How much does Zepbound cost?

Zepbound is one of the newer FDA-approved medications for obesity, and it’s already making waves thanks to its impressive results. But, between shortages and spotty insurance coverage it can still be tricky to get your hands on.

If you’re looking into Zepbound for weight loss, understanding the cost of Zepbound is a key step in figuring out if it’s the right fit for you.

Zepbound weight loss cost

Zepbound is a prescription medication, meaning you’ll need to get it through a healthcare provider. The cost of Zepbound can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

Your insurance coverage. You will need to check your health plan to determine what kind of coverage they offer for Zepbound.
The pharmacy you use. Pricing can vary by pharmacy and location, so this can also impact the price of Zepbound.
The supply length. While all dosages of Zepbound are priced the same, the overall cost will depend on whether you’re getting a 1-month or 3-month supply.

Zepbound cost without insurance

If you do not have insurance coverage for Zepbound, your out-of-pocket costs can add up quickly. Currently, the list price for Zepbound is $1059.97 for one month (defined as 28 days and 4 pens).

That adds up to $12,719.64 per year!

The actual out-of-pocket Zepbound cost will depend on your location, pharmacy, and savings eligibility. But, $1059.97 is the average.

Zepbound cost with insurance

There are several factors that will impact your Zepbound cost with insurance. Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Zepbound, does not currently have information on pricing for specific plans, though it may in the future. So, you will need to look into your current health plan and determine your coverage options.

If your insurance plan’s formulary lists Zepbound coverage, congratulations! To determine your individual Zepbound cost with insurance, you’ll need to:

Understand the coverage tier. Your insurance provider will categorize medications into different tiers. Each tier will determine the copay for each medication. Higher tiers have lower out-of-pocket costs.
Understand your deductible. Even if you have coverage, you may still need to meet your deductible before your insurance provider will cover certain costs.
Understand the special requirements. Many insurance plans may have specific conditions for coverage, such as prior authorization or step therapy, and specific requirements for eligibility. This will not affect your actual cost of Zepbound, but it will impact your total out-of-pocket costs for weight loss treatment.

If your insurance does cover Zepbound, you may also be eligible for Eli Lilly’s savings card, which can lower the price of Zepbound as low as $25 for a 1- or 3-month supply.

Why does Zepbound cost so much?

Most prescription medications can be expensive without insurance coverage. Weight loss medications are no different.

Since weight loss medications are relatively new and not classified as essential treatments, insurance companies are not required to cover them. So, many providers opt not to.

Even providers and plans who do offer weight loss medication coverage may not yet cover Zepbound. Zepbound is also a new treatment option–only gaining FDA approval in November 2023. Providers may be waiting until more data is available before including them in their formulary.

How to save money on the cost of Zepbound injections

If your insurance plan does not currently cover Zepbound, you still have options to save on the cost of Zepbound.

Option one is to look at Zepbound alternatives. Your insurance plan may not cover Zepbound, but it may cover another weight loss medication like Wegovy. If this isn’t an option, you can try:

Getting approval through your current insurance. While your insurance provider may not automatically cover Zepbound, they may still allow for insurance approval though prior authorization or a step therapy program.
Checking eligibility for savings programs. Eli Lilly does have a Zepbound savings card. If you have commercial (private) insurance without Zepbound coverage, you may still qualify to pay as low as $650 for a one month supply. Which is a $7800 yearly cost versus a $12,000 yearly cost—a savings of $4200.
Checking eligibility for Patient Assistance Programs. Eli Lilly provides financial assistance for eligible individuals through the Lilly Cares Foundation. If eligible, you may be able to pay as low as $0 per month.
Checking for coupons. Many pharmaceutical companies and drug manufacturers will also occasionally offer coupons. They can provide temporary discounts to help offset the out-of-pocket Zepbound cost.
Comparing prices. Pricing will vary by location and by pharmacy, so you should be comparing prices to find the lowest priced options for you.
Using mail-order pharmacies. Not only do mail-order pharmacies offer more competitive pricing, they usually have partnerships with multiple suppliers and are more likely to have medications in stock—even when there’s a shortage.
Opting for a longer supply. Opting for a 3-month supply may lower the per-month cost, so it’s worth checking with your pharmacy or insurance provider to see what options are available.

Save on the cost of Zepbound with Heally

Heally makes managing your Zepbound prescription easy and convenient—you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home. With a simple virtual appointment, you can connect with a knowledgeable healthcare provider online. And once prescribed, you can have your medication delivered right to your door.

Plus, Heally offers subscription plans to help reduce your monthly out-of-pocket expenses, making it easier to stay on track with your weight loss goals.

Get started with Heally and register today.