<p>Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a prescription <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/service/weight-loss/ target="_blank">weight loss</a> medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat obesity and overweight, and it’s proven to be effective. A <a href=https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2812936 target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">2023 study</a> of 783 participants showed that treatment with Zepbound resulted in a&nbsp; 5 to 18% loss of initial body weight over 52 weeks and 25.3% after 88 weeks. Although the average retail price is $1,126, it’s possible to get Zepbound for $25 a month.&nbsp;</p><p>Zepbound should be used alongside diet and exercise as part of a medication-managed approach to weight loss. It’s approved for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of:</p><ul><li>30 or greater</li><li>27 or greater with a weight-related health condition</li></ul><p>In this post, we share how to get Zepbound for $25, other ways to save on your prescription, and lower-cost alternatives for weight loss.</p><div class="wp-block-klarity-cta-banner-section-v3 k-cmp k-section cmp-cta-banner-section cmp-layout--l-img cmp-background--white cmp-img-type--image cmp-img-mode--cover cmp-img-effect--none" style="--cmp-background-color:#ffffff" data-layout="l-img"><div class="k-section-inner"><div class="k-row"><div class="k-col"><figure class="k-img-wrapper"><img decoding="async" class="k-img" src="https://cms.helloklarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/How-does-phentermine-work-for-weight-loss_.png" alt="A smiling woman measuring her waistline with a tape, showcasing the potential successful outcomes of weight loss with Phentermine." title=""></figure></div><div class="k-col"><h2 class="k-headline">Uncover a whole new you</h2><div class="k-desc"><p>Talk to a weight loss specialist in 24 hours or less*</p></div><a class="k-cta k-cta--button" href=https://www.helloklarity.com/condition/weight-loss target="_blank">Find a provider</a></div></div></div></div><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_What’s_the_average_price_of_Zepbound_(tirzepatide)?'>What’s the average price of Zepbound (tirzepatide)?</h2><p>Zepbound comes in 6 different doses — 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10, 12.5, and 15 milligrams. Its list price is $1,059.87. List price is what the manufacturer charges pharmacies for the drug.&nbsp;</p><p>The average patient cost — or the retail price — is $1,126 for a one-month supply, according to drugs.com. All dosages cost the same. Your actual cost will vary, depending on your pharmacy, insurance coverage, and whether you take advantage of savings programs.&nbsp;</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_How_to_get_Zepbound_for_$25_a_month'>How to get Zepbound for $25 a month</h2><p>Through the <a href=https://zepbound.lilly.com/coverage-savings target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Zepbound Savings Card</a> program, you may be eligible to get a 28-, 56-, or 84-day supply (1, 2 or 3 months) of Zepbound for $25 or up to a maximum savings of $150 every 28 days or $1,800 a year. You need to have commercial insurance that covers it and a prescription for a 30- or 90-day supply. If Zepbound isn’t covered by your insurance plan, you’re still eligible to use the program and can get a one-month supply for as little as $550.</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_Other_ways_to_save_on_Zepbound'>Other ways to save on Zepbound</h2><p>If you aren’t eligible for the Zepbound Savings Card program, there are still ways to save on Zepbound.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Insurance coverage for Zepbound</h3><p>If Zepbound is covered by your insurance plan and you meet the criteria for taking it, your out-of-pocket cost should equal your drug co-pay. Note that what you pay will depend on your plan’s drug co-pay, your deductible, and your out-of-pocket maximum. To understand your coverage and what you’ll pay for Zepbound and when, talk with your insurance provider or see your benefits plan details.</p><h4 class="wp-block-heading">About prior authorization</h4><p>Your health insurance plan may require prior authorization (PA) before covering Zepbound. PA requires your healthcare provider to submit paperwork to your insurance company justifying use of the medication. The manufacturer of Zepbound, Eli Lilly, provides a detailed <a href=https://zepbound.lilly.com/assets/pdf/zepbound_Prior_Authorization_Resource_Guide.pdf target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Prior Authorization Resource Guide</a> on its website to help you and your provider navigate the process.&nbsp;</p><h4 class="wp-block-heading">90-day and mail-order refills</h4><p>It may be possible to save on Zepbound by filling a 90-day supply. Note that Zepbound comes in 6 different doses that are typically increased on a monthly basis, starting with the 2.5 milligram dose and potentially increasing to 15 milligrams. Your healthcare provider isn’t likely to prescribe a 90-day supply until you reach your maximum tolerated <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/tirzepatide-dosage/ target="_blank">tirzepatide dosage</a>. Once you do, reach out to your insurance provider to see if they support a 90-day supply and it may save you money.</p><p>Another way to save on Zepbound may be using a mail-order pharmacy. Insurance companies sometimes encourage — or even mandate — using mail-order pharmacies as a cost-savings measure. You may pay a lower copay if you use a suggested in-network online pharmacy. While most mail-order pharmacies ship Zepbound, some aren’t equipped to mail it due to refrigeration requirements. Check with your pharmacy of choice to ensure that they can deliver Zepbound.&nbsp;</p><h4 class="wp-block-heading">HSAs and FSAs</h4><p>Medications, including Zepbound, are eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs). Your healthcare provider will have to submit a <a href=https://hsastore.com/hsa-eligibility-list/w/weight-loss-programs target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)</a> to confirm your eligibility. This letter explains why your healthcare provider is recommending a certain treatment for a specific diagnosis, rather than for general health purposes.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Government insurance programs</h3><p>As a relatively new weight loss drug with a high retail price, Zepbound currently isn’t covered by most government insurance programs. If it is covered, the amount you pay will vary, as with any insurance.</p><p>At the time of publication, Zepbound isn’t currently covered under Medicare, however, those who receive Medigap or Medicare Advantage benefits through a private insurance company may be eligible for coverage.</p><p>Medicaid doesn’t cover Zepbound either, yet it doesn’t block individual states from offering coverage for weight loss medications. Check your state’s preferred drug list to determine whether Medicaid coverage for Zepbound is available where you live.</p><p>TRICARE, the health insurance program available from the Department of Defense, also doesn’t cover Zepbound. TRICARE beneficiaries who are considering Zepbound for weight loss are encouraged to discuss alternative medications with their healthcare provider.</p><p>If you’re a veteran receiving care through Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care, you may be able to get Zepbound covered as part of a <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/medical-weight-loss-programs/ target="_blank">medical weight loss program</a> under the <a href=https://www.move.va.gov/Move/QandA.asp target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">MOVE! Weight Management Program</a>. Coverage may depend on your weight and the policies of your local VA facility. Contact your local VA provider to learn more.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Prescription discount cards</h3><p>In addition to Elli Lilly’s Zepbound Savings Card program, there are other prescription discount cards available. Websites like GoodRx, SingleCareRx, WellRx, and others offer coupons and savings cards that can be used at your local pharmacy. They can also help you find the lowest prices among pharmacies near you.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Talk to your healthcare provider</h3><p>You can always talk to your healthcare provider about how to get Zepbound more affordably. They may have suggestions for lower-cost alternatives, alternative funding programs (<a href=https://voice.ons.org/news-and-views/alternative-funding-programs target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">AFPs</a>), or be able to connect you to helpful resources.</p><div data-elementor-type="page" data-elementor-id="19399" class="elementor elementor-19399" data-elementor-post-type="elementor_library"><section class="elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6601feb elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="6601feb" data-element_type="section" data-settings="{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}"><div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"><div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-7151370f" data-id="7151370f" data-element_type="column"><div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"><section class="elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-7c63a75d elementor-section-content-middle elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default" data-id="7c63a75d" data-element_type="section" data-settings="{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}"><div class="elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default"><div class="elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-64949213" data-id="64949213" data-element_type="column" data-settings="{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}"><div class="elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated"><div class="elementor-element elementor-element-44f1a740 elementor-widget__width-auto elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading" data-id="44f1a740" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="heading.default"><div class="elementor-widget-container"><p class="elementor-heading-title elementor-size-large"><strong>Discover a tailored approach to weight loss that fits <i>your</i> unique needs.</strong></p></div></div><div class="elementor-element elementor-element-1766dd6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer" data-id="1766dd6" data-element_type="widget" data-widget_type="spacer.default"><div class="elementor-widget-container"><div class="elementor-spacer"><div class="elementor-spacer-inner"></div></div></div></div><div class="elementor-element elementor-element-404cd081 elementor-widget-tablet__width-inherit elementor-tablet-align-center elementor-align-center elementor-widget__width-auto elementor-widget elementor-widget-button" data-id="404cd081" data-element_type="widget" data-settings="{&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;mobile&quot;],&quot;sticky_offset_mobile&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_effects_offset_mobile&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0}" data-widget_type="button.default"><div class="elementor-widget-container"><div class="elementor-button-wrapper"><a class="elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-md" href=https://www.helloklarity.com/condition/weight-loss target="_blank"><span class="elementor-button-content-wrapper"><span class="elementor-button-text">Start now</span></span></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></section></div></div></div></section></div><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_Lower-cost_Zepbound_alternatives_for_weight_loss'>Lower-cost Zepbound alternatives for weight loss</h2><p>There are alternative <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/weight-loss-injections/ target="_blank">weight loss injections</a> and oral weight loss pills available if Zepbound isn’t affordable for you. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine the <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/best-prescription-weight-loss-pills/ target="_blank">best prescription weight loss</a> medication to reach your personal goals.</p><p>The table below lists alternative medications to Zepbound, including drug class, potential weight loss, and cost, in alphabetical order by drug class.</p><figure><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Weight loss medication</strong></td><td><strong>Drug class</strong></td><td><strong>Potential weight loss</strong></td><td><strong>Cost*</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Adipex-P (phentermine)</td><td>Appetite suppressant</td><td><a href=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8707701/ target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">11.2% weight loss</a> in 6 months or 34 lbs for 300 lb person</td><td>$80</td></tr><tr><td>Diethylpropion ER</td><td>Appetite suppressant</td><td><a href=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19564877/ target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">6.4% of initial body weight</a> in 6 months or 19.2 lbs for a 300 lb person</td><td>$163</td></tr><tr><td>Qsymia (phentermine-<br />topiramate)</td><td>Appetite suppressant/ Anticonvulsant</td><td><a href=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3626409/ target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">5-10% body weight</a> in 56 weeks or up to 30 lbs for a 300 lb person</td><td>$211</td></tr><tr><td>Contrave (bupropion-<br />naltrexone)</td><td>Antidepressant/ Opioid antagonist</td><td><a href=https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(22)00166-3/fulltext target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">5-10% body weight</a> or up to 30 lbs for a 300 lb person</td><td>$668</td></tr><tr><td><a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/saxenda-for-weight-loss/ target="_blank">Saxenda </a>(liraglutide)</td><td>GLP-1 agonist</td><td><a href=https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2021/01150/clinical_effectiveness_of_liraglutide_on_weight.10.aspx target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">5-10% body weight</a> or up to 30 lbs for a 300 lb person</td><td>$1,430</td></tr><tr><td><a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/how-to-get-wegovy-for-free/ target="_blank">Wegovy </a>(semaglutide)</td><td>GLP-1 agonist</td><td><a href=https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183 target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">14.9% of initial body weight</a> in 68 weeks or up to 45 lbs for a 300 lb person</td><td>$1,430</td></tr><tr><td>Alli (orlistat OTC)</td><td>Lipase inhibitor</td><td><a href=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/DMSO.S6552 target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">At least 5% body weight</a> in 1 year or 15 lbs for a 300 lb person</td><td>$56</td></tr><tr><td>Xenical (orlistat)</td><td>Lipase inhibitor</td><td><a href=https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13679-020-00422-w#:~:text=Clinical%20Efficacy,of%202.4%25%20after%204%20years. target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">2.4% body weight</a> in 4 years or 7 lbs for a 300 lb person</td><td>$803</td></tr><tr><td>Phendimetrazine tartrate</td><td>Stimulant</td><td>A <a href=https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/018074s034lbl.pdf target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">fraction of a pound</a> per week on average, varies by person</td><td>$14 </td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p class="has-small-font-size">*Cost of a one-month supply before insurance per drugs.com as of the date of publication, rounded to the nearest dollar amount.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Compounded tirzepatide may provide savings</h3><p>It’s possible to get Zepbound’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, compounded. With retail prices as low as $350 per month, compounded tirzepatide may be a savings option if it’s right for you.&nbsp;</p><p>Compounding pharmacies use pharmaceutical-grade active ingredients, like tirzepatide, to create custom medicines. Compounded medications can be tailored to your needs. Reasons to choose compounded tirzepatide include:</p><ul><li>Cost</li><li>Supply shortages</li><li>Personal preference</li><li>Allergy to another ingredient in Zepbound</li><li>Added ingredients to reduce side effects or improve effectiveness</li></ul><p>If you’re considering getting <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/tirzepatide-compounding-pharmacy/ target="_blank">tirzepatide from a compounding pharmacy</a>, talk to your healthcare provider to ensure it’s the best option for you and choose a reputable U.S.-based compounding pharmacy.</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_Find_a_weight_loss_provider_on_Klarity_Health_and_see_if_Zepbound_is_right_for_you'>Find a weight loss provider on Klarity Health and see if Zepbound is right for you</h2><p>Ready to start your weight loss journey? The Klarity Health platform can connect you with an independent healthcare professional who specializes in weight management. Your provider can help you determine if Zepbound or another medication is the right for you. Get started and <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/condition/weight-loss target="_blank">find a provider</a> today!</p><div class="wp-block-klarity-faq-section k-cmp k-section cmp-faq-section cmp-layout--default cmp-style--undefined" data-layout="default"><div class="k-section-inner"><div class="k-section-head"></div><div class="k-section-content"><dl class="k-faq-list"><dt class="k-faq-q"><h3>How we reviewed this article</h3></dt><dd class="k-faq-a"><p>This article went through rigorous fact-checking by a team of medical reviewers. Reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the author. Learn more about the <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/policy/editorial-standards/ target="_blank">editorial and medical review</a> process and standards for the HelloKlarity site.</p></dd></dl></div></div></div><div class="wp-block-klarity-disclaimer-section k-cmp k-section cmp-disclaimer-section cmp-style--default" data-style="default"><div class="k-section-inner"><div class="k-section-content"><p>*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.</p><p><br>The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage.  Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.<br><br>If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.</p></div></div></div>

Dr. Sheelu Bhatnagar

How to get Zepbound for $25: a guide to affordable medication

What’s the average price of Zepbound (tirzepatide)?

Lower-cost Zepbound alternatives for weight loss

Find a weight loss provider on Klarity Health and see if Zepbound is right for you