Brand-name GLP-1 medications have eye-watering list prices — over $1,000/month for Wegovy, similar for Zepbound. But the price you actually pay can be dramatically lower if you know how to navigate manufacturer savings programs. These programs are one of the most underutilized tools in the GLP-1 cost toolkit.
NovoCare (Novo Nordisk — Wegovy, Ozempic)
Novo Nordisk offers several savings pathways through their NovoCare program:
Savings Card for Commercially Insured Patients
If you have commercial (non-government) insurance that covers Wegovy, the NovoCare savings card can reduce your copay to as low as $0 for up to 13 fills (approximately 3 months of medication). After the savings card benefit is exhausted, you'll pay your plan's normal copay.
Eligibility: Must have commercial insurance. Not available for patients on Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or other government-funded insurance. Must have a valid prescription.
Patient Assistance Program (NovoCare PAP)
For uninsured patients or those whose insurance doesn't cover Wegovy: Novo Nordisk offers a patient assistance program that provides medication at no cost to eligible patients. Income limits apply — generally household income must be at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Application requires proof of income, insurance status verification, and a valid prescription. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
LillyDirect (Eli Lilly — Zepbound, Mounjaro)
Eli Lilly's direct-to-patient platform offers several options:
Zepbound Savings Card
For commercially insured patients whose plan covers Zepbound: the savings card can reduce out-of-pocket costs to as low as $25/month for up to 13 fills.
LillyDirect Cash-Pay Option
Eli Lilly has introduced direct purchasing through LillyDirect for patients paying cash. Single-dose vials of Zepbound are available at reduced pricing compared to pharmacy list prices. Pricing varies by dose level.
Lilly Cares Patient Assistance
Free medication for eligible uninsured or underinsured patients. Income-based eligibility similar to NovoCare PAP.
How to Maximize Savings
- Always check the manufacturer website first. Before filling any GLP-1 prescription, visit NovoCare.com or LillyDirect.com and register for available savings programs.
- Stack with insurance. Use your insurance as the primary payer, then apply the manufacturer savings card to cover the remaining copay. This is the standard approach and is how most patients achieve $0–25 out-of-pocket costs.
- Register before your first fill. Most savings cards need to be activated before use. Getting the card in hand before your prescription is ready prevents delays at the pharmacy.
- Know the limits. Savings cards have maximum dollar amounts per fill and per year. Once you hit the cap, you're back to your plan's standard copay. Track your usage.
- Reapply annually. Many programs require annual re-enrollment. Set a calendar reminder so your coverage doesn't lapse unexpectedly.
Manufacturer savings cards cannot be used with Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, VA benefits, or other government insurance programs. Using a manufacturer card with government insurance is a federal offense. Cash-pay discounts through programs like LillyDirect are a separate option.
When the Savings Card Expires
Eventually, manufacturer savings programs end — either because you've used all available fills, the program terms change, or annual caps are reached. At that point, your options are:
- Pay your insurance plan's standard copay (if the medication is covered)
- Switch to compounded GLP-1 medication through a telehealth provider at significantly lower cost
- Apply for patient assistance programs if your income qualifies
- Evaluate the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge if you're Medicare-eligible (starting July 2026)
Affordable Alternatives When Savings Cards Run Out
Paid links · Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.