Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound cost $900–$1,350/month without insurance. Use our tool to compare costs based on your insurance status and find savings programs that can cut your bill to $25–$500/month.
Here's what every GLP-1 medication costs at retail, with insurance, and through savings programs. Prices reflect maintenance doses, not starter doses.
| Drug | Active Ingredient | Retail Price/mo | With Savings Card | FDA Approved For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Semaglutide 1mg-2mg | $935 – $1,100 | $25/mo (if insured) | Type 2 diabetes |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide 2.4mg | $1,300 – $1,350 | $0–$500/mo (savings program) | Weight loss (BMI ≥30 or ≥27 w/ comorbidity) |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide 5-15mg | $1,000 – $1,200 | $25/mo (if insured) | Type 2 diabetes |
| Zepbound | Tirzepatide 5-15mg | $1,000 – $1,200 | $25/mo (savings program) | Weight loss (BMI ≥30 or ≥27 w/ comorbidity) |
| Rybelsus | Oral semaglutide 7-14mg | $900 – $1,000 | $10/mo (if insured) | Type 2 diabetes (pill form) |
| Saxenda | Liraglutide 3mg | $1,300 – $1,500 | $25/mo (savings card) | Weight loss (older, less effective) |
| Compounded semaglutide | Semaglutide (compounded) | $150 – $500 | N/A | Not FDA-approved as compounded product |
| Insurance Type | For Diabetes | For Weight Loss | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer commercial insurance | Usually covered | Varies widely (40-60% cover) | Check your formulary. Prior auth often required for weight loss. Appealing denials succeeds ~30-50% of the time. |
| ACA Marketplace plans | Usually covered | Varies by plan | Silver and Gold plans more likely to cover weight loss drugs. Check formulary before enrolling. |
| Medicare Part D | Covered for diabetes | Newly covered as of 2026 | Medicare began covering anti-obesity medications in 2026. Coverage specifics vary by Part D plan. May still require prior authorization and step therapy. |
| Medicaid | Usually covered | Rarely covered | Varies by state. Some states now cover weight loss drugs but most don't. Prior auth almost always required. |
| No insurance | Full retail price: $900-$1,350/mo | See savings programs below. Compounded versions $150-$500/mo. | |
Compounded semaglutide from telehealth companies costs $150-$500/month — a fraction of brand-name prices. But there are real trade-offs to understand before going this route.
| Factor | Brand Name (Ozempic/Wegovy) | Compounded Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $900 – $1,350 | $150 – $500 |
| FDA approved? | Yes | No (as compounded product) |
| Quality control | Manufactured in FDA-inspected facilities | Varies — depends on compounding pharmacy |
| Dosing accuracy | Pre-filled pens, precise dosing | Vials requiring self-measurement, some variance |
| Insurance coverage | Possible with prior auth | Not covered by any insurance |
| Availability | Shortages possible | Generally available |
| Prescriber visit | In-person or telehealth | Usually telehealth-only |
| Legal status (2026) | Fully legal | Legal gray area — availability depends on FDA shortage status |
| Drug | Avg Weight Loss (clinical trials) | Timeline | After Stopping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zepbound/Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | ~21% of body weight | 72 weeks | ~2/3 regained within 1 year |
| Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) | ~15-17% of body weight | 68 weeks | ~2/3 regained within 1 year |
| Ozempic (semaglutide, off-label) | ~10-15% of body weight | 40-68 weeks | Similar regain pattern |
| Saxenda (liraglutide) | ~5-8% of body weight | 56 weeks | Most weight regained |
For a 250 lb person, 15-21% weight loss means losing 37-52 lbs. Individual results vary significantly. These drugs work best when combined with diet and exercise changes. The weight regain data means most people need to plan for long-term use — factor that into your cost calculations.
Not sure if your plan covers Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound? Enter your info and we'll help you find the most affordable path to a prescription.
The cost of glp-1 weight loss drug costs compared depends primarily on three factors: the scope of work, your local labor market, and material quality. Labor typically accounts for 40-60% of the total cost, with material costs making up the remainder. Prices vary significantly by region — expect to pay 20-40% more in coastal metros like San Francisco, New York, and Boston compared to markets in the Midwest or South.
Material costs have stabilized somewhat after the post-pandemic price spikes of 2021-2023, but remain 15-25% above pre-2020 levels for most building materials. Supply chain improvements have helped, but skilled labor shortages continue to push installation costs upward in most markets.
The most effective way to save money on glp-1 weight loss drug costs compared is getting 3-5 competitive bids from licensed, insured contractors. Studies show the highest and lowest bids on the same project can vary by 40-60%. Don't automatically choose the cheapest — a significantly low bid often signals cut corners, unlicensed subcontractors, or a contractor who underbids to win work then hits you with change orders.
Timing matters more than most people realize. Contractors are busiest in spring and summer, when demand drives prices up 10-20%. Scheduling work for late fall or winter (weather permitting for your project type) can yield better pricing and faster completion because contractors need to fill their calendar.
Ask every contractor for a detailed written estimate, not just a total. This should break down labor hours, material quantities and brands, disposal/cleanup fees, permit costs, and a timeline. This protects you from surprise charges and makes it easy to do an apples-to-apples comparison across bids.
Many glp-1 weight loss drug costs compared projects require building permits ($50–$500+ depending on your municipality and project scope). Pulling permits is not just a legal requirement — it ensures the work is inspected for code compliance and protects your homeowner's insurance coverage. Unpermitted work can void your insurance, reduce your home's resale value, and create legal liability.
Other commonly overlooked costs include: disposal fees for old materials ($200–$1,000+), temporary accommodations if the project makes areas of your home unusable, potential asbestos or lead paint abatement in pre-1980 homes ($500–$3,000), and landscaping repair if heavy equipment is needed.
Get everything in writing before work starts — scope of work, total cost, payment schedule (never pay more than 10-15% upfront), timeline, and warranty terms. Most states require contractors to provide a written contract for projects over a certain dollar amount.