Tirzepatide coupon: How to save on your prescription
Tirzepatide can be pricey at over $1,000 a month and that can be a deal breaker for many. Don’t let the price stop you from getting this life-changing medication as there are ways to make it more affordable.
Key highlights
- Tirzepatide coupons can help lower the cost of your prescription medication with or without insurance.
- You can find coupons through manufacturer savings programs or websites like GoodRx and SingleCare that offer discounts at participating pharmacies.
- To be eligible for manufacturer coupons, you must have commercial insurance (Medicare and Medicaid are not accepted). Those without insurance can still save using pharmacy discount cards.
Tirzepatide, sold under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound, is a once-weekly subcutaneous injectable medication primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management in combination with a low-calorie diet and exercise. It also benefits individuals with obstructive sleep apnea by reducing body weight, which can alleviate symptoms.
The high cost of tirzepatide can be restrictive, especially for those without insurance coverage. It’s frustrating when essential medications are out of reach financially, but you’re not alone – many people face this challenge.
There are ways to access tirzepatide discounts, including manufacturer coupons, telehealth deals, pharmacy discount cards, compounded medications, and income-based programs to help reduce the cost and make this important medication more affordable.
Looking for a tirzepatide coupon? Find the latest discounts and savings offers to lower your out-of-pocket costs. Learn how to access manufacturer coupons and other ways to save by reading our comprehensive guide below.
Understanding tirzepatide
Tirzepatide, also known by the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound, is an FDA-approved dual-action GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist made by Eli Lilly.
Zepbound is used for long-term weight management in adults with obesity (with a body mass index of 30 or higher) and overweight (with a body mass index of 27 or higher) with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
Mounjaro was FDA-approved in 2022, for managing blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide has shown a significant reduction in HbA1c levels, a key measurement reflecting average blood glucose levels over 3 months.
Tirzepatide works by mimicking two hormones, glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors, that help your pancreas release more insulin. This dual action boosts insulin release, helps manage fat storage, makes you feel fuller longer, reduces appetite, and helps you lose weight faster. It also helps with gastric emptying, slowing the time it takes for the stomach to empty, and interacts with areas in the brain that signal satiety.
Studies have also shown that tirzepatide provides improvements in people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Compounded tirzepatide is a customized version of the medication, typically made at specialty pharmacies but not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Decreased appetite
- Risk of low blood sugar
- Constipation
Serious side effects of tirzepatide can include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), gallbladder problems, kidney problems, and severe allergic reactions. It can also cause low blood sugar, especially if you are taking other diabetes medications, so monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. Some people may have mild reactions at the injection site, like redness or irritation.
Tirzepatide has a black box warning from the FDA for the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
How tirzepatide coupons work
Tirzepatide coupons work by providing a discount on the medication, which can significantly lower out-of-pocket costs. You can use a manufacturer’s savings card if you are eligible, or pharmacy discount coupons, typically available online or through pharmacies, to reduce the price at participating locations.
What’s covered?
Tirzepatide coupons typically reduce your co-pay or offer a fixed discount. This means you can pay a lower amount for each prescription, depending on the specific offer, which can make the medication more affordable.
Eligibility
Tirzepatide manufacturer coupons are for individuals with commercial insurance, including private insurance plans offered through an employer or individual plans purchased outside of government programs.
Unfortunately, these coupons are not intended for people with government-sponsored insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, or other government-funded insurance programs due to regulations. If you have commercial insurance, you can often use the coupon to reduce your co-pay or out-of-pocket costs, but if you are enrolled in any government-sponsored insurance, you may need to explore other assistance options.
Tirzepatide coupons are also available through websites like GoodRx and SingleCare regardless of your insurance status.
Limitations
Tirzepatide coupons typically have limitations that you should be aware of:
- Expiration dates: The discount is only available for a set period, often ranging from a few months to a year. Additionally, some pharmacies may have restrictions on accepting certain coupons, so it’s always a good idea to confirm with your pharmacy before you go.
- Maximum uses or savings: There could also be annual caps on quantities or a limit on the total savings you can get in a year. Once you hit that cap, you would need to pay the full price for the medication unless you’re eligible for other financial assistance.
Always review the terms and conditions of the coupon to understand its terms and limitations.
Tirzepatide manufacturer coupons
Tirzepatide manufacturer coupons are offered directly by the drug’s manufacturer to help lower the cost of the medication. These coupons can provide significant savings, such as reducing your co-pay and out-of-pocket costs. To qualify, you typically need commercial insurance (excludes people enrolled in government-sponsored programs like Medicare or Medicaid), and the coupon is valid at participating pharmacies.
The manufacturer usually offers these coupons for a limited time, often up to 12 months, with certain restrictions on usage, such as annual caps or pharmacy-specific conditions. To access these savings, you can visit the manufacturer’s website or call their customer service for more information and instructions on how to apply the coupon.
While manufacturer coupons can make tirzepatide more affordable, they may not cover the full cost depending on your insurance status and coverage for the medication.
Mounjaro Savings Card program
The Mounjaro Savings Card is a program offered by Eli Lilly that helps reduce the cost of the medication. The savings card program is for people with commercial or private insurance and helps make the medication more affordable.
If you qualify for the Mounjaro Savings Card, you can pay as low as $25 for a 1-month, 2-month or 3-month prescription.
To qualify for the Mounjaro Savings Card, you must meet certain criteria. First, you must be prescribed Mounjaro for an FDA-approved use, consistent with the medication’s labeling (e.g. type 2 diabetes). You must also be enrolled in a private or commercial drug insurance plan. You cannot be enrolled in any state, federal, or government-funded healthcare program, such as Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, DoD, VA, TRICARE, or any state prescription drug assistance program. You must also be a legal resident of the United States or Puerto Rico and be at least 18 years old.
- Commercially insured with coverage for Mounjaro: If you have commercial insurance that covers Mounjaro (tirzepatide), the Mounjaro Savings Card can help lower your out-of-pocket costs to $25 per month with maximum savings of $150 per month. This program typically reduces your co-pay for Mounjaro, making it more affordable.
- Commercially insured without coverage for Mounjaro: If you have commercial insurance but your plan does not cover Mounjaro, you may still be eligible for the Mounjaro Savings Card with savings of up to $463 per month.
Eligibility criteria for the Mounjaro Savings Card
To qualify for the Mounjaro Savings Card, you need to meet these requirements:
- You have a private or commercial insurance plan
- You have a prescription for Mounjaro that follows FDA-approved guidelines (type 2 diabetes)
- You are a legal resident of the U.S. or Puerto Rico
- You are at least 18 years old
- You are not enrolled in any government-funded programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, DoD, VA or TRICARE/CHAMPUS, or any state prescription drug assistance program.
- You are not enrolled in an insurance plan that is participating in an alternate funding program (AFP) that requires you to apply to the Mounjaro Savings Card program
Mounjaro Savings Card eligibility requirements are subject to change so check the website for updates. If you qualify, here’s how much you can save with the program if you have commercial insurance coverage for Mounjaro:
- Maximum savings of $150 for a 1-month prescription (28-day supply: 4 pens)
- Maximum savings of $300 for a 2-month prescription (56-day supply: 8 pens)
- Maximum savings of $450 for a 3-month prescription (84-day supply: 12 pens)
- You can use the card for up to 13 fills per calendar year with total annual savings of $1,950
- The card is valid through 12/31/2025 for insured patients and 06/30/2025 for uninsured patients
- Lilly can change or terminate the card at any time without notice for any reason
If your private or commercial insurance doesn’t cover Mounjaro, you can still use the savings card which offers up to $463 savings on a 1-month prescription with a maximum savings of up to $3,241 per calendar year. In this case, the card can be used for up to 7 fills per calendar year.
The Mounjaro Savings Card expires on December 31, 2025, for patients with commercial insurance that covers Mounjaro and on June 30, 2025, for patients whose insurance doesn’t cover Mounjaro. Lilly reserves the right to change, amend, or terminate the eligibility criteria and terms of the card at any time.
How to apply and use the card
Here are the steps to apply for and start using the Mounjaro Savings Card Program:
- Visit the manufacturer’s website: Go to the official Mounjaro Savings Card website where you can access information about the savings card program.
- Fill out the online form: Complete an online application form on the website. You’ll need to provide basic information, including details about your insurance, prescription, and personal info.
- Check eligibility: You must be enrolled in a private or commercial drug insurance plan, and not be enrolled in any federal or state-sponsored plans like Medicaid, Medicare, or any government-funded program
- Receive your savings card: Once approved, you will receive your savings card from Eli Lilly. You can download it, have it emailed to you, add it to your mobile wallet, or have a physical card sent to you by mail.
- Present the card at the pharmacy: Take the savings card with you when you fill your Mounjaro prescription at a participating pharmacy. The pharmacy will apply the discount to your medication.
- Reapply for the savings card: If your savings card expires, you can reapply or contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
Zepbound Savings Card program
You can use the Zepbound Savings Card offered by the manufacturer if you have private or commercial insurance coverage and do not have any government-sponsored insurance like Medicare or Medicaid. If eligible, you can pay as little as $25 per month for Zepbound.
- Commercially insured with coverage for Zepbound: If your commercial insurance covers Zepbound (tirzepatide), the Zepbound Savings Card can help lower your out-of-pocket costs to as low as $25 per month with maximum savings of $150 per month. This card typically reduces your co-pay or other costs associated with the medication, helping you pay a lower amount each month.
- Commercially insured without coverage for Zepbound: If your commercial insurance does not cover Zepbound, you may still be eligible for the Zepbound Savings Card. You can save as much as $469 per month when using the savings card.
Patients with private or commercial insurance coverage for Zepbound may pay as low as $25 for a 1-month or 3-month supply of Zepbound with the following limitations:
- Maximum monthly savings of up to $150 for a 1-month prescription
- Maximum monthly savings of up to $300 for a 2-month prescription
- Maximum monthly savings of up to $450 for a 3-month prescription
- Maximum annual savings of up to $1,950 per calendar year
- Prescriptions can be filled up to 13 times per calendar year
Patients with private or commercial insurance coverage without coverage for Zepbound could save up to $469 for a 1-month supply of Zepbound with the following limitations:
- Maximum savings of up to $469 for a 1-month prescription
- Maximum annual savings of up to $3,283 per calendar year
- Prescriptions can be filled up to 7 times per calendar year
Eligibility criteria for the Zepbound Savings Card program
To qualify for the Zepbouind Savings Card, you need to meet these requirements:
- You are enrolled in a private or commercial insurance plan
- You have a prescription from a licensed U.S. prescriber according to the FDA-approved product labeling (obesity, overweight, or chronic sleep apnea)
- You are not enrolled in government insurance plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, VA, DoD, TRICARE/CHAMPUS, or any state drug assistance program.
- You are a legal resident of the United States or Puerto Rico
- You are at least 18 years of age.
- You are not enrolled in an insurance plan that is participating in an alternate funding program (AFP) that requires you to apply to the Zepbound Savings Card program
Once approved for the savings card, inform the pharmacist of your Savings Card when purchasing the medication. If eligible, the card’s benefits should be applied immediately, providing you with instant savings on the medication.
How to apply and use the card
Here are the steps to apply for and start using the Zepbound Savings Card Program:
- Visit the Zepbound Savings Card website: Go to the official Zepbound website where you’ll find more information about the savings card program.
- Fill out the application form: Complete the online application form with your details, insurance information, and prescription details. You may also need to answer questions about your current insurance coverage.
- Eligibility check: The website will guide you through an eligibility check. This will determine if you qualify for the savings card based on your insurance status.
- Receive your savings card: Once approved, you’ll receive your Zepbound Savings Card. You can print it directly from the website, have it emailed to you, add it to your mobile wallet, or if you prefer, the card can be mailed to your address.
- Present the card at the pharmacy: Take the savings card with you when you fill your Zepbound prescription at a participating pharmacy. The pharmacy will apply the discount to your medication.
- Reapply for the savings card: If your savings card expires, you can reapply or contact the manufacturer for further assistance.
Other tirzepatide coupons and discounts
If you’re looking for other ways to save on tirzepatide, consider checking online coupon websites that offer pharmacy discount cards, regardless of your insurance status. These websites provide useful resources to help lower your out-of-pocket costs, even if you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover the medication.
Online coupon websites
- GoodRx: Offers prescription discounts at participating pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and RiteAid. You can check for specific savings based on your location and pharmacy.
- SingleCare: Similar to GoodRx, SingleCare provides discount cards that can be used at various pharmacies to help reduce the cost of medications like tirzepatide.
- RxSaver: This platform offers discounts on medications, including tirzepatide, at participating pharmacies near you.
- WellRx: Another website where you can search for discounts on your prescriptions.
Free samples from healthcare providers
You can speak to your healthcare provider about obtaining free samples typically provided when a patient starts treatment. Eli Lilly provides doctors and clinics with free samples of their medications to help their patients get started on treatment.
If you’re struggling with the cost, it’s worth asking your doctor or healthcare provider if they have any samples to help you get started with the medication at no charge. However, this is not a sustainable strategy, as samples are typically provided for up to one month.
Medicare and Medicaid
Many insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid will cover Mounjaro if used for diabetes. However, your copay will vary by plan so it’s important to check with your insurance provider for coverage details. Medicare Part D plans cover many diabetes medications including Mounjaro.
- The Medicare Plan Finder tool can help you find a Medicare plan that covers your prescribed medications.
- Medicaid coverage varies by state and plan. Some states may cover Mounjaro with no out-of-pocket cost with prior authorization.
- Healthcare professionals will work with you to submit a prior authorization request to your insurance provider. Prior authorization may need to be completed before your insurance provider will cover Mounjaro.
- In some cases, your insurance provider may also require you to do step therapy which is a requirement for you to try and fail treatment with a different and less expensive medication first.
To find out if Mounjaro or Zepbound is covered by your insurance, check your plan’s formulary (list of covered medications) or contact your insurance provider. Some plans may have restrictions like step therapy or prior authorization before approving coverage. Employer-sponsored insurance plans may cover Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, but most plans including Medicare and Medicaid plans won’t cover Mounjaro or Zepbound for weight loss or obesity due to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act law that prohibits coverage of weight loss medications.
Tips for saving money on tirzepatide
Tirzepatide can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce the cost and make it more affordable. Here are some helpful tips:
- Compare prices: Use online tools like GoodRx, SingleCare, or WellRx to search for the best prices near you. These websites allow you to compare prices across various pharmacies and provide coupons to lower out-of-pocket costs.
- Ask your pharmacist: Pharmacists can be a valuable resource when it comes to saving money on medications. They may know about special discounts or savings programs that you can benefit from Some pharmacies offer their own loyalty or discount programs, or they may have access to additional manufacturer discounts that aren’t widely advertised.
- Consider a 90-day supply: If your healthcare provider prescribes tirzepatide for long-term use, ask about purchasing a 90-day supply. Some pharmacies offer savings when you buy a larger supply of medication at once. This approach can lower the price and avoid the hassle of refilling your prescription every 30 days.
- HSA/FSA: If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you might be able to use those funds to pay for tirzepatide. HSA and FSA are tax-advantaged accounts that allow you to pay for healthcare expenses, including prescriptions, using pre-tax dollars.
- Compounded tirzepatide: Compounded versions of tirzepatide may be available at a lower cost than branded medications when there are shortages of brand-name drugs. While compounded tirzepatide may not be covered by insurance, it can be an affordable alternative for people without insurance coverage or high copays.
Tirzepatide cost with insurance
The cost of tirzepatide with insurance can vary depending on the coverage details of your health insurance plan, including the type of plan, your drug formulary, and the tier that tirzepatide falls under.
Insurance plans typically categorize medications into different tiers, and each tier comes with a different cost-sharing requirement (copays or coinsurance). Some insurance plans may cover tirzepatide as a preferred medication, which could lower your out-of-pocket costs, while tirzepatide may be placed on a higher drug tier, which could mean higher out-of-pocket costs, especially if it is considered a specialty medication.
Some insurance plans may also require prior authorization before approving coverage for tirzepatide. This means that your healthcare provider may need to submit additional documentation to justify the medical need for the medication, proving it is the most appropriate treatment for your medical condition.
If the prior authorization request is denied, your insurer will typically provide a detailed explanation. There are several steps you can take to appeal the decision:
- Review the denial letter: Understand why the insurance company denied the request.
- Contact your insurance provider: Speak with your insurance representative to clarify the reason for the denial. Sometimes, errors can be corrected with additional information submitted by your provider.
- Work with your healthcare provider: Your doctor can help you appeal the denial by providing supporting documentation, such as your medical history, treatment plans, and why tirzepatide is most appropriate for your health condition. They may also submit a letter of medical necessity.
- File an appeal: Follow the formal appeal process outlined by your insurance provider. This may include your provider submitting additional forms or documents and appealing the decision within a set timeframe with the help of your provider.
Does Medicaid cover tirzepatide?
Medicaid coverage for tirzepatide can vary by state and Medicaid plan. Some state Medicaid programs may cover tirzepatide for eligible individuals with type 2 diabetes or weight loss, while others might not include it on their formulary.
In cases where it’s not covered, you can ask your healthcare provider to submit a drug exception request or explore other options like pharmacy discount cards to help reduce the cost.
Check with your state Medicaid office or your pharmacy for the most accurate coverage information.
Does Medicare cover tirzepatide?
Medicare currently does not cover tirzepatide for weight loss. However, Medicare Part D (prescription drug plans) may cover tirzepatide for treating type 2 diabetes, but this depends on the specific plan and whether tirzepatide is included in the formulary.
There is a proposal to allow Medicare to cover weight loss drugs for people with obesity so the coverage exclusion may be removed in the future.
The Medicare Plan Finder tool can help you find a Medicare plan that covers your specific medications.
Why doesn’t insurance cover tirzepatide for weight loss?
Insurance companies usually don’t cover tirzepatide for weight loss because obesity is still considered a cosmetic issue as opposed to a chronic disease. Also, insurance companies typically do not cover off-label drugs such as Mounjaro prescribed for weight loss.
Since weight loss is still considered a lifestyle choice rather than a medical necessity, many insurance companies won’t cover it unless it’s prescribed to manage a chronic health condition like type 2 diabetes.
Even if a healthcare provider prescribes a weight loss medication, insurance companies may not see it as essential for your health without another medical reason.
Tirzepatide cost without insurance
According to Eli Lilly, the list price of a 28-day supply of Zepbound auto-injector pens is $1,059 and Mounjaro auto-injector pens are $1,069.
The actual retail price can range from $1,000 to $1,400, depending on factors like insurance coverage, eligibility for the manufacturer’s savings cards, and the pharmacy you purchase from.
Here’s a breakdown of the cost for a one-month supply of tirzepatide by brand name.
Drug | List price | Average retail pharmacy price |
---|---|---|
Mounjaro | $1,069.08 | $1,000 - $1,300 |
Zepbound | $1,059 | $1,000 - $1,300 |
Compounded tirzepatide | Varies (depends on pharmacy and formulation) | Typically, lower than branded versions, but varies widely ($300 - $500) |
Mounjaro injection pens
The list price of Mounjaro auto-injector pens is $1,069 and over $12,800 annually.
Here’s a price comparison of Mounjaro 2.5 mg/0.5 mL pen at different pharmacies, according to GoodRx.
Pharmacy | Price |
---|---|
Walgreens | $995.00 |
CVS | $995.00 |
Walmart | $995.00 |
Costco | $995.00 |
Zepbound injection pens
According to Eli Lilly, the list price of a 28-day supply of Zepbound auto-injector pens is $1,059.
Here’s a price comparison of Wegovy 2.5 mg/0.5 mL 4 pens at different pharmacies, according to GoodRx.
Pharmacy | Price |
---|---|
Walgreens | $995.00 |
CVS | $995.00 |
Walmart | $995.00 |
Costco | $995.00 |
Zepbound single-dose vials
You can purchase the lower-dose Zepbound vials directly from Lilly Direct. The 2.5mg vial costs $399/month and the 5mg vial costs $549/month.
Compounded tirzepatide
Compounded medications are custom-made by licensed compounding pharmacies to accommodate a patient’s specific needs when commercially available drugs aren’t an option.
While legal to prescribe, compounded medications aren’t FDA-approved and don’t go through the same review process as brand-name and generic drugs. A healthcare professional may prescribe a compounded medication if there’s a shortage or the patient needs a dosage or form that isn’t commercially available.
Compounded tirzepatide isn’t covered by insurance, but it’s usually cheaper than paying for brand-name drugs out of pocket.
The cost of compounded tirzepatide without insurance can range from about $300 to $500 per month. However, prices vary depending on the compounding pharmacy you use, dosage, and quantity.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How much does tirzepatide cost without insurance?
Tirzepatide cost can range from $1,000 to $1,400 per month without insurance. The exact price may vary depending on eligibility for the manufacturer’s savings cards, and the pharmacy you purchase from.
Is there a generic version of tirzepatide?
No, there is currently no generic version of tirzepatide available.
Where can I find the best tirzepatide coupon?
You can find the best tirzepatide coupons on websites like GoodRx or the Mounjaro savings card. Some pharmacies also offer discounts, so it’s worth checking with them directly.
Do the manufacturer savings card programs work with Medicare?
No, manufacturer savings cards for tirzepatide typically do not work with Medicare. Medicare usually doesn’t allow the use of these cards to lower the cost of medications.
How long do coupons last?
Zepbound and Mounjaro coupons (with active ingredient tirzepatide) typically last for up to 12 months. After that, you may need to reapply for a new coupon if you’re still eligible. Check the coupon for the expiration date.
Are there coupons for compounded tirzepatide?
Coupons for compounded tirzepatide are not commonly available.
Bottom line
There are several options to save on your tirzepatide prescription, with manufacturer coupons being the best option for significant savings.
If you are not eligible for the manufacturer savings card, you can use GoodRx, SingleCare, and other online resources to find discounts at participating pharmacies.
You can also consider compounded tirzepatide as an alternative, which may offer lower costs depending on the pharmacy.
Always consult your doctor for medical advice before purchasing the medication to ensure it’s the right treatment for you.