Tirzepatide pricing is all over the place—from $25/month to $1,086 depending on how you access it. This guide breaks down every option so you can find the best tirzepatide price for your situation.
TL;DR: Commercial insurance + savings card = $25/month. LillyDirect self-pay = $299-$449. Compounded = $224-$349. Medicare coverage starts July 2026 at ~$50/month.
Complete Tirzepatide Pricing Breakdown
| Access Method | Monthly Cost | Requirements | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance + Savings Card | $25 | Commercial insurance that covers Zepbound | Best price if eligible |
| Compounded (Ivim) | $224-$299 | Telehealth consultation | Lowest self-pay |
| Compounded (Mochi) | ~$278 | Telehealth consultation | High dose savings |
| LillyDirect (2.5mg) | $299 | Prescription + self-pay | FDA-approved, starter |
| LillyDirect (5mg) | $399 | Prescription + self-pay | FDA-approved |
| LillyDirect (7.5-15mg) | $449* | 45-day refill required | FDA-approved, maintenance |
| Insurance (no savings card) | $499 | Coverage but no card | Limited options |
| Retail Pharmacy (cash) | $1,086 | Prescription only | Avoid if possible |
*LillyDirect higher doses cost $599-$1,049 without the 45-day Self Pay Journey Program refill.
How to Get the Best Tirzepatide Price
Step 1: Check Your Insurance
Call your insurance company and ask if Zepbound (tirzepatide) is covered on your formulary. If yes, register for Eli Lilly's savings card at zepbound.lilly.com—you may pay as little as $25/month.
Step 2: If Insurance Doesn't Cover It
Use LillyDirect for FDA-approved Zepbound at $299-$449/month, or consider compounded tirzepatide from a verified provider at $224-$349/month. Weigh the cost savings against the trade-offs.
Step 3: Use HSA/FSA
Both brand Zepbound and compounded tirzepatide qualify for HSA/FSA payment. This effectively saves you 20-35% depending on your tax bracket.
Step 4: Wait for Medicare (If Applicable)
If you're on Medicare and qualify, coverage begins July 2026 with ~$50/month copays through the BALANCE bridge program.
Price by Dose: Brand vs. Compounded
The math changes as you titrate up. Here's how pricing compares at each dose level:
| Dose | LillyDirect | Compounded (Low) | Savings | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5mg | $299 | $179-$249 | $50-$120/mo | $600-$1,440/yr |
| 5mg | $399 | $199-$300 | $99-$200/mo | $1,188-$2,400/yr |
| 7.5mg+ | $449 | $199-$300 | $149-$250/mo | $1,788-$3,000/yr |
At maintenance doses (7.5mg+), compounded tirzepatide can save $1,800-$3,000/year vs. brand. But that savings comes with trade-offs: no clinical trial data for compounded versions, variable quality control, and regulatory uncertainty.
Verified Compounded Tirzepatide Providers
Hidden Costs to Watch
Advertised prices don't always tell the whole story:
- ⚠ Membership fees: Some providers charge $49-$99/month on top of medication cost
- ⚠ Consultation fees: Initial evaluations may cost $50-$150 extra
- ⚠ Lab work: Some providers require labs ($75-$200) before prescribing
- ⚠ Supplies: Syringes, alcohol swabs, sharps containers may add $10-$20/month
Medicare Coverage: July 2026
If you're on Medicare or turning 65, here's what's coming:
BALANCE Model Timeline
- July 2026: Medicare bridge program launches (~$50/month copay, no deductible)
- January 2027: Full Part D pilot begins
- Eligibility: BMI >27 with prediabetes/CVD, or BMI >30 with hypertension/kidney disease/heart failure
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