GLP-1 medication savings can be found through multiple channels, from manufacturer discount cards to compounded alternatives and patient assistance programs. With brand-name medications costing $900-1,450 per month, exploring every savings option can mean the difference between affording treatment and going without. This calculator compares all available options and ranks them by cost for your specific situation.
Savings Disclaimer
Savings amounts are estimates based on publicly available pricing as of March 2026. Actual savings vary by pharmacy, location, eligibility, and program availability. Verify all options with your provider before making changes.
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Enter your current out-of-pocket monthly cost
Used to check patient assistance program eligibility (~400% FPL threshold)
Savings Options (Cheapest First)
Action Steps to Save
Savings last updated: March 2026. Program availability, eligibility requirements, and pricing change frequently. Always verify current terms directly with each program before making treatment decisions. Discuss all medication changes with your healthcare provider.
How to Use the GLP-1 Savings Calculator
GLP-1 medication savings opportunities exist across multiple channels, but finding the best option for your situation requires comparing eligibility, costs, and trade-offs. This calculator brings all available savings programs into one place so you can make informed decisions about affording your GLP-1 treatment.
Step 1: Select Your Medication
Choose the GLP-1 medication you are currently taking or planning to start. Each medication has different savings programs available. Ozempic and Wegovy are made by Novo Nordisk, while Mounjaro and Zepbound are made by Eli Lilly — each manufacturer offers its own discount programs.
Step 2: Enter Your Current Cost
Enter what you currently pay out of pocket per month. This could be your copay with insurance, the full retail price without insurance, or what you pay through any existing discount. The calculator uses this to show your potential savings with each alternative option.
Step 3: Set Your Insurance and Income
Your insurance type affects which savings programs you can access. Manufacturer savings cards work with commercial insurance but not Medicare or Medicaid. Patient assistance programs are typically for uninsured patients under specific income thresholds. Providing your income range helps determine GLP-1 savings eligibility for assistance programs.
Step 4: Choose Your Preferences
Indicate which options you are open to considering. Compounded medications offer significant savings but are not FDA-approved products. Manufacturer cards can dramatically reduce copays. Canadian pharmacy imports are another option but involve international shipping. The calculator only shows options you are willing to consider.
Step 5: Review Ranked Savings Options
Results are ranked from cheapest to most expensive, showing monthly cost, annual savings compared to your current spending, and eligibility status for each option. The action steps section provides specific instructions on how to access each savings program, including manufacturer websites and phone numbers.
Understanding Compounded vs Brand-Name Options
Compounded semaglutide ($149-399/month) and tirzepatide ($199-449/month) contain the same active ingredients as brand-name medications but are prepared by compounding pharmacies rather than the original manufacturer. While they offer substantial cost savings, they are not FDA-approved and their availability may change based on FDA shortage designations. Always discuss this option with your healthcare provider before switching.
FAQ
Is this GLP-1 savings calculator free?
Yes, this calculator is completely free with no signup or account required. Compare savings options as many times as you need. All calculations run locally in your browser — no personal, financial, or medical data is stored or transmitted.
Is my data safe and private?
Yes, all calculations run entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. No income information, insurance details, medication choices, or personal data are sent to any server. Your data stays on your device only.
What is the cheapest way to get Ozempic or Wegovy?
The cheapest option depends on your situation. If you have commercial insurance, manufacturer savings cards can reduce your copay to $25/month. If uninsured with qualifying income, patient assistance programs may provide the medication free. Compounded semaglutide from compounding pharmacies costs $149-399/month without insurance.
What are manufacturer savings cards for GLP-1 medications?
Manufacturer savings cards are discount programs offered directly by drug makers. Novo Nordisk offers cards for Ozempic and Wegovy, and Eli Lilly offers them for Mounjaro and Zepbound. These can reduce copays to as low as $25/month for commercially insured patients. They cannot be used with government insurance like Medicare or Medicaid.
Are compounded GLP-1 medications safe?
Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide contain the same active ingredients as brand-name medications but are prepared by compounding pharmacies. They are not FDA-approved products, and quality can vary by pharmacy. Choose a pharmacy accredited by PCAB or licensed in your state. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
Who qualifies for GLP-1 patient assistance programs?
Patient assistance programs are typically available to uninsured patients with household income below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. In 2026, this means approximately $62,400 for a single person or $128,440 for a family of four. Some programs have additional eligibility criteria. Apply through your healthcare provider.
Can I buy GLP-1 medications from Canada legally?
Importing prescription medications from Canada for personal use is generally tolerated by the FDA for up to a 90-day supply. Ozempic is available from Canadian pharmacies at approximately $300-400/month. However, this is a legal gray area and regulations may change. Ensure you are buying from a licensed Canadian pharmacy.
What is the Medicare GENEROUS model for GLP-1 coverage?
The GENEROUS model is a Medicare program starting April 2026 that expands coverage for GLP-1 medications including weight management indications. Eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries can access Wegovy and Zepbound with estimated copays of $35-50 per month. Contact your Part D plan for enrollment details.