In 2024, the only affordable path to GLP-1 medications was compounding. In July 2026, four brand-name programs compete for your business — each with different eligibility rules, pricing structures, and covered products. Here's a clear breakdown of what each actually offers.
The Four Programs at a Glance
| Program | Products | Monthly Cost | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| NovoCare Savings | Wegovy injection, Wegovy pill | $0–$25 (insured), $149–$349 (self-pay) | Commercial insurance or self-pay; NOT Medicare/Medicaid |
| LillyDirect | Zepbound, Mounjaro, Foundayo | $25 (insured), $149–$449 (self-pay) | Commercial insurance or self-pay; NOT Medicare/Medicaid |
| TrumpRx | Semaglutide tablets, semaglutide injection, tirzepatide injection | $149–$449 | Anyone with valid Rx; discount card (not insurance) |
| Medicare Bridge | Wegovy (all), Zepbound KwikPen, Foundayo | $50 flat | Medicare Part D + BMI criteria |
NovoCare (Novo Nordisk)
Novo Nordisk's patient support program offers two tiers. If you have commercial insurance, the savings card can reduce your copay to as low as $0–$25/month for Wegovy. If you're paying out of pocket, the self-pay pricing tiers are: Wegovy pill 1.5mg at $149/month, 4mg at $149–$199/month (promotional through August 2026), and 9mg–25mg at $349/month. Wegovy injection self-pay starts at $199/month for the first two months (promotional), then $349/month.
Key limitation: NovoCare savings cards cannot be used with Medicare, Medicaid, or other government insurance. If you're on Medicare, you're directed to the Bridge program.
LillyDirect (Eli Lilly)
Eli Lilly's direct-to-patient platform sells Zepbound, Mounjaro, and Foundayo. With commercial insurance, copays can be as low as $25/month via the savings card. Self-pay pricing for Zepbound runs $299–$449/month depending on dose. Foundayo starts at $149/month for the lowest dose, with the highest therapeutic doses reaching $199–$349/month.
Key advantage: LillyDirect ships directly to your home, manages the prior authorization process, and includes telehealth support. It's a vertically integrated experience — prescription, authorization, dispensing, and delivery in one platform.
TrumpRx
Launched February 5, 2026, TrumpRx is a discount card program (not insurance) that negotiates lower prices on FDA-approved GLP-1 medications. Current listed pricing: semaglutide tablets $149–$299/month, semaglutide injections $199–$349/month, tirzepatide injections $299–$449/month.
Key distinction: TrumpRx is not creditable coverage. Using it instead of your insurance plan doesn't count toward your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. It's a cash-price alternative, not a replacement for insurance coverage.
Medicare GLP-1 Bridge
The newest and cheapest option, launched July 1, 2026. A flat $50/month for Wegovy, Zepbound KwikPen, or Foundayo — if you're on Medicare Part D and meet the BMI criteria. The copay doesn't count toward your Part D cost-sharing. Prior authorization is required but valid through December 2027 once approved.
Key risk: The program ends December 31, 2027. The BALANCE Model (its intended successor) has been delayed indefinitely. Patients who build their treatment around the Bridge should have a contingency plan.
Where Compounded Still Wins
Despite four brand programs, compounded GLP-1s retain advantages for specific patients: those who need custom dose titration, patients ineligible for any program (certain Medicaid recipients, international patients), and anyone who needs doses between the fixed pen increments. The compounded market is smaller and more compliant than a year ago — but for the patients who need it, nothing else fills the gap.
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Brand programs + compounded providers, compared side-by-side.
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