Prescription medications like tirzepatide, marketed as Zepbound for weight management and Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, can be cost-prohibitive for many patients. To alleviate financial burdens, pharmaceutical manufacturers and third-party services commonly offer coupons, discount cards, and patient assistance programs. These programs significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses, making vital medications more affordable. However, eligibility criteria often vary, and patients must carefully verify their qualifications before enrolling. Understanding the landscape of available discounts and assistance programs can empower patients to manage healthcare costs effectively and maintain consistent medication adherence.
Manufacturer Coupon Programs
Eligibility Requirements
Eli Lilly and Company, the manufacturer of tirzepatide, provides savings programs for both Zepbound and Mounjaro. The Zepbound Savings Card requires patients to have commercial insurance coverage and excludes those enrolled in government-funded programs such as Medicare or Medicaid. To qualify, prescriptions must align with FDA-approved indications, including obesity, weight-related health conditions, or obstructive sleep apnea. Eligible individuals can reduce their monthly medication cost to as low as $25 with insurance coverage, whereas patients without adequate insurance may pay between $550–$650 per month.
For the Mounjaro Savings Card, similar eligibility requirements apply: patients must have commercial insurance, and the prescription must be for FDA-approved type 2 diabetes treatment. Savings for eligible patients can also reduce monthly costs to as low as $25, with uninsured patients potentially paying up to $473 per month.
Enrollment Process
Enrollment in these manufacturer-sponsored programs is straightforward. Patients can visit the official Eli Lilly websites for Zepbound or Mounjaro to complete the online application. Alternatively, individuals can enroll over the phone by contacting the manufacturer’s dedicated support line at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979).
Savings Cards and Online Platforms
Comparison Shop Tools
Various third-party platforms help patients find the lowest medication prices at pharmacies nationwide. Online resources such as GoodRx provide significant savings, averaging between 9% and 27% off retail prices. For example, the cost of Mounjaro at CVS can drop from approximately $1,261 to $994 per month when using GoodRx. Patients can contact GoodRx customer support at 1-855-268-2822 for additional guidance or assistance.
Another popular service, SingleCare, similarly offers discounts on tirzepatide prescriptions at major pharmacies including Walmart, Rite Aid, and CVS. SingleCare’s customer support is available at 1-844-234-3057 to answer questions or help patients access available discounts.
Prescription Discount Services
Prescription discount providers such as Optum Perks and WellRx also offer substantial savings. Optum Perks partners with over 60,000 pharmacies across the United States, providing a wide variety of discount options. Patients can contact Optum Perks at 1-800-950-0185 for more details.
WellRx advertises potential savings of up to 80% on prescription medications, including tirzepatide. Patients interested in utilizing WellRx discounts can reach out to their customer support at 1-800-710-1194 or visit the website to explore current offers.
Patient Assistance Foundations
Nonprofit Organizations
For patients without insurance or those facing significant financial hardships, nonprofit foundations can provide crucial assistance. The Lilly Cares Foundation offers tirzepatide at no cost to qualified patients whose income falls at or below 400% of the federal poverty level. Interested individuals can apply directly through the foundation’s website or contact them at 1-800-545-6962 for more information.
Another resource, the Otsuka Patient Assistance Foundation, assists patients with chronic medical conditions who meet income-based eligibility criteria. Patients can inquire about eligibility by calling 1-844-687-8522 or emailing in**@*******af.org.
Maximizing Savings
Combining Multiple Discounts
While manufacturer coupons typically cannot be combined with other insurance coverage, patients can explore multiple discount options independently. If a third-party discount service like GoodRx offers a lower price than the manufacturer savings card, patients should opt for the most cost-effective solution. Regularly comparing prices across different platforms ensures patients always receive the best available rate.
Checking Expiration Dates
Patients should remain vigilant about expiration dates associated with savings offers. For example, the Zepbound Savings Card is valid for up to 13 prescription fills per year, providing up to $1,950 in annual savings. Similarly, the Mounjaro Savings Card validity ranges between 5 to 13 fills annually, depending on the patient’s insurance coverage status. Keeping track of these expirations ensures consistent access to discounted prices.
Patients can contact the individual program providers directly to clarify restrictions, eligibility details, and any updates to their respective programs.
Managing healthcare costs requires proactive exploration of available resources. By leveraging manufacturer coupons, third-party discount platforms, and patient assistance foundations, individuals prescribed tirzepatide can significantly reduce financial burdens associated with their medications. Patients should consistently assess their eligibility criteria, compare available discounts, and monitor expiration dates to maximize savings. Responsible management of prescriptions through these programs enhances medication adherence and supports better long-term health outcomes.