The list price of GLP-1 medications can be alarming: $1,000 to $1,500 per month without assistance. But most families don't pay anywhere near that. Both Novo Nordisk (maker of Wegovy and Saxenda) and Eli Lilly (maker of Zepbound) offer savings programs specifically designed to reduce patient costs to a fraction of the retail price.

Here's a complete breakdown of both programs, who qualifies, and how Thryvwell helps you access them.

Want a real number for your family? Take the 2-minute eligibility check and we'll walk you through coverage and savings options that apply to you.

Novo Nordisk: NovoCare® Savings Program

NovoCare is Novo Nordisk's patient assistance umbrella that covers Wegovy® (semaglutide) and Saxenda® (liraglutide), both FDA-approved for adolescents 12+ with obesity.

Wegovy Savings Card

$0–$25/month

For commercially insured patients

Up to 24 months

Maximum savings period per enrollment

Who qualifies:

Patients with commercial (private) insurance that covers Wegovy

Must have a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider

Must be a U.S. resident

Not eligible if covered by Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or other government-funded programs

How it works:

1Your physician prescribes Wegovy and submits prior authorization to your insurance

2Once insurance approves, you enroll in the NovoCare savings program (online or by phone)

3You receive a savings card number to present at the pharmacy

4The savings card covers the difference between your copay and the program's maximum ($25)

Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

For families without commercial insurance or who are uninsured, Novo Nordisk offers a separate Patient Assistance Program that may provide Wegovy at no cost. Eligibility is income-based and requires a separate application.

Visit NovoCare: novocare.com/wegovy/savings-offer

Patient Assistance: novocare.com/patient-assistance

Income threshold: Household income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for free medication through PAP.

Eli Lilly: Zepbound® Savings Card (Adults Only - For Now)

Eli Lilly offers savings programs for Zepbound® (tirzepatide), a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist that targets two hormonal pathways simultaneously. Important note: Zepbound is currently FDA-approved for adults only. Adolescent clinical trials are underway, and pediatric approval may follow. We include it here because approval is anticipated, and understanding the savings landscape early helps families plan ahead.

$0–$25/month

For commercially insured patients

$550/month

Self-pay option through LillyDirect (no insurance needed)

Commercially insured patients:

Pay as little as $25/month with the Zepbound Savings Card

Must have commercial insurance that covers Zepbound

Savings card covers the difference between your copay and $25

Not available for government-insured patients (Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE)

Self-pay through LillyDirect:

For patients whose insurance doesn't cover Zepbound, Eli Lilly offers a direct-purchase option at $550/month, significantly below the retail price of ~$1,060. This is available through LillyDirect, Lilly's direct-to-patient pharmacy service.

Note: The self-pay option does not require insurance approval or prior authorization. It's a cash-pay alternative for families who want to start treatment without waiting for insurance processes.

Visit Zepbound Savings: zepbound.lilly.com/savings

LillyDirect: lillydirect.com

Comparing the programs

Novo Nordisk
(Wegovy / Saxenda)

Eli Lilly
(Zepbound)

With insurance

$0–$25/mo

Without insurance

PAP (income-based, free)

$550/mo (LillyDirect)

Duration

Up to 24 months

Ongoing (while eligible)

Government insurance

Not eligible for savings card

Adolescent eligible

Yes (12+)

Not yet (trials underway)

Swipe to see more

How Thryvwell handles this for you

Navigating savings programs, prior authorizations, and pharmacy logistics shouldn't be your job. Here's what our team does:

Prior authorization and appeals

If treatment is clinically appropriate, our team manages the prior-authorization process and supports an appeal after a denial.

Prior authorization submission

Our team handles the full PA process - documentation, submission, follow-up, and appeals if needed.

Savings-program guidance

We can explain manufacturer savings-program pathways and direct you to the relevant enrollment resources.

Pharmacy coordination

We work directly with specialty pharmacies to ensure your child's medication is filled and delivered without delays.

Cost-pathway guidance

If coverage changes or a savings program expires, we can discuss available next steps, including prior authorization and appeals where appropriate.

Savings-card availability, insurance coverage, and pharmacy pricing vary. Thryvwell does not verify benefits or promise a medication cost; when treatment is clinically appropriate, our team manages prior authorization and supports appeals after denials.

Sources & Program Links

Novo Nordisk. "NovoCare® Savings & Support Programs." novocare.com (2024)
Eli Lilly. "Zepbound® Savings Card Program." zepbound.lilly.com (2024)
Eli Lilly. "LillyDirect™: Direct-to-Patient Pharmacy." lillydirect.com (2024)
Note: Program terms and eligibility may change. Check current program availability directly with the manufacturer.

We handle the cost, you focus on your child

Our team navigates insurance, savings programs, and pharmacy logistics so you don't have to

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or medical advice. Program terms, eligibility, and pricing are subject to change by the manufacturers. Always verify current terms before enrolling.

NovoCare & Lilly Savings Cards: How to Get GLP-1 Medication for $0–25/Month