Cost Calculator · Interactive · May 2026

GLP-1 Annual Cost Calculator

May 2026 | BetterNewLives.com

Most people see the monthly price and stop there. But GLP-1 therapy is typically a long-term commitment — and the real financial picture is annual, not monthly. Enter your actual costs (or use the pre-filled estimates) to see the true 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year cost for each option — and exactly how much you could save by switching.

💡 Important note on savings card caps Manufacturer savings cards have annual maximum savings limits — typically $13,000–$14,000/year for Lilly (Mounjaro/Zepbound) and similar limits for Novo Nordisk drugs. After that limit is reached each calendar year, you pay full cost-sharing until the next plan year. The calculator accounts for this.

Your Current Cost

Actual

Monthly out-of-pocket cost ($)

What you actually pay per month right now

Current source

Monthly—

1-year total—

2-year total—

5-year total—

Telehealth Compounded Program

Lowest Self-Pay

Monthly cost ($)

Typical range: $99–$399/mo. Adjust to your program's price.

Medication

Monthly—

1-year total—

2-year total—

5-year total—

Brand-Name + Savings Card

Best if Commercially Insured

Monthly with savings card ($)

Lilly: $25/mo for Mounjaro/Zepbound. Novo: $99/mo for Wegovy. (Not available with Medicare/Medicaid)

Monthly after annual cap is reached ($)

What you pay after the savings card annual limit is exhausted. Check your plan's cost-sharing tier.

Months before cap is reached

Lilly's cap is ~$13,000/yr. At $25/mo, card covers most of the year. Fewer months if your copay is higher.

Avg monthly (annualized)—

1-year total—

2-year total—

5-year total—

Covered by Insurance

With Coverage

Monthly copay / coinsurance ($)

Your actual cost-sharing after insurance pays its portion

Annual deductible to meet first ($)

Deductible months add full-cost months at the start of each plan year

Cost per fill during deductible period ($)

What the drug costs before insurance kicks in

Avg monthly (annualized)—

1-year total—

2-year total—

5-year total—

5-Year Cost Comparison

Amounts shown are out-of-pocket costs only. Does not include insurance premiums.

Potential 5-Year Savings vs. Your Current Cost

—

by switching to the lowest-cost available option

What These Numbers Mean

Most people choose a GLP-1 option based on the monthly sticker price. But the actual long-term cost depends on several factors this calculator surfaces:

Savings card caps: Manufacturer savings cards have annual limits. The $25/month Lilly card sounds excellent — and it is — but it covers about 10 months for most patients before the cap is reached.
Deductible reset: Insurance coverage costs more than the copay suggests in January–March when deductibles reset. Full drug cost applies until the deductible is met.
Telehealth pricing tiers: Some programs start low and increase with dose. Enter your expected dose-specific price, not the introductory rate.
Long-term commitment: GLP-1 therapy is typically long-term for sustained benefit. A difference of $100/month becomes $6,000 over 5 years — meaningful on any income.

You may have options you haven't considered If the savings card or telehealth option is significantly cheaper for your situation, see our Savings Guide for enrollment instructions, and our PAP Screener to check if you might qualify for free medication.

Related Resources

Decision Tool

Find My Best Option — Personalized GLP-1 Recommender

Free Medication

Do You Qualify for Free GLP-1 Medication?

Savings Guide

Savings Cards, PAPs, and All Cost-Reduction Options

Cost Guide

Why Programs Cost So Much — and How to Pay Less

Negotiate

How to Negotiate a Lower Price on Your Program

Price Data

Live Semaglutide Price Comparison