GLP-1 Cost Calculator:
Insurance vs. Self-Pay

Why GLP-1 Medications Cost So Much

Brand-name GLP-1 medications like Wegovy® and Zepbound® are priced between $969 and $1,387 per month at retail. This reflects the high R&D costs and limited competition in the injectable weight loss market. Without insurance or a discount program, this is simply unaffordable for most Americans.

The good news: most people paying full retail price don't have to. Insurance coverage, manufacturer savings cards, and compounded alternatives can reduce monthly costs by 80–98%.

The 3 Paths to GLP-1 Medication

How Prior Authorization Works

Most insurance plans require prior authorization (PA) before they'll cover GLP-1 medications. This is a formal review process where your provider submits medical documentation proving you meet the plan's criteria — typically a BMI of 30+ with a qualifying comorbidity, or BMI 35+ without.

PA approval is not guaranteed. Approval rates vary widely by insurer and plan, with some reporting rates of 60–70% on first submission. Denied PAs can often be appealed — and providers experienced with GLP-1 approvals, like Ro, have teams that manage this process for you.

Insurance Denied? Your Next Steps

1. 1

   Appeal the denial

   Ask your provider to file a formal appeal with additional supporting documentation. Many first-time denials are reversed on appeal.

2. 2

   Try manufacturer savings programs

   Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly offer savings cards that can reduce costs to ~$200/month for commercially insured patients who don't use government insurance.

3. 3

   Switch to compounded GLP-1

   Telehealth providers offer compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide for $149–$299/month — no insurance needed, same active ingredient.

4. 4

   Work with an insurance concierge

   Services like Ro's insurance team navigate the PA process, appeals, and alternative options on your behalf at no added cost.