How much does tirzepatide cost? (Mounjaro and Zepbound)

Key Points

• Tirzepatide is available as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound for weight loss
• Tirzepatide's list price is $1,080-$1,086 per month (without insurance)
• When commercial insurance covers tirzepatide, out-of-pocket expenses vary based on specific health plans
• People with commercial insurance plans may qualify for a Mounjaro or Zepbound savings card and pay as little as $25 per 1-month or 3-month prescription
• Eli Lilly's Zepbound Self Pay Journey program offers discounted pricing options for people without insurance
• Medicare and Medicaid coverage for tirzepatide varies by state and plan

Tirzepatide has received attention in recent years as a medication for both type 2 diabetes management and weight loss.

This medication is becoming increasingly more relevant as obesity rates skyrocket in the United States, where more than 2 out of every 5 adults struggle with obesity.

But how much does tirzepatide cost? With drug prices going through the roof, how do you afford Mounjaro or Zepbound on an ongoing basis? This guide walks you through your options.

What is tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is approved by the FDA under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Mounjaro is used to manage type 2 diabetes. Zepbound is approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or those who are overweight and have at least one weight-related condition.

"Tirzepatide and its cousin, semaglutide, represent a new category of drugs in the fight against type 2 diabetes and weight gain,” says Gia Eapen, MD. "Tirzeaptide simulates two hormones that help lower appetite, slow digestion, and release insulin after meals. In clinical studies, tirzepatide has led to weight loss and lowered A1C (3-month blood glucose levels) to a normal range."

Both Mounjaro and Zepbound are available in doses of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg as once-weekly pre-filled injector pens. Some doses are also available in vials.

Ever since the tirzepatide drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound, were introduced to the market, there has been a high demand for them. However, the high price of the drug without insurance coverage has been in the spotlight, particularly since some insurance companies do not approve the drug.

What does this mean for your wallet if you want to take Mounjaro or Zepbound?

How much does Zepbound cost?

Zepbound cost without insurance

Zepbound is expensive without insurance. The drug’s manufacturer, Eli Lilly, offers the medication at a list price of $1,086.37 per monthly fill (four pens for a 28-day supply).

However, there are some discounted options for those without insurance.

On February 25, 2025, Eli Lilly introduced a more affordable option through their "Zepbound Self Pay Journey Program." This program allows people to purchase Zepbound directly from LillyDirect Self Pay Pharmacy solutions, bypassing traditional insurance and pharmacy channels.

The Self Pay Journey Program discount for the higher doses (7.5mg and 10mg) applies to the first prescription fill and continues for refills as long as they occur within 45 days of the previous delivery.

Monthly pricing for single-dose vials available via LillyDirect Self Pay Pharmacy Solutions is below*:

• 2.5 mg/0.5mL: $349
• 5.0 mg/0.5mL: $499
• 7.5 mg/0.5mL: $599, but available for $499 with the Self Pay Journey Program
• 10.0 mg/0.5mL: $699, but available for $499 with the Self Pay Journey Program
• These medications are available at these prices exclusively through LillyDirect Self Pay Pharmacy Solutions. Please note that the prices listed are as reflected on May 21st, 2025. For the latest information on the program, please review the LillyDirect webpage.

Zepbound cost with insurance

If you have commercial prescription drug insurance that covers Zepbound, your out-of-pocket costs will be significantly lower than the list price.

If you do not have the Zepbound savings card, your out-of-pocket expenses will depend entirely on your insurance plan, and some copays are higher than others. The Zepbound savings card program can make a big difference, bringing monthly costs down to as low as $25, whether you get a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month supply.

Note: The Zepbound savings card is also available for those whose insurance does not cover Zepbound. The program may reduce costs to around $650 for a one-month supply, a savings of about $469 off the list price.

Since Zepbound is relatively new to the market, specific insurance plan pricing data is still emerging. The average out-of-pocket costs will become clearer as more insurance companies determine their coverage policies. Always check with your insurance provider about what they cover.

How much does Mounjaro cost?

Mounjaro cost without insurance

For people without insurance coverage, Mounjaro's list price is $1,079.77 per monthly fill—slightly lower than Zepbound but still a significant expense.

Those without insurance or assistance programs would need to pay close to this list price, plus any additional pharmacy fees.

Mounjaro cost with insurance

People with insurance that covers Mounjaro may access savings through the manufacturer's program by using the Mounjaro savings card.

If your commercial insurance already covers Mounjaro, you could pay as little as $25 for your prescription, whether you get a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month supply with the savings card program.

If you're not part of the manufacturer's savings program, your copay will depend on your specific insurance plan.

If you have commercial insurance but your plan doesn't cover Mounjaro, you could save money through the Mounjaro savings card. To qualify, you'll need to have a valid prescription from your doctor and commercial insurance (like employer-provided health insurance).

With the Mounjaro savings card, you could save up to $463 each month on your prescription, which comes with 4 pens that last for 28 days. However, there are limits to how much you can save, including no more than $463 per month and no more than $6,019 total for the entire year.

For information about whether your health plan covers tirzepatide and if you qualify, please contact your insurance provider.

Insurance coverage for tirzepatide

Insurance coverage for medications like Zepbound and Mounjaro varies widely among major insurers such as United Healthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Most plans evaluate these medications on a case-by-case basis.

Insurance coverage for Mounjaro

For Mounjaro (used to treat type 2 diabetes), coverage may be more straightforward, though many insurers require prior authorization where your doctor must document that you've tried other treatments first.

Insurance coverage for Zepbound

With Zepbound (for weight loss), coverage is generally more restricted, and some plans might not cover it at all unless you meet specific medical criteria.

Insurance policies differ not only between companies but also between different plans offered by the same company. Please contact your insurance provider directly to find out exactly what's covered under your specific plan.

Medicaid coverage

Medicaid coverage for tirzepatide varies significantly by state, as each state administers its own program with different formularies and policies. In some states, Medicaid programs may cover Mounjaro for diabetes but not Zepbound for weight loss, while others might cover both or neither.

Coverage typically depends on medical necessity, requiring your healthcare provider to document that the medication is needed for your condition and that you've tried other treatments first.

To learn if your state's Medicaid program covers tirzepatide and what your potential copayments might be, visit your state's Medicaid website or contact your state's Medicaid office directly.

Medicare coverage

Medicare coverage for tirzepatide depends on several factors, including which part of Medicare you have and whether you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan.

Original Medicare, which consists of Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), does not include coverage for prescription medications such as tirzepatide. Beneficiaries with only Parts A and B would need to pay full price for this medication.

Under traditional Medicare Part D plans, coverage for weight loss medications like Zepbound has historically been limited due to Medicare's exclusion of weight loss drugs. However, if you have type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro may be covered under many Medicare Part D plans, though typically with significant cost-sharing requirements.

Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) might offer more comprehensive coverage, as these plans sometimes include additional benefits beyond original Medicare. Coverage varies widely from plan to plan.

The situation regarding Medicare coverage for weight loss medications is evolving, with legislative proposals that could expand coverage for obesity medications.

For current information, check with your specific Medicare plan or consult with a Medicare benefits counselor.

Tirzepatide savings programs

If the cost of tirzepatide seems prohibitive, several savings options might help make it more affordable:

Zepbound savings card program

Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Zepbound, offers a savings card program that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for those eligible with commercial insurance:

• If your insurance covers Zepbound, you may pay as little as $25 for a one-month or three-month supply
• If your insurance doesn't cover Zepbound, you may pay as little as $650 for a one-month supply (a savings of up to $469)

To qualify, you must have commercial insurance (not government insurance like Medicare or Medicaid) and meet other eligibility requirements. The program is not available for the uninsured.

Mounjaro savings card program

Similar to the Zepbound program, Eli Lilly offers a savings card for Mounjaro that allows people with insurance to access the medication at a much lower cost than the list price.

To access this program, visit the Mounjaro website or contact Lilly's services support center at 844-805-5807 for detailed information about eligibility and enrollment.

Discounts offered on websites

Several online pharmacy discount websites and apps offer coupons and reduced pricing for tirzepatide. These can sometimes provide significant discounts off the retail price. Online telehealth platforms may also offer tirzepatide at discounted rates.

Final thoughts: How much does tirzepatide cost?

Tirzepatide offers several health benefits, but being on the drug can burn a hole in your wallet fast if your insurance plan does not cover it. Fortunately, while the list price exceeds $1,000 per month, various insurance coverage options and savings programs can reduce out-of-pocket costs considerably, sometimes as little as $25 per month.

The Mounjaro Savings Card and Zepbound Savings Card require you to have a doctor’s prescription and insurance coverage, at a minimum. Discuss coverage, potential costs, and savings program eligibility with your healthcare and insurance providers.

As tirzepatide becomes more established in the market, insurance coverage may expand, hopefully making this medication more accessible to people who need it.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. How much does tirzepatide cost a month?

The list price for tirzepatide is approximately $1,080-$1,086 per month. If you have insurance (not government-aided) and enroll in the Mounjaro Savings Card or Zepbound Savings Card program, you could pay as little as $25 per month for a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month subscription. If you have a valid Zepbound prescription but insurance doesn’t cover it, you could consider the Zepbound Self Pay Journey program for discounted pricing on Zepbound.

2. How to get Mounjaro for $25 without insurance?

You cannot get Mounjaro for $25 without insurance. The $25 pricing is only available to people with insurance through Eli Lilly’s Zepbound Savings Card program. If eligible, you could consider the Zepbound Self Pay Journey for discounted deals on Zepbound, but not as low as $25/month.

3. How to get insurance approval for tirzepatide?

To get insurance coverage for tirzepatide, you could ask your doctor to submit a prior authorization request documenting medical necessity. Your doctor may need to provide evidence that you've tried other treatments first. Some health plans may require a step therapy process, which requires you to try less expensive options before being approved for tirzepatide.

4. How long does it take to lose 20 pounds on tirzepatide?

Weight loss results with tirzepatide vary by individual. Studies show that participants lost an average of 15-20% of their body weight over 72 weeks, with weight changes typically beginning within the first few months of treatment. However, individual weight loss results may vary and depend on many factors, including starting weight, diet, exercise, and much more.

To lose weight on tirzepatide and keep it off long-term, you will need dietary and lifestyle changes. A dietitian can develop a personalized diet plan based on your specific needs and health goals.

Find a Zepbound registered dietitian near you, covered by insurance.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.