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GLP-1 Cost & Coverage
GLP-1 cost covers list pricing ($1,000-$1,350/mo), cash-pay channels (NovoCare Pharmacy, Lilly Direct), commercial savings cards, insurance prior-authorization criteria, and the legal context for compounded alternatives.
List price, cash-pay, manufacturer-direct, insurance, and appeal pathways.
8 pages tagged with #cost
Q&A (8)
How much does Wegovy cost without insurance?
List price runs ~$1,350/mo at retail. NovoCare Pharmacy cash-pay direct from Novo Nordisk is $499/mo for all dose strengths. The Wegovy Savi
Does insurance cover Zepbound?
Most commercial insurance plans cover Zepbound with prior authorization for adults with BMI ≥30 (or ≥27 + a weight-related comorbidity). Med
Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?
Same active molecule (semaglutide), different FDA indications and maximum doses. Ozempic = type 2 diabetes, max 2 mg/week. Wegovy = chronic
Can I still get compounded GLP-1 in 2026?
For semaglutide: no — FDA declared the shortage resolved February 21, 2025 and 503A compounding is no longer broadly permitted. For tirzepat
How does Wegovy compare to Saxenda?
Both are GLP-1 agonists from Novo Nordisk. Wegovy (semaglutide, weekly) produces ~15% mean weight loss; Saxenda (liraglutide, daily) produce
Can I switch from Wegovy to Zepbound?
Yes, and many patients do — SURMOUNT-5 (NEJM 2025) showed tirzepatide produced 20% mean weight loss vs 14% for semaglutide. Switching is usu
How do I get prior authorization for Wegovy or Zepbound approved?
Approval rates vary by insurer from 30-70%. The highest-yield steps: documented BMI ≥30 (or ≥27 with a comorbidity), at least one documented
Why do GLP-1 medications cost so much in the US?
List prices ($1,100-$1,350/mo) reflect manufacturer pricing, US-specific lack of price negotiation (until IRA implementation), and high R&D