Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Mounjaro (for diabetes) and Zepbound (for weight loss). In 2026, it is also available as Foundayo (orforglipron) — a daily GLP-1 pill from the same manufacturer, Eli Lilly, FDA-approved for weight loss on April 1, 2026.
The same base molecule, three different brands, three different price paths.
June 2026 Pricing at a Glance
| Medication | List Price | With Savings Card | Medicare Bridge | Insurance Copay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mounjaro (diabetes) | ~$1,023/mo | $25/mo eligible | Not eligible* | $25-$150 |
| Zepbound (weight loss) | ~$1,060/mo | $25/mo eligible | $50/mo (KwikPen) | $25-$150 |
| Foundayo (weight loss pill) | ~$1,050/mo | $25/mo eligible | $50/mo eligible | $25-$150 |
*Mounjaro is not FDA-approved for weight management, so it is not eligible for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge. Medicare Part D still covers Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes through standard plan benefits.
What Affects Your Cost
Insurance
- Commercial insurance — May cover tirzepatide with prior authorization. Savings cards can bring your cost to $25/month.
- Medicare — The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge ($50/month) covers Zepbound (KwikPen only) and Foundayo starting July 1, 2026. Mounjaro is covered under Part D for diabetes.
- Medicaid — Varies by state.
- No insurance — Full list price applies unless you qualify for patient assistance.
Pharmacy Choice
Different pharmacies charge different amounts. Mail-order pharmacies may offer savings. 90-day supplies sometimes cost less per dose. If you have CVS Caremark coverage, Zepbound returns as a co-preferred option alongside Wegovy starting October 1, 2026.
Savings Programs
Eli Lilly offers savings cards for all three tirzepatide brands:
- Mounjaro Savings Card — As low as $25/month for commercially insured patients with type 2 diabetes
- Zepbound Savings Card — As low as $25/month for commercially insured patients using Zepbound for weight loss
- Foundayo Savings Program — As low as $25/month for commercially insured patients
Savings cards cannot be used with Medicare, Medicaid, or other government-funded insurance.
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge
Starting July 1, 2026, the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge offers eligible Part D beneficiaries a flat $50/month copay for Zepbound (KwikPen only) and Foundayo. Your doctor must submit a prior authorization confirming you meet clinical criteria (BMI thresholds with qualifying conditions). The program runs through December 31, 2027.
For full details, see our Medicare GLP-1 Bridge guide.
CVS Caremark Update (October 2026)
CVS Caremark reversed its Zepbound exclusion on May 28, 2026. Starting October 1, 2026, Zepbound returns as a co-preferred GLP-1 option alongside Wegovy on Caremark's standard commercial formulary. Foundayo was also added to the formulary on June 1, 2026.
Important: Your specific employer plan must opt in for these changes to apply. Check with your benefits administrator. See our CVS Caremark Zepbound guide for details.
Approximate Monthly Costs
| Scenario | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Commercial insurance + savings card | $25-$150 |
| Medicare GLP-1 Bridge | $50 (Zepbound KwikPen or Foundayo) |
| Medicare Part D (diabetes) | $25-$150 |
| Self-pay (no insurance) | $1,000-$1,350 |
These are estimates. Always check with your pharmacy.
Foundayo: The New Tirzepatide Pill Option
Foundayo (orforglipron) is Eli Lilly's daily GLP-1 pill for weight loss, FDA-approved April 1, 2026. It contains tirzepatide's mechanism as an oral formulation with no food or water restrictions.
- List price: ~$1,050/month
- With savings program: As low as $25/month for commercially insured
- Medicare Bridge: $50/month (eligible beneficiaries)
- No needles, no food timing rules
Foundayo is also covered under the CVS Caremark formulary as of June 1, 2026, and is eligible for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge. See our Foundayo guide for full details.
How to Find the Best Price
- Check your formulary — Is Mounjaro, Zepbound, or Foundayo on your plan's drug list?
- Apply for savings cards — Do this before your first fill. Eligibility is usually instant.
- Call multiple pharmacies — Prices vary. If you have CVS Caremark, check whether Zepbound is covered under your specific plan.
- Ask about prior authorization — Most plans require it. Have your doctor submit it early.
- If you are on Medicare — Check whether you qualify for the GLP-1 Bridge ($50/month starting July 1).
Insurance Tips
- Prior authorization is often required — work with your doctor
- Step therapy may apply — you may need to try other meds first
- Quantity limits may affect your prescription
- Formulary tiers determine your copay
- Appeal denials — Many are overturned with a letter of medical necessity
Questions for Your Doctor
- Which brand (Mounjaro, Zepbound, or Foundayo) is more likely to be covered?
- What prior authorization is needed?
- Are there alternatives on my formulary?
- Can you help me apply for savings programs?
- What if my insurance denies coverage?
- If I am on Medicare, do I qualify for the GLP-1 Bridge?
The Bottom Line
Tirzepatide pricing in June 2026 gives you more options than ever. Mounjaro and Zepbound remain at ~$1,000-$1,100/month list price. Foundayo adds a pill option at ~$1,050/month. With savings cards and the Medicare Bridge, most insured patients pay $25-$50/month. Check your insurance, apply for savings programs, and ask your doctor about the best brand for your coverage situation.
Prices change often. Always verify with your pharmacy and insurance. This article is for information only and does not constitute medical advice.