4 mg · $399 Wegovy HD 7.2 mg |
| Zepbound KwikPen (LillyDirect & retail pharmacies) | From $299 (2.5 mg starting dose); higher doses cost more |
| Foundayo (LillyDirect) | From $149 (lowest dose) |
| Medicare GLP-1 Bridge (eligible Part D enrollees) | $50 flat for Wegovy, Zepbound KwikPen or Foundayo |
Prices change — always confirm at checkout. Sources: NovoCare, Eli Lilly, CMS.
Latest cost & access news
- Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: $50 a month through 2027 — who qualifies, which drugs are covered, and how the prior authorization works.
- Insurance dropping GLP-1 coverage in 2026? — what changed, what’s coming back on October 1, and 6 questions to ask during open enrollment.
- How to get Ozempic or Wegovy without insurance — every legitimate route, ranked, plus what to avoid.
Your options, in the order we’d check them
- Your insurance. Check your formulary for your specific drug and diagnosis. “Covered for type 2 diabetes” and “covered for weight loss” are different things.
- Medicare GLP-1 Bridge. If you’re on Part D and meet the BMI and health criteria, $50 a month is the lowest price available.
- Manufacturer self-pay. NovoCare and LillyDirect sell FDA-approved medication to cash-paying patients with a valid prescription.
- Patient assistance. Income-qualified patients may get medication at low or no cost through NovoCare or Lilly Cares.
- HSA/FSA dollars. Prescription medications are generally eligible, which lowers your effective cost by your tax rate.
Open enrollment: the window that matters
Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 – December 7, and most employer plans hold open enrollment in the fall too. It’s your one chance a year to pick a plan that covers your medication — or to decide that self-pay plus a cheaper premium is the better deal. Our 2026 coverage guide includes the full checklist.
What to avoid
Be skeptical of anyone selling “the same thing” for a fraction of the price. The FDA sent warning letters to 30 telehealth companies over misleading compounded GLP-1 marketing in March 2026. Compounded products are not FDA-approved, and “research use only” peptides and no-prescription online pharmacies are red flags. We don’t recommend or link to compounded sellers.
Free tools to help you budget
- GLP-1 Supply Tracker — know exactly when to reorder so a price or coverage change doesn’t leave you short.
- BMI Calculator — BMI thresholds decide eligibility for Medicare’s Bridge and most prior authorizations.
Heading to an appointment to talk about cost or switching drugs? The Doctor Visit Prep Kit lists the questions to ask and what to bring.
Medical disclaimer: Content on OnSemaglutide.com is for informational purposes only and is not medical, insurance or financial advice. Prices and coverage change often. Talk with a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping or changing any medication.
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