Cost is one of the biggest factors when choosing between Mounjaro and Ozempic. Here's a clear breakdown.
List Price Comparison
| Mounjaro | Ozempic | |
|---|---|---|
| List price (no insurance) | ~$1,060/month | ~$900-1,000/month |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | Novo Nordisk |
| Savings card available | Yes | Yes |
With Insurance
Your actual cost depends entirely on your insurance plan:
- Diabetes coverage: Both are often covered when prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Copays range from $0 to $150/month depending on your plan.
- Weight loss coverage: Many plans don't cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss alone. Some do — check your formulary.
- Prior authorization: Most plans require your doctor to prove you've tried other treatments first.
Savings Cards
Mounjaro (Eli Lilly):
- Eligible patients may pay as little as $25/month with the savings card
- Available for both commercial insurance and cash-paying patients
- Income restrictions may apply
Ozempic (Novo Nordisk):
- Savings card available for commercially insured patients
- Can reduce copay to as low as $25/month
- Not available for Medicare/Medicaid patients
Without Insurance
If you're paying out of pocket:
- Mounjaro: ~$1,060/month
- Ozempic: ~$900-1,000/month
Ozempic is slightly cheaper at list price, but the difference is not huge.
Compounded Options
Both semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) are available through compounding pharmacies at lower prices — often $200-500/month.
Important notes:
- Only use reputable compounding pharmacies
- Ask your doctor for recommendations
- Read our guide on compounded GLP-1 medications for what to look out for
Which Is More Cost-Effective?
If you're comparing pure results per dollar:
- Mounjaro tends to produce more weight loss, so you may get more value per dollar spent
- Ozempic is slightly cheaper at list price and has been around longer
Products That Can Help
Managing GLP-1 costs? These products may help:
- Document organizer — Keep insurance paperwork and savings card info organized
- Health expense tracker — Log medication costs for FSA/HSA reimbursement
- Weekly pill organizer — Track doses and stay on schedule
- Prescription discount card holder — Keep discount cards accessible at pharmacy visits
But the real answer depends on your insurance. The cheaper medication is the one your plan covers.
Tips to Lower Your Cost
- Check your insurance formulary first
- Apply for the manufacturer savings card
- Ask your doctor about compounded options
- Look into patient assistance programs
- Consider a 90-day supply (sometimes cheaper)
Bottom Line
Mounjaro costs slightly more at list price but may produce more weight loss. Ozempic is a bit cheaper and has a longer track record.
Your insurance will likely decide which one you can afford. Check your formulary and apply for savings cards before making a decision.
Work with your healthcare provider to determine which medication is right for you. Individual results and experiences vary.
