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

Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a prescription weight loss medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat obesity and overweight, and it’s proven to be effective. A 2023 study of 783 participants showed that treatment with Zepbound resulted in a  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. 

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:

• 30 or greater
• 27 or greater with a weight-related health condition

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.

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

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. 

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. 

How to get Zepbound for $25 a month

Through the Zepbound Savings Card 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.

Other ways to save on Zepbound

If you aren’t eligible for the Zepbound Savings Card program, there are still ways to save on Zepbound.

Insurance coverage for Zepbound

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.

About prior authorization

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 Prior Authorization Resource Guide on its website to help you and your provider navigate the process. 

90-day and mail-order refills

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 tirzepatide dosage. Once you do, reach out to your insurance provider to see if they support a 90-day supply and it may save you money.

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. 

HSAs and FSAs

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 Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) 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.

Government insurance programs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 medical weight loss program under the MOVE! Weight Management Program. Coverage may depend on your weight and the policies of your local VA facility. Contact your local VA provider to learn more.

Prescription discount cards

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.

Talk to your healthcare provider

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 (AFPs), or be able to connect you to helpful resources.

Lower-cost Zepbound alternatives for weight loss

There are alternative weight loss injections and oral weight loss pills available if Zepbound isn’t affordable for you. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best prescription weight loss medication to reach your personal goals.

The table below lists alternative medications to Zepbound, including drug class, potential weight loss, and cost, in alphabetical order by drug class.

*Cost of a one-month supply before insurance per drugs.com as of the date of publication, rounded to the nearest dollar amount.

Compounded tirzepatide may provide savings

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. 

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:

• Cost
• Supply shortages
• Personal preference
• Allergy to another ingredient in Zepbound
• Added ingredients to reduce side effects or improve effectiveness

If you’re considering getting tirzepatide from a compounding pharmacy, talk to your healthcare provider to ensure it’s the best option for you and choose a reputable U.S.-based compounding pharmacy.

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

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 find a provider today!