How much does Mounjaro cost?

The high cost of GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro means some people who could benefit from the medications can’t take them. But you may not realize that there are ways to bring down the price and make Mounjaro, the brand name of tirzepatide that’s FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, more affordable. Keep reading to learn more about the cost with and without insurance and the money-saving strategies that could bring Mounjaro down to just $25 a month.

How much is Mounjaro without insurance?

According to its manufacturer, Eli Lilly, the list price for Mounjaro is $1,079.77 per fill. That includes four prefilled pens, which amounts to a 28-day supply. However, the final cost can vary depending on where you buy it, as well as pharmacy markups and available discounts. Some pharmacies may offer savings programs or coupons to help lower the price, so it’s worth checking your options before paying out of pocket.

How much is Mounjaro with insurance?

The answer depends on your insurance company and plan. Factors like deductibles and copays play a major role in determining your final out-of-pocket price. For some, Mounjaro may cost as little as $25 for up to a three-month Mounjaro prescription. Others, however, might face higher costs depending on their plan’s medication coverage. If you have insurance but your plan does not cover Mounjaro, you may qualify for the manufacturer’s savings program, which could save you up to $463 per month or $3,241 annually. Note that these savings programs are exclusively for those with commercial insurance. Contact your insurance provider directly to confirm if Mounjaro is covered under your plan and to see what out-of-pocket costs you’d be responsible for.

Does insurance cover Mounjaro?

Mounjaro, which is prescribed to help manage type 2 diabetes, tends to have better insurance coverage compared to GLP-1 drugs intended solely for weight loss. “Coverage is very good for those with type 2 diabetes,” says Dr. David Rometo, M.D., a Pittsburgh-based endocrinologist and diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. A 2024 survey by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans found that 57% of U.S. employers only cover GLP-1 medications for diabetes compared to 34% that provide coverage for both diabetes and weight loss.

Does Medicaid cover Mounjaro?

Yes, some Medicaid programs do cover Mounjaro, the medication FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. However, coverage for prescription medications can vary by state. For example, Mounjaro is currently covered in states like California, New York, Texas, and Minnesota. To confirm if it’s covered in your state, check your state’s drug formulary list, where you can also find out if it’s listed as a preferred or non-preferred medication (this typically means higher co-pays) or if it requires prior authorization from your prescriber. You can also contact your Medicaid health plan directly for coverage details.

Does Medicare cover Mounjaro?

Yes, Medicare Part D, the prescription drug plan, may provide coverage for Mounjaro to treat type 2 diabetes. (It does not cover GLP-1 weight-loss medications.) Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as for younger individuals with disabilities or specific medical conditions.

How to save on Mounjaro without insurance

If you don’t have health insurance, there are several ways to help make the medication more affordable.

Telehealth prescription services

With telehealth services, you can easily connect with your doctor to review your health, treatment options, and potential cost-saving strategies for medications. As a member of WeightWatchers, for example, you can schedule virtual consultations with doctors who specialize in obesity care. Together, you’ll discuss your needs and create a personalized treatment plan. If your doctor suggests Mounjaro, they’ll help estimate your out-of-pocket cost and, if needed, explore more affordable options. Plus, the WeightWatchers care team offers ongoing support with regular check-ins, expert guidance from registered dietitians, and fitness coaching to help you reach your goals.

Get a 90-day supply

Ordering a 90-day supply instead of a 30-day supply might help lower costs. To go this route, it needs to be available with your insurance coverage and pharmacy policies and you must be at your maintenance dose. If you're still adjusting your Mounjaro dosage, it’s best to stick with a 30-day supply. Check with your doctor and pharmacy to see if this option works for you.

Mounjaro savings card

If you have health insurance but it doesn’t cover Mounjaro (or it does but the cost is still high), the Mounjaro Savings Card could help lower the monthly cost. With this program, you can pay as little as $25 for a one-, two-, or even three-month prescription. The catch? You’ll need to meet a few eligibility requirements:

• You have a prescription for Mounjaro that aligns with FDA-approved uses (in this case, type 2 diabetes)
• You are covered by a commercial drug insurance plan
• You are not enrolled in any government-funded healthcare programs like Medicaid, Medicare, or the VA
• You live in the U.S. or Puerto Rico
• You are 18 or older

Before using the card, be sure to go over the fine print: The card can be used towards seven to 13 prescriptions per calendar year, depending on your insurance coverage. There’s also a maximum amount of savings you could reach per one month fill. That can be anywhere from $150 to $463 in savings. For more details, check out the website’s full terms and conditions.

Are there cheaper alternatives to Mounjaro?

Whether you stick within the GLP-1 family or explore non-GLP-1 options, there are plenty of treatments that could help you hit your health goals and end up costing less. Just be sure to talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.

GLP-1 drugs

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a GLP-1 medication used to help manage blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes alongside diet and exercise. This group of medications mimic GLP-1, a natural hormone that tells your pancreas to release more insulin when blood sugar rises and slows gastric emptying. Tirzepatide also mimics a second hormone, called gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP). Altogether, it " helps patients feel fuller faster and stay full longer," says Rometo. Mounjaro is the newest GLP-1 approved for type 2 diabetes, but it’s not the only one.

• Victoza (liraglutide) is a daily injectable that also controls blood sugar and is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. And since it’s off-patent, it has a generic version available. “That once-a-day GLP-1 shot may be significantly less out-of-pocket or retail price compared to a brand ticket [like Mounjaro],” Rometo explains. If you’re comparing list prices alone, Victoza is $543.51 for a 2-pen package and $815.27 for a 3-pen package (each pen lasts up to 30 days), while Mounjaro is $1,079.77 for a month’s supply. While these prices don’t factor in any added pharmacy costs or discounts, the savings are significant.

• Rybelsus is an oral version of the GLP-1 semaglutide. Taken daily, it helps manage blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes. Eligible patients can use a savings card to pay as little as $10 for up to a three-month prescription. Without discounts, the list price is $997.58 for a 30-day supply. Check with your insurance to determine coverage and compare out-of-pocket costs.

• Ozempic, the weekly injectable version of semaglutide for type 2 diabetes has a list price of $997.58 for a one-month supply, but if you’re eligible for the manufacturer’s savings card, you could pay as little as $25 for up to a three-month supply.

• Trulicity, a once-weekly dulaglutide injection, has the list price at $987.19 for a month’s supply, but with a savings card, you could pay as little as $25 for 12 pens.

Check with your doctor and insurance company to see if any of these GLP-1 alternatives are a good fit for your treatment plan and if they are cheaper than Mounjaro.

Non-GLP-1 alternatives

Finding that GLP-1s are too expensive? Fortunately, there are plenty of other options for managing your type 2 diabetes. Here are some of the most commonly used non-insulin medications:

• Metformin: Lowers blood sugar by reducing glucose production in the liver and helping muscles use glucose more effectively.
• Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors: Keep natural hormones like GLP-1 and GIP active longer to lower blood sugar when needed. Medications include Alogliptin (Nesina), Linagliptin (Tradjenta), Saxagliptin (Onglyza), and Sitagliptin (Januvia).
• Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors: Block glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, causing excess glucose to be excreted in the urine. Some common options include Bexagliflozin (Brenzavvy), canagliflozin (Invokana), dapagliflozin (Farxiga), and empagliflozin (Jardiance).
• Sulfonylureas: Used since the 1950s, these stimulate insulin production in the pancreas. These include glimepiride (Amaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol and Glucotrol XL), and glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, and Diabeta).
• Thiazolidinediones (TZDs): Help insulin work better in muscles and fat, while reducing glucose production in the liver. Common options are Rosiglitazone (Avandia) and pioglitazone (Actos).

The bottom line

Mounjaro can be pricey, with monthly costs often exceeding $1,000 without insurance. However, there are several ways to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. If you're eligible, the Mounjaro Savings Card can lower your cost to as little as $25 a month. For those without insurance, exploring alternative GLP-1 medications like Victoza (which has a generic version) or non-GLP-1 medications can save you money. Be sure to consult with your doctor and insurance provider to find the most budget-friendly option that fits your health needs.