How to Use a GLP-1 Manufacturer Savings Program
NovoCare, LillyDirect, savings cards, and cash-pay options — what's available, who qualifies, and how to get the lowest price.
Brand-name GLP-1 medications carry list prices over $1,000 per month. But almost nobody should be paying list price. Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have built aggressive savings programs to capture patients who would otherwise be priced out — or who would turn to compounded alternatives.
Understanding which program applies to your situation can mean the difference between $25/month and $1,300/month for the same medication.
Novo Nordisk Programs (Wegovy & Ozempic)
NovoCare Savings Card — For Insured Patients
If your commercial insurance covers Wegovy, the NovoCare savings card can reduce your copay to as low as $0, covering up to $225 per month in out-of-pocket costs. You activate the card through novocare.com and present it at the pharmacy alongside your insurance card.
Who qualifies: Patients with commercial (private) insurance. NOT eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, or other government insurance programs.
NovoCare Cash-Pay Program — For Denied/Uninsured
If your insurance denies coverage or you're uninsured with commercial coverage, Novo Nordisk offers tiered direct pricing through their NovoCare pharmacy network. This bypasses insurance entirely.
How to access: Register through novocare.com. The medication ships directly to you. This program requires a valid prescription.
Eli Lilly Programs (Zepbound & Mounjaro)
Zepbound Savings Card — For Insured Patients
Similar to NovoCare, Eli Lilly offers a savings card that reduces copays for commercially insured patients.
Who qualifies: Commercial insurance patients only. NOT eligible for government insurance.
LillyDirect — Cash-Pay Pharmacy
LillyDirect is Eli Lilly's own pharmacy platform offering Zepbound at reduced cash prices. Note that LillyDirect typically offers vials (which require drawing medication into syringes) rather than the more convenient KwikPen auto-injectors.
How to access: Visit lillydirect.com. Requires a prescription. Includes home delivery.
How to Stack Savings
The most affordable path depends on your insurance situation:
If your insurance covers GLP-1 + you have a copay: Activate the manufacturer savings card. Present it at the pharmacy alongside your insurance card. The savings card covers most or all of your remaining copay.
If your insurance denies coverage: Compare manufacturer cash-pay programs (NovoCare or LillyDirect) against your insurance deductible. In many cases, especially with high-deductible health plans ($3,000+), the cash-pay price is lower than what you'd pay through insurance before meeting your deductible.
If you're using HSA/FSA funds: These can be applied on top of savings cards. Get a Letter of Medical Necessity from your provider to ensure your GLP-1 expense qualifies for tax-advantaged spending under IRS rules.
What Happens When the Savings Card Expires?
Manufacturer savings cards typically reset annually and may have maximum benefit limits. When your savings card expires or reaches its cap, your out-of-pocket costs will return to whatever your insurance requires (or cash-pay price if uninsured).
Plan ahead: know your savings card's annual limit, mark the renewal date, and re-enroll promptly. Some patients experience a gap between card expiration and renewal — keeping a 30-day buffer supply can prevent treatment interruption.
Need Help Navigating Your Options?
Finding the most affordable path to GLP-1 therapy depends on your insurance, your location, and your specific situation. A knowledgeable provider can help you navigate the options.
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