How Much Do GLP-1 Medications Really Cost? A 2025 Guide to Access and Affordability

The Editor
Jun 14
3 min read

Disclaimer: The content provided by Jurni GLP is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual experiences with GLP-1 medications may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions or starting any new treatment.

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro are transforming the landscape of weight management and Type 2 diabetes care. These medications offer clinically proven benefits—but high out-of-pocket costs, inconsistent insurance coverage, and shifting federal policy leave many patients struggling to access them.

This guide breaks down the current costs of leading GLP-1s, state-by-state Medicaid policies, pending federal changes, and tactical ways to save, based on the most accurate data as of June 2025.

Fast Facts

GLP-1 drugs may cost $950–$1,600/month without insurance
Medicaid coverage for obesity GLP-1s is active in 21 states
Biden administration proposals may extend Medicare and Medicaid access by 2026
Manufacturer savings programs can reduce costs to as low as $25/month for eligible patients

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications that:

Improve blood sugar regulation in Type 2 diabetes
Support chronic weight management
Reduce cardiovascular risk in certain populations

Leading options include:

Ozempic (semaglutide) – FDA-approved for diabetes
Wegovy (semaglutide) – FDA-approved for weight loss
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) – FDA-approved for diabetes
Zepbound (tirzepatide) – FDA-approved (Nov 2023) for weight loss

GLP-1 Medication Costs (June 2025)

Prices vary by dose, indication, and insurance status. Below are average U.S. retail cash prices without insurance, based on GoodRx and manufacturer data.

Medication	FDA Approval	Monthly Cost (Out-of-Pocket)	Insurance Coverage
Ozempic	Type 2 Diabetes	$950–$1,200	Common for diabetes; not for weight loss
Wegovy	Obesity/Overweight	$1,300–$1,600	Growing, often requires prior auth
Mounjaro	Type 2 Diabetes	$1,050–$1,400	Covered for diabetes only
Zepbound	Obesity/Overweight	$1,060–$1,300	Expanding coverage post-FDA approval

Why Coverage Varies

GLP-1 coverage depends on:

FDA indication (diabetes vs. obesity)
Plan policies (employer-sponsored vs. Medicaid)
Pre-authorization (most plans require BMI data and clinical justification)

Example: Wegovy is often covered when BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidities. Ozempic used off-label for weight loss usually isn’t covered.

Medicaid Coverage: Which States Cover GLP-1s for Obesity?

As of June 2025, 21 U.S. states cover at least one GLP-1 medication for obesity through Medicaid.

State	Medicaid Coverage for Obesity GLP-1s	Utilization Controls
California	Yes	Prior Auth, BMI ≥30
Minnesota	Yes	Medical Necessity
North Carolina	Yes (added Q3 2024)	BMI-Based Criteria
Delaware	Yes	Covers All FDA-Approved GLP-1s
New York	Yes (expanded May 2025)	Prescriber Certification Required
Florida	Partial (pilot in 5 counties)	Evaluation ongoing
Illinois	Yes (began Jan 2025)	Standard PA Protocol
Texas	No	Covers only for diabetes
Georgia	No	Covers only for diabetes
Alabama	No	Under review

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation Medicaid Benefits Database, CMS Bulletins, State Medicaid Policy Notices (2024–2025).

Medicare & Medicaid Policy Changes on the Horizon

Biden Administration Proposals (2024–2025):

Medicare Part D: Add coverage for Wegovy and Zepbound for obesity treatment (not just diabetes)
Medicaid Incentives: Financial support for states expanding access to anti-obesity medications

Budget Forecast:

$11B in federal spending over 10 years to expand GLP-1 access
Potential for $35B in healthcare savings via reduced diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular costs

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or financial advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before making medication or treatment decisions. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and may pose risks if obtained from unverified sources.

5 Proven Ways to Save on GLP-1 Medications

Even without full insurance coverage, you have options:

1. Manufacturer Savings Cards

Wegovy/Ozempic: Save up to $500/month (Novo Nordisk)
Zepbound/Mounjaro: Save up to $575/month or pay as little as $25 (Eli Lilly)
Eligibility depends on income and insurance type →
Visit novocare.com and mounjaro.com/savings-resources

2. Telehealth Programs

Companies like Calibrate, Found, Ro Body, and Sequence offer:

Medical supervision
Insurance advocacy
Lifestyle coaching
Program fees: $99–$349/month, medication cost billed separately

3. Prescription Discount Platforms

GoodRx, SingleCare, CostPlus
Search by ZIP code for pharmacy-specific prices
May offer Ozempic for under $800/month

4. Use Your HSA or FSA

GLP-1s and membership fees for telehealth/lifestyle programs are HSA/FSA-eligible
Use pre-tax dollars to save 20–35% depending on income

5. Compounded Semaglutide

Offered by some compounding pharmacies for $250–$400/month
Not FDA-approved and may carry safety risks
Only consider under the supervision of a licensed prescriber from a 503A or 503B-registered facility

Looking Ahead: The Future of GLP-1 Access

GLP-1 medications are reshaping the obesity and diabetes care landscape. But financial access remains a central equity issue. If proposed federal changes move forward—and more states expand Medicaid coverage—millions more Americans could access these breakthrough therapies affordably by 2026.

Whether you're navigating insurance, exploring telehealth options, or researching discount programs, staying informed is your most powerful tool.