Losing Coverage for GLP-1s?!

T

ThinLizzie82

Well-known member
Hey everyone, started a new job search and got an offer but there's a catch... the health insurance doesn't include GLP-1 meds.

I've been on a GLP-1 type drug for about two years (switched to tirzepatide, but figured I'd ask here). I've decreased my weight and glucose levels and now take a dose every 14 days to maintain.

I want to keep taking them, even if I have to pay myself. With the reduced dosing, it should lower the cost but I want to see if it's worth it. I'm trying to figure out how much it will cost to keep my dose. When I first started, the monthly expense was around $1,100 a month (I was on semaglutide). What's the deal with discount cards now? Is the oral version cheaper?

I realize costs vary, so I'm just looking for general info to weigh my options.

Thanks!
 
Are you located in the USA?

I'm in Europe. My monthly expense is about 150€. I get a 2.4 mg pen for 300€ then adjust it down to 1 mg doses so I get about 10 doses per pen, this makes the cost 30€ a dose.
 
My coverage cut me off after 2 years, so I get a compounded version. It's less than $200 monthly, some have found it for less. The effect is the same.
 
I spend $350 each month for a 4mg pen using a coupon. Breaking it down, that's about $55 weekly.

I think I'm actually saving money, considering I buy less food and fast food now. I used to spend at least $100 a week on takeout.
 
Haven't gotten my prescription yet, still using samples. I will soon. My doctor will give me script for the 8mg pen and I'll use a discount card to get it for $500. I'm on a low dose, and plan to stay there. I can barely afford this now.
 
I order from overseas. I purchase the highest dose pen and draw the correct dose with an insulin needle.

It's about $400 a pen with $30 shipping.
 
I've heard of people getting a 2mg pen at warehouse stores for $500. Also, that the coupon for zepbound is around $300-$450 depending on dosage. I don't usually have side effects with meds, so I'd just switch to the cheapest one. I just switched from 2mg of semaglutide to 7.5 of tirzepatide last month and it was fine. My doctor didn't even start me at the lowest dose, and no issues.
 
The patent is expiring soon! Generic equivalents should enter the market shortly, cutting prices by 50% maybe.
 
Paying out of pocket, you can get zepbound (tirzepatide like mounjaro) from the manufacturer's pharmacy for $500 monthly.

I heard warehouse stores have some kind of deal where the pens are $500 each, but not sure how it works.

If you're in maintenance, look into the oral options. With a coupon, it's $150-$200 monthly.

And lots of people compound it, but I'm too nervous after talking to my physician. Luckily, my employer started a weight loss program that helps with costs, so I'm sticking with name brand!
 
Don't pay for memberships or more than $200 a month. I'm on a high dose of compounded tirzepatide. My cost dropped when I bought a bulk supply from an online pharmacy.

I actually have insurance coverage for brand name, but the lowest price is still more expensive than my compounded version.
 
ThinLizzie82 said:
Hey everyone, started a new job search and got an offer but there's a catch... the health insurance doesn't include GLP-1 meds.
Click to expand...

The manufacturer may have a program if your insurance doesn't cover it.
 
For those with diabetes, it's probably covered. A simple prior authorization from your physician would likely be all you need.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top