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Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an injectable drug doctors prescribe for treating type 2 diabetes. Without insurance, a person can expect to spend a lot on the drug.
Mounjaro is treatment for type 2 diabetes with approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A person administers it via an injection under the skin once a week. The drug helps control blood sugar levels and in some cases may help someone lose weight. However, it does not have FDA approval as a weight loss drug.
Research from 2022 suggests Mounjaro was more effective than the other diabetes treatments the researchers tested. The researchers conclude the treatment is effective in managing blood sugar levels.
In this article, we look at Mounjaro, who it is for, how much it costs without insurance, whether insurance covers it, and how to save. It also answers some frequently asked questions about the drug.
People with diabetes rely on medications, including Mounjaro (tirzepatide), to help regulate their blood sugar levels. In 2023, there was a shortage of the drug due to its rise in popularity as a weight loss drug. This meant people with diabetes could not get Mounjaro. It still receives the classification of “in shortage” according to the FDA’s list of drug shortages.
Mounjaro does not have FDA approval for weight loss, but the organization has approved Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) specifically for weight loss. People may wish to consider choosing Wegovy or Zepbound over Mounjaro.
Learn more about how to get Zepbound and how to get Wegovy.
The list price for Mounjaro is $1,023.04, but the price someone without insurance pays will depend on the pharmacy. It can range from around $1,000 to $1,200.
According to Optum Perks, a person without insurance should expect to pay around $1,000 for four Mounjaro pens, which is a 1-month supply. However, Mounjaro’s generic counterpart, tirzepatide, is unavailable via Optum Perks.
The table below compares Optum Perk’s prices for four Mounjaro pens across each dosage without insurance. While these prices are correct as of January 2024, Optum Perks states they will fluctuate over time.
We look into five online retailers offering Mounjaro to those without insurance.
Calibrate offers a program called The Metabolic Reset. This allows individuals with type 2 diabetes to receive prescription medication if appropriate — including Mounjaro — and one-to-one personalized video coaching. For those with insurance, Calibrate can help navigate this on an individual’s behalf.
Calibrate’s doctors will only prescribe Mounjaro if they think it is necessary.
The program costs $1,749 upfront. Calibrate states that the cost of Mounjaro without insurance is $1,087 for a 2 mL dose but notes that the cost may depend on the pharmacy. Medication costs around $25 per month with insurance.
Everlywell’s Weight Care+ Program provides individuals access to GLP-1 medications, including Mounjaro. The program also provides one-to-one virtual visits with a clinician, at-home lab tests and supplements, and support for various health conditions. An Everlywell doctor will only prescribe Mounjaro if they think it is appropriate.
People can choose a 3- or 12-month program. The 3-month program costs $139 a month. This option is for people who want to try the program before committing long term. The 12-month program costs $99 a month and is for people who know they want to commit and want longer to get into the program.
The monthly prices do not include lab testing costs. Medication costs range from $900 to $1,400 per month without insurance.
LifeMD has a Weight Management Program where someone can access medications, clinical guidance, metabolic testing, a weight loss tracker, and ongoing care.
Doctors on this program will prescribe Mounjaro if appropriate. The program also offers insurance assistance if necessary. Customers must fill out a health questionnaire before connecting with a LifeMD doctor. They will then see which medications the person’s insurance covers and arrange a prescription for the most appropriate option.
The program starts at $129 per month and does not include the cost of Mounjaro. LifeMD writes that it can help people get the best price for Mounjaro with coupons and other money-saving methods, but it does not state what it will charge for the drug.
Plushcare is another telehealth service that allows individuals to book an online appointment with a doctor. In this appointment, doctors will discuss someone’s needs and provide a prescription if Mounjaro is the appropriate option for them. If they have approval for a prescription, a person picks this up from a local pharmacy.
Plushcare charges $16.99 per month without insurance, with the first month free. Online visits cost $129 each. For those with insurance, Plushcare charges $16.99 a month and copay for all visits.
Plushcare says the cost of Mounjaro varies depending on the pharmacy and insurance. However, the company says a person should expect to pay around $1,000 monthly without insurance.
Noom Med is a weight loss program. It begins with an in-depth evaluation of a person’s current health and their weight loss goals. Next, they receive a one-to-one video call with a Noom clinician to discuss possible next steps.
Using a person’s test results and family history information, Noom Med practitioners provide a care plan, which may include prescriptions for medications such as Mounjaro.
However, Noom does not provide Mounjaro itself. It will navigate a person’s insurance authorization and provide relevant coupons, but the individual needs to use their insurance and go to their local pharmacy to get Mounjaro.
Noom Med costs $49 per month, and a person must also have a subscription to Noom Weight, which costs $42 a month. It is available in 35 states.
Medical News Today chose telehealth companies and weight loss programs that meet the following criteria:
Some insurance providers can help cover the cost of Mounjaro. However, as it is a relatively new drug, not every insurance plan will cover it.
In most cases, insurance will only cover the medication for those with type 2 diabetes.
People can contact their insurance provider to understand their Mounjaro insurance coverage.
Health insurance can help lower the cost of Mounjaro, though not all providers will cover it.
There is also a Mounjaro Savings Card that offers up to an 85% discount on the drug. Depending on their eligibility, they may be able to pay as little as $25 per month for Mounjaro.
To qualify for this card, a person must:
A person can apply for the Mounjaro Savings Card online.
Many pharmacies offer prescription discount cards. Some examples include:
Insurance companies may only cover Mounjaro if a person has type 2 diabetes. A person can contact their insurance provider to discuss the eligibility criteria for coverage.
Insurance companies may only cover Mounjaro if a person has type 2 diabetes. A person can contact their insurance provider to discuss the eligibility criteria for coverage.
People can expect to pay around $1,000 and above for Mounjaro without insurance.
People can expect to pay around $1,000 and above for Mounjaro without insurance.
No, it is not possible to get Mounjaro for $25 without insurance. The drug’s manufacturer only offers this discount to those with insurance who are eligible for its Mounjaro Savings Card.
No, it is not possible to get Mounjaro for $25 without insurance. The drug’s manufacturer only offers this discount to those with insurance who are eligible for its Mounjaro Savings Card.
According to Optum Perks, a person without insurance may expect to pay approximately $1,000 for Mounjaro at Walmart.
According to Optum Perks, a person without insurance may expect to pay approximately $1,000 for Mounjaro at Walmart.
Mounjaro is beneficial for managing blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It can also help a person lose weight, although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved it for this use. Individuals must have a prescription from a doctor to obtain Mounjaro.
Without insurance, Mounjaro can be costly. A person may need to pay over $1,000 for four doses. Plus, not all insurance plans cover this medication.
Sometimes, a person may be eligible for a Mounjaro Savings Card. This card allows individuals without insurance to save up to 85% on the drug.
Last medically reviewed on January 30, 2024
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