Getting without insurance
Without insurance, retail prices can exceed $987 per month — out of reach for most patients paying cash. But several alternative paths exist that can bring the monthly cost down dramatically. This page maps every option, with current verified pricing where available.
Option 1 — Telehealth partner subscriptions
Telehealth partner networks bundle the prescriber consultation, prescription, and dispensed medication into a flat monthly subscription. No insurance needed. Typical partner pricing runs $199–$899/month for the GLP-1 family.
Sorry, we don't have any provider pricing for this medication yet. There are a few potential reasons:
- No telehealth providers currently offer this medication.
- This medication is in shortage and providers have paused new prescriptions.
- Pricing data is being updated.
Option 2 — Manufacturer direct cash programs
Eli Lilly may offer a direct-to-consumer cash-pay program for . Recent examples: LillyDirect (Eli Lilly's direct channel for Mounjaro and Zepbound at lower-than-retail pricing) and NovoCare Pharmacy (Novo Nordisk's direct channel for Wegovy and Ozempic). These programs typically:
- Don't require insurance
- Often require a valid prescription from any licensed US prescriber
- Ship medication directly to patient's home
- Are limited to certain doses (often early titration doses only)
Option 3 — Compounded versions
Compounded versions of the active ingredient in (where available — typically semaglutide, tirzepatide, or liraglutide) are often significantly cheaper than the FDA-brand. However, compounded medications are . The FDA does not review compounded medications for safety, efficacy, or manufacturing quality. Key considerations: