Quick math: At the time of this writing, GLP-1s cost between $900 and $1,350 per month without insurance at traditional pharmacies. But there are legitimate ways to bring that cost down significantly. As a doctor who's been prescribing these medications for over a decade, Dr. Sowa has learned which strategies actually help patients access the treatment they need. Here are the approaches that have worked for her patients.
1. Master the Insurance Appeals Process for GLP-1 Coverage
What this is: When insurance denies your medication, you can formally ask them to reconsider. Many people don't know this is an option.
Potential cost: $25-100/month if approved
Potential savings: Up to $1,250/month
Don't accept that first denial. 60% of insurance appeals succeed, but 88% of people never try. The process involves submitting specific documentation that shows why you medically need this medication.
Time investment: 2-3 hours of prep, 30-45 day wait
Success rate: 60% on first appeal, higher with external review
Where to start: Call the number on your insurance card and ask for the appeals department.
The winning formula:
Dr. Sowa says: "I've seen insurance denials overturned in as little as 10 days with the right approach. The key is showing the full picture of your metabolic health, not just your weight."
2. Manufacturer Savings Programs for Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & Zepbound
What this is: Drug manufacturers offer copay cards and savings programs that can reduce your monthly GLP-1 medication costs if you have commercial insurance. These programs aren't well advertised but can save hundreds per month.
Potential cost: $25-650/month
Potential savings: $300-650/month
Eligibility basics:
How to sign up: Visit the medication website directly or ask your pharmacist to help you enroll when you fill your prescription.
Pro tip: Sign up for all applicable programs before filling your first prescription. Cards can be combined with insurance copays.
Current programs
(as of September 2025)
Note: Manufacturer programs and pricing can change. Always verify current offers on official websites.
3. Patient Assistance Programs for Free GLP-1 Medications
What this is: Pharmaceutical companies provide free GLP-1 medications through patient assistance programs (PAPs) for people who can't afford them and meet financial requirements.
Potential cost: $0 if you qualify
Potential savings: Full cost of medication
If you're uninsured or underinsured and meet income requirements, you might get your medication completely free.
Income requirements (as of 2025 federal guidelines):
Note: Income thresholds update annually. Check current federal guidelines.
Where to apply:
Dr. Sowa says: "Don't assume you won't qualify. High medical expenses or larger family size can make you eligible even with a decent income.”
4. Consider Other Weight Loss Medications
What this is: The newest GLP-1s aren't your only option. Many effective weight loss medications cost significantly less and have better insurance coverage.
Potential cost: Varies widely
Potential savings: $200-1,200/month
Important: Each medication works differently and has different side effects. Your doctor can help determine which option balances effectiveness, safety, and affordability for your situation.
Understand your options:
Dr. Sowa says: "Not everyone needs the newest GLP-1. I've had patients achieve excellent results with older, more affordable medications. The key is finding what works for your body and your budget."
5. Prescription Savings Apps & Services
What this is: Free apps and websites that find discount prices at different pharmacies. Think of them as coupons for prescriptions.
Potential cost: $500-900/month
Potential savings: $200-400/month
How it works: Enter your medication and zip code, compare prices at different pharmacies, show the coupon at checkout.
Pro tip: Prices can vary by $200+ between pharmacies in the same area. Always check multiple locations.
Top services:
6. FSA/HSA Tax Strategies
What this is: Using pre-tax dollars from your Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account to pay for medications and related supplies.
Potential savings: 20-35% off (your tax savings depending on tax bracket)
How it works: Paying with pre-tax dollars means you save whatever your tax rate is
Important clarification: FSA/HSA funds can cover GLP-1 medications IF prescribed for a medical condition (not cosmetic weight loss). You'll need:
Also covered: Supplies that help manage side effects, like the SoWell GLP-1 Support System, qualify for FSA/HSA spending.
Maximize your benefits:
7. Employer Benefits You're Missing
What this is: Many employers offer health benefits you might not know about that could cover or reimburse GLP-1 medications.
Potential cost: $0-500/month
Where to look: Benefits beyond basic health insurance
How to investigate: Call HR and ask about "metabolic health," "diabetes prevention," and "obesity treatment" benefits - not just "weight loss."
Possible Perks:
Dr. Sowa says: "I've had patients discover their employer's diabetes prevention program covered their medication because they had pre-diabetes. I've also seen employers add GLP-1 coverage mid-year when employees made a strong case about productivity and healthcare cost savings."
8. Clinical Trial Participation
What this is: Pharmaceutical companies constantly run trials for new GLP-1 medications. Participating in research studies testing new GLP-1 medications or new uses for existing ones.
Potential cost: $0 (may receive payment)
Additional benefit: Free medical monitoring
What to expect:
Trade-off: More time commitment, possible placebo period, very specific eligibility criteria
Where to find trials:
Your Cost-Cutting Action Plan
- Check your insurance: Understand what's covered and what's not
- Talk to your doctor: Discuss all options including different qualifying conditions and/or medications
- Apply for manufacturer savings: Apply for savings cards before filling your prescription
- Compare pharmacy prices: Use apps to find the best local price
- Don't give up: Most patients find an affordable option by combining strategies
Making Your Investment Count
The SoWell GLP-1 Support System
However you access your GLP-1, make sure you succeed. The average person quits within 12 months due to side effects. Don't waste your investment. Protect your progress with:
- SoWell Electrolytes: Combat nausea and dehydration
- SoWell Protein: Maintain muscle on limited calories
- SoWell Fiber: Keep things moving when they... aren't
FSA/HSA eligible for extra savings
The Reality Check
These medications are expensive, but you have more options than you might think. Start with one strategy and add others as needed. The path to affordable access might take some work, but your health is worth the effort.
Frequently Asked Questions About GLP-1 Medication Costs
How much do GLP-1 medications cost without insurance in 2025?
GLP-1 medications typically cost $900–$1,350 per month without insurance. Prices vary by medication and pharmacy location.
Can I use GoodRx for Ozempic or Wegovy?
Yes, GoodRx and similar discount programs can reduce GLP-1 medication costs to approximately $500–$900 per month at participating pharmacies.
Does Medicare cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss?
As of September 2025, Medicare does not cover GLP-1 medications specifically for weight loss. However, Medicare Part D may cover these medications for type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular risk reduction (Wegovy received FDA approval for cardiovascular benefits in March 2024).
How long do manufacturer savings programs last?
Most manufacturer copay cards are valid for 12–24 months. For example, as of December 2024, Wegovy offers savings up to $500/month for 12 months, while Ozempic offers $25 copays for up to 24 months with commercial insurance.
What diagnosis codes help with GLP-1 insurance approval?
The most successful diagnosis codes often include:
- E11.9 — Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications
- R73.03 — Prediabetes
- E66.9 — Obesity, unspecified (often combined with BMI codes Z68.4X)
- E78.5 — Hyperlipidemia, unspecified
Ready to start?
Download our free GLP-1 Access Toolkit with three essential resources: insurance call scripts, a 4-week savings tracker, and appeal letter templates that actually work.
Need support?
Join the SoWell community where members share their cost-cutting successes and strategies daily.
