How to make GLP-1s affordable for your patients:
savings cards, self-pay prices, and the Medicare GLP‑1 Bridge.

FDA-approved GLP-1s cost far less in 2026 than they did when compounding took off, and most patients have a path that costs $25 to $149 a month, although higher doses can reach $449 a month. The cheapest option by far is a manufacturer savings card, for patients whose commercial health insurance covers weight loss drugs. For folks on Medicare, the $50 Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is an exceptional program. And for everyone else, the drugmakers’ self-pay pharmacies help make these medications significantly more affordable than even a few years ago. Here is how each path works, what it costs, and how to prescribe through it.

What’s the cheapest way for patients to get a GLP-1?

The cheapest way by far is a manufacturer savings card, if the patient’s commercial plan covers weight loss drugs. With insurance coverage and a savings card, Zepbound, Wegovy, and Foundayo can cost as little as $25 a month. That beats every self-pay price by $124 or more a month.

A savings card (also called a copay card) is a free coupon from the pharmaceutical company (drugmaker). The patient signs up online and shows it at the pharmacy, and the manufacturer pays most of the patient’s share of the cost. It works only when insurance covers the drug.

The one challenge is coverage. Some employer plans carve out weight loss drugs, and a savings card needs to be paired with a commercial insurance plan to work. This is because the insurance plan covers most of the drug cost and the pharmaceutical company offsets the cost to the consumer.

How do GLP-1 savings cards work?

The card pays part of the patient’s copay, up to a monthly and yearly cap, and the patient pays the rest. A patient with a $125 copay pays $25. A patient with a $200 copay pays $100, because the card covers up to $100 of it.

Card payments can be applied to copays, coinsurance, and deductible amounts (depending on the manufacturer). Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and VA patients are excluded from this program.

How do you check if insurance covers Wegovy or Zepbound?

Run the manufacturer’s coverage checker before you choose a drug. Lilly’s Zepbound and Foundayo pages and Novo’s Wegovy coverage checker show whether the patient’s plan covers the drug and what prior authorization is needed.

It is recommended to check both drug options, not just your first choice. Plans often cover one GLP-1 and not the other. CVS Caremark’s template formulary, for example, covers Wegovy but not Zepbound. If the plan covers the drug, send the prescription with the savings card. If it carves out weight loss drugs entirely, move to self-pay.

How much do Zepbound, Wegovy, and Foundayo cost without insurance?

Between $149 and $449 a month if ordered directly from the pharmaceutical manufacturer, depending on the drug and dose. HSA and FSA funds are accepted, and Medicare and Medicaid patients can pay cash outside their plan.

Lilly’s higher-dose prices depend on a refill within 45 days. If a patient waits longer, Zepbound 7.5 mg rises to $499, 10 to 15 mg rises to $699, and Foundayo 14.5 and 17.2 mg rise to $349. Scheduling prescription refill follow-ups with your clinician helps you maintain the lower price. Promotions also change often. For example, at the time of publishing, Novo offers new Wegovy pen patients $199 for their first two fills at 0.25 and 0.5 mg through December 31, 2026.

How do providers prescribe through the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge?

Send the prescription first, then complete the prior authorization form that the pharmacy routes back to you. The CMS GLP-1 Bridge runs from July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027, and gives eligible Part D patients Wegovy, Foundayo, or the Zepbound KwikPen for $50 a month. For providers, you don’t need to be in network with Medicare to prescribe, although you do need to remain off the CMS Preclusion List.

Patients qualify with a BMI of 35 or higher, a BMI of 30 or higher plus heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, uncontrolled hypertension, or stage 3a or higher kidney disease, or a BMI of 27 or higher plus prediabetes, a prior heart attack or stroke, or symptomatic peripheral artery disease. Patients with type 2 diabetes go through their Part D plan instead.

1. Send the prescription with an E66 obesity code and the note “SEND TO BRIDGE FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT.”

2. The pharmacy’s claim triggers a prior authorization request to you, usually within 24 to 72 hours.

3. Complete it, attesting to the clinical criteria. If nothing arrives in 72 hours, fax the Bridge PA form.

4. Once approved, the patient pays $50 at pickup. Refills don’t need a new authorization unless the patient switches drugs.

Note: the $50 doesn’t count toward the patient’s Part D out-of-pocket cap, and only 28- or 30-day fills are covered.

How do you e-prescribe to LillyDirect and NovoCare Pharmacy?

Send the prescription electronically, like a mail-order pharmacy, using these identifiers.

The self-pay price is set at the pharmacy, so the patient pays there. For Lilly drugs, a follow-up visit before day 45 keeps the refill on schedule and the price at its lowest tier.

Which payment path fits each patient?

Start with the patient’s coverage, and go from there.

Prescribing compounded GLP-1s to fill a cost gap carries legal risk for the prescriber. Our guide to whether compounded GLP-1s are still legal covers why.

At Prax, we’re always happy to help discuss how you can support your patients and grow your practice sustainably and compliantly. Feel free to set up a free call with the Prax team to discuss more.

This guide is for general information only and isn’t legal, tax, or medical advice. Prices and program terms change often. Talk with a qualified professional about your situation.

Last reviewed: October 28, 2026. Reviewed by: Prax Health Research Team.