The price of Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a medication for type 2 diabetes that is also used off-label for weight loss, can vary dramatically depending on your insurance status and how you pay. At Walmart, like other pharmacies, the final price can be influenced by the presence of commercial insurance, manufacturer savings programs, and other discount options. Understanding these variables is key to managing your prescription costs effectively.
Mounjaro Cost at Walmart Without Insurance
For individuals paying without insurance, the cost of Mounjaro is substantial. The manufacturer, Eli Lilly, lists the price at $1,079.77 per fill, which typically includes four pre-filled injection pens. Retail prices at pharmacies like Walmart often fall within the $1,000 to $1,200 range for a monthly supply. Some reports indicate the cash price at Walmart could be around $1,100, though this can fluctuate by location and specific dates.
Mounjaro Price with Commercial Insurance
For patients with commercial health insurance, the out-of-pocket cost for Mounjaro can be significantly lower, but it depends on several factors:
- Coverage: Your plan must list Mounjaro on its formulary and potentially meet specific criteria, such as a prior authorization.
- Copay and Deductible: Your payment will be subject to your plan's copay, coinsurance, and whether your annual deductible has been met.
- Mounjaro Savings Card: Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $25 for a 1- or 3-month supply by using the Mounjaro Savings Card from the manufacturer. This card is not available for those with government insurance like Medicare or Medicaid.
Using a Manufacturer Savings Card at Walmart
The Mounjaro Savings Card, offered by Eli Lilly, is a powerful tool for reducing costs at pharmacies like Walmart, but specific terms apply. The savings depend on your insurance coverage for the medication:
- With Coverage: If your commercial insurance covers Mounjaro, you can pay as little as $25 for a 1-month or 3-month prescription. The card has maximum annual savings limits.
- Without Coverage: If you have commercial insurance that does not cover Mounjaro, the card can still offer substantial discounts, though not the $25 price point. One reported maximum monthly saving was $473 for a 1-month supply, but terms can change.
Leveraging GoodRx and Other Discount Cards
For those without insurance or whose insurance provides poor coverage, prescription discount programs like GoodRx can be a valuable option at the Walmart pharmacy. A GoodRx coupon might lower the cash price, with some reports showing a price around $995 for Mounjaro, which is below the list price and some cash retail prices. Other services like SingleCare and WellRx also offer coupons that can be compared for the best price in your area. These discounts are not combinable with insurance.
A Comparison of Mounjaro Costs at Walmart
| Cost Scenario | Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost at Walmart (Approx.) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Without Insurance (Cash Price) | $1,100+ per month | Varies by location and date. |
| With GoodRx Coupon | As low as $995 per month | Requires using a coupon; not combinable with insurance. |
| With Commercial Insurance | Varies based on plan, deductible, and copay | Can range from high to low out-of-pocket costs. |
| With Commercial Insurance + Savings Card | As low as $25 per 1- or 3-month fill | Requires meeting eligibility criteria and having commercial insurance. |
Factors Influencing Your Final Price
Several elements beyond insurance status can impact your total cost:
- Reason for Prescription: Mounjaro's FDA-approved indication is for type 2 diabetes. If prescribed for weight loss (an off-label use), insurance coverage is less likely, resulting in higher out-of-pocket costs.
- Pharmacy: Prices can vary between different pharmacies, even within the same city. It's always a good practice to compare prices at other pharmacies besides Walmart using tools like GoodRx or by calling them directly.
- Dosage: For Mounjaro, the price is generally the same regardless of the dose prescribed. This is different from its counterpart, Zepbound, which has different pricing for vials.
- Supply: Opting for a 90-day supply instead of a 30-day supply can sometimes result in overall savings, especially if your insurance plan or savings card program offers better benefits for longer fills.
How to Save Money on Mounjaro at Walmart Pharmacy
- Check Eligibility for the Manufacturer Savings Card: If you have commercial insurance, visit the official Mounjaro website to see if you qualify for the program that can lower your monthly cost to $25.
- Use Pharmacy Discount Coupons: Before paying, check GoodRx, SingleCare, or WellRx for coupons to present at the Walmart pharmacy. This is especially useful if you are uninsured.
- Inquire About a 90-Day Supply: Ask your doctor and the Walmart pharmacy if ordering a 90-day supply is a cost-effective option for your maintenance dose.
- Compare Pharmacy Prices: Don't assume Walmart has the best price. Use a tool like GoodRx to compare the cash price at various pharmacies in your area.
- Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives: If Mounjaro remains unaffordable, discuss alternative medications like Zepbound (for weight loss) or other GLP-1 agonists. Some alternatives might be covered differently by your insurance.
- Use Health Savings (HSA) or Flexible Spending (FSA) Accounts: If you have one of these accounts, use those pre-tax funds to pay for your prescription.
Conclusion
While the sticker price for Mounjaro at Walmart is high, several strategies can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expense. For commercially insured patients, the manufacturer's savings card offers the most substantial discount, potentially bringing the cost down to $25 per fill. For those without insurance, using discount cards from services like GoodRx is the best path to savings, potentially dropping the cost below $1,000. The key is to be proactive by checking your eligibility for savings programs, comparing pharmacy prices, and discussing the best options with your healthcare provider and pharmacist.
