There has been growing interest in Mounjaro and other similar GLP-1 medications in recent years. This high demand has caused this medication to be higher in cost and its affordability is a common issue for patients. This article will cover how to get this medication at more affordable prices – even without insurance.
📌Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider or diabetes care team for guidance specific to your situation.
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Quick Facts
- Mounjaro is a name-brand injectable medication used to treat type 2 diabetes
- You will likely pay between about $900 and $1,300 per month without insurance coverage for this medication
- Manufacturer savings programs are generally only available to commercially insured patients
- Pharmacy discount cards may lower the monthly price for uninsured patients at participating pharmacies
- Patients may be able to use HSA or FSA funds to pay for this prescription with pre-tax dollars if eligible
What Is Mounjaro & Why It’s Expensive Without Insurance
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual receptor agonist medication that is used to help treat patients with type 2 diabetes and lower their A1C levels. This medication – which targets both GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors – is also sometimes used off-label for weight loss. However, this medication has not been approved for this use.
Mounjaro is a name-brand medication that does not currently have a generic variation available. This has led to high prices being charged for this medication in the U.S. – especially for those who do not have insurance coverage. Patients paying out-of-pocket for this medication often pay around $1,100 per month. However, they can expect to pay anywhere from about $900 to around $1,300 per month (or more) depending on the amount/formulation and the pharmacy where the medication is being purchased.
Typical Mounjaro Costs Without Insurance
The retail cash price for Mounjaro is often in the $900 to $1,300 range or higher. However, this cost can vary drastically by pharmacy. Well-known chains – like CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens – often sell this medication for around $1,300. Other pharmacies may charge less or more for this medication.
Where You Can Buy Mounjaro Without Insurance
Patients generally have the same options for buying Mounjaro without insurance as they would with insurance, as long as they have a prescription for the medication from a licensed provider. This includes options such as buying the medication from their local pharmacy or an online pharmacy with a licensed provider. It may also include getting the medication from a telehealth provider who prescribes the medication after a virtual visit.
Patients should be aware that there are no legitimate ways to buy this medication “over-the-counter” or without a prescription. It is unsafe to buy this medication from sellers who claim that buyers can do this. It is also risky to purchase the medication from unregulated or illegal websites (for both legal safety and the safety of the patient’s health).
Manufacturer Savings & Support Programs
You may be able to use the savings card provided by the manufacturer to save money on this medication. Patients using this program must be commercially insured residents of the U.S. or one of its territories. You also must not be a government beneficiary. This program can be used to help patients sometimes spend as little as $25 total for up to three months’ worth of the medication. Each month is considered to include four pens and 28 days.
This card is not the same as insurance. However, it helps you get lower copay prices. Eligibility requires that you are at least 18 years old. This program can not be used by patients who do not have any insurance. Some manufacturers and third-party patient support programs or assistance programs may involve income eligibility.
Pharmacy Discount & Coupon Options
Patients without insurance coverage can try using pharmacy discount and coupon options from popular websites such as GoodRx, SingleCare, and Optum Perks. These websites help you pay lower cash prices at participating pharmacies – often bringing the cost to about $875 to $995 for a month’s supply. You can use these discount cards by claiming them when you are not insured and presenting them to the pharmacy at checkout.
Some eligible patients may also pay for their medication using a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account. You may be able to use these options to use pre-tax funds to pay for eligible prescription medications. These accounts allow contributions to be made without incurring federal income tax.
Patient Assistance & Nonprofit Support Programs
You may also use resources like NeedyMeds – a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit – that lists programs like Patient Access Network Foundation for uninsured or underinsured people with FDA-approved diagnoses. It also helps you find rebates and coupons that you may be able to use. You may need to meet certain income-level criteria to be eligible.
You can apply for these programs by visiting the NeedyMeds website and selecting the option you want to use after selecting the medication. The link to the application form should be attached to the pop-up after clicking on the program name. Availability and funds are limited. They are not guaranteed.
Telehealth & Online Prescription Services
Telehealth services may also be used to help buy this medication without in-person insurance. This process would involve choosing a telehealth service online and consulting with one of their licensed clinicians. This clinician will then need to give you a prescription for the medication, which can be filled at a local pharmacy or via mail.
Those using this option will need to verify the legitimacy of the telehealth provider they are using. You should always avoid unlicensed “medication sellers.” Illegitimate telehealth services may lead to issues such as misdiagnosis, the collection of compromising data or personal information, or the sale of unsafe medication.
Insurance Coverage for Mounjaro
Medicare and commercial insurance plans sometimes cover this medication. You are more likely to receive this coverage if the medication is being used for its approved use of type 2 diabetes treatment – not off-label uses like for the treatment of pre-diabetes or weight loss. Medications being prescribed for off-label use are usually denied coverage. You will need to check your insurance plan’s policies and details specifically to see whether or not it would offer coverage for Mounjaro.
You may have a better chance of having this medication covered by insurance if prior authorization is achieved. Prior authorization may be necessary under certain insurance plans. You can also try submitting an appeal letter and other proof documenting that this medication is a medical necessity for your health if coverage for this medication is denied.
Alternative Ways to Reduce Cost
There still may be a few other options that you may have for saving money on this medication if receiving coverage is an issue. This includes possible options such as:
- Talking to a pharmacist about the availability of buying this medication in bulk quantities (such as 90-day supplies instead of 30-day supplies) to get a discounted rate
- Comparing prices between various pharmacies (both independent and chain locations) and warehouse clubs
- Talking to a healthcare provider about potentially using an alternative GLP-1 medication that is cheaper or for which you can receive better coverage (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus)
Safety Considerations & Red Flags
There may be many counterfeit websites online falsely claiming to offer Mounjaro and prescriptions for the medication. You should never use a website for getting this medication that is unlicensed or lacks key information – such as a physical location and contact details. Always verify the legitimacy of the pharmacy ahead of time by making sure they are accredited and require a valid prescription before making any medication sales. Purchasing this medication from an unverified source can lead to the sale of ineffective or seriously dangerous drugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How expensive is Mounjaro for uninsured patients?
The retail cash price for Mounjaro is typically between $900 and $1,300 per month. Many large chain pharmacies price the medication closer to the higher end of that range.
Can I get Mounjaro with no insurance?
Yes. You can still get Mounjaro without insurance as long as you have a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Are coupons available if I’m uninsured?
Manufacturer savings cards are generally not available to uninsured patients. However, pharmacy discount programs and third-party coupons can still be used to lower the cash price.
Will insurance cover Mounjaro for prediabetes?
Most insurance plans are more likely to cover Mounjaro when it is prescribed for its approved use – type 2 diabetes. Off-label uses – like weight loss and prediabetes treatment – are harder to get coverage for.
How do I get insurance to cover Mounjaro?
Seeing if your insurance covers this medication requires you to check your insurance policies and formulary. Some insurance plans also require you to go through a prior-authorization process. You can still try options such as submitting a formal appeal or documentation showing medical necessity if your insurance initially denies coverage.
Conclusion & Next Steps
There are still options for lowering the cost of Mounjaro even if you do not have insurance coverage. You may be able to use options such as pharmacy discount cards or patient assistance programs/patient aid as long as you have a valid prescription for the medication. You can also try options such as coupon cards or going through a telehealth service. It may be best to check with your provider and pharmacist to determine the best option for you.
Check out Insulin Outlet today to find more affordable Canadian prices and coupons on medications like Mounjaro.
Sources
15 ways to use your health savings account. (n.d.). UnitedHealthcare. https://www.uhc.com/news-articles/benefits-and-coverage/health-savings-account-hsa-fsa-or-hra-use
Mounjaro Coupons, cost & savings Cards. (n.d.). GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/mounjaro
Mounjaro Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance. (n.d.). Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/mounjaro
Mounjaro. (n.d.). NeedyMeds. https://www.needymeds.org/brand-drug/name/Mounjaro
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