Mounjaro is a newer medicine used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. It is a brand-name variation of tirzepatide—the other popular variation being “Zepbound.” Doctors prescribe it to help people with diabetes and those with health problems related to weight. Many people ask about its cost because these medicines are popular and can be very expensive without insurance. This blog will cover the retail price of Mounjaro, coverage options, ways to save, and whether or not the medication is worth it.
Retail Price of Mounjaro
The price patients are charged for Mounjaro depends on the pharmacy from which they are buying the medication. The price of the medication without any coverage is $1,079.77 for each 28-day fill. Many pharmacies may charge higher than this price in the U.S. Most U.S. pharmacies charge anywhere from $1,000 to $1,200 per month without insurance coverage. This breaks down to $250 to $300 per weekly dose.
Other similar medications—like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound—all cost similar prices. Ozempic from Canada is a little cheaper. It usually costs between $950 and $1,029 per month. Wegovy is usually slightly more expensive than the other options. It is often around $1,350 for a 28-day fill without insurance coverage. Zepbound is the most closely priced to Mounjaro. It is also a tirzepatide. Zepbound usually costs around $1,060 for a 28-day fill without insurance coverage. Patients may be able to find more affordable Wegovy, Mounjaro, and other similar medications without coverage from Canadian online pharmacies.
Insurance Coverage
Weight loss is caused by Mounjaro. However, it is not what it is usually prescribed for. Weight loss is an off-label use. This use is also often considered to be cosmetic. This makes it harder for patients to get insurance coverage if they plan to use Mounjaro for strictly weight loss purposes. It may be easier to get insurance coverage if the medication is being used for its intended use—type 2 diabetes treatment.
Patients will need to have an official diagnosis from a legitimate doctor before getting a prescription for the medication. This prescription is needed to purchase the medication and to receive any type of coverage. Many insurance plans require prior authorization before they can be used to purchase the medication. This authorization may include clinical proof that this medication is necessary for the patient to be taking. It may also include information on other medications that were tried first and accompanying lifestyle changes. It will likely also include specific dosing and prescription information. Patients may also need to check with their specific insurance company to make sure Mounjaro is a covered formulary status for their plan.
The specific amount of coverage a patient receives is based on their individual insurance plan. Co-pays and coverage may vary between patients. Coverage may also be impacted based on how necessary a doctor believes the medication is for that specific patient.
Mounjaro Savings Card & Manufacturer Discounts
Eli Lilly also offers a savings card that may be used by some qualified patients. This program allows patients to pay only $25 for each prescription in some cases. This may include a 1-month to a 3-month. This program is only available to certain patients with commercial insurance. Those with government support may not be eligible. This includes programs at any level of government. Patients must also be of adult age and have residency in the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
The savings with this card are capped at $1,950 per year total on up to 13 fills for those with coverage for Mounjaro. Those without Mounjaro coverage may still save up to $3,241 total per year on a maximum of 7 fills as long as they have commercial drug insurance. These cards usually expire at the end of the year on December 31. Patients who do not qualify for the card’s coverage may still be able to save with a Mounjaro coupon from a trusted online pharmacy.
Other Ways to Save
There are some additional savings options for patients without insurance or savings card eligibility. There are many different online websites dedicated to finding patients coupons and savings options. GoodRx offers coupons that can save patients between 9% and 27% off the regular price of Mounjaro. This equates to hundreds of dollars each month. Using these coupons can bring the cost down to less than $1,000 per month. There are no other patient assistance programs for Mounjaro being offered by Eli Lilly at this time.
Patients can still save money by shopping around at different pharmacies for their medications if they do not have insurance. Some pharmacies charge lower prices than others. Patients in the U.S. could also look into buying from Canadian online pharmacies. They can often buy the same medications at cheaper prices from those websites with a valid prescription. The prescriptions get sent directly to their homes after ordering.
Cost vs. Benefits: Is Mounjaro Worth It?
Mounjaro often is priced at $1,000-1,200 a month for people without insurance. Those with insurance may pay much less or have nearly full coverage. Studies have shown that Mounjaro works well in helping patients. Studies found that participants taking the highest dose of Mounjaro (15 mg) experienced weight loss of up to 21%.
Mounjaro tends to be pricier but may be more effective for patients compared to those on other similar medications like Ozempic. Some believe that tirzepatides like Mounjaro perform better than more traditionally used GLP-1 receptor agonist options. Taking medications like Mounjaro can be a beneficial long-term investment in patient health. Research shows that long-term use of Mounjaro can help patients sustain their weight loss for as long as 88 weeks.
Monjaro may not be affordable for all patients. There may be some cheaper alternative options available. Medications like Ozempic or Wegovy may be less expensive options. These can sometimes be hundreds of dollars less than Mounjaro. Alternative medications may not be as effective or have a varying intended purpose for treatment. Patients should always talk to a doctor first before making any final decisions.
Conclusion
Mounjaro helps with weight loss and type 2 diabetes. One of the main concerns for patients on this medication is how expensive it is. The cost is usually over $1,000 each month—or 28 days—without insurance. This makes it hard for many patients to afford. Some insurance plans cover it for diabetes but not always for weight loss. There are some ways to save money on Mounjaro without traditional insurance coverage.
Discount programs and pharmacy coupons can lower the price. Not everyone may qualify. Some people may also find cheaper options through online pharmacies or coupon websites. Patients should check to see how much their insurance covers and look for discounts before buying. Always make sure to discuss things with your doctor before making a different medication purchase.
