The Retail Price of Mounjaro at Walmart
Without insurance, the cash price for a one-month supply of Mounjaro (four pens) at a Walmart Pharmacy typically falls between $1,000 and $1,200. The exact amount can vary slightly depending on your specific location and the current pharmacy pricing. The manufacturer, Eli Lilly, lists the price at approximately $1,079.77, which aligns with the retail figures. This substantial out-of-pocket cost is a significant barrier for many patients prescribed the medication for type 2 diabetes. For those prescribed the active ingredient tirzepatide for chronic weight management (under the brand name Zepbound), the cost is similar, and insurance coverage is often even more limited.
Using Manufacturer Savings Cards at Walmart
For patients with commercial (private) health insurance, a manufacturer savings card from Eli Lilly can drastically reduce the cost of Mounjaro. If you have commercial insurance that covers Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, you could pay as little as $25 for a 1- or 3-month supply. The manufacturer’s program has strict eligibility requirements:
- Must be a resident of the United States or Puerto Rico.
- Prescription must be for type 2 diabetes.
- Must not be enrolled in any government-funded healthcare program (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE).
If your commercial insurance does not cover Mounjaro, an eligible patient might still receive a discount of up to $463 off a one-month supply with the savings card. It is crucial to check the most current terms and conditions on the official Mounjaro website, as they can change.
Leveraging Discount Cards for Uninsured and Underinsured Patients
Patients without commercial insurance, or those who don't meet the eligibility for the manufacturer's card, can find relief through prescription discount programs. Many of these services offer printable coupons or app-based discounts that can be applied at Walmart's pharmacy counter. A few popular options include:
- GoodRx: Offers Mounjaro coupons that can lower the cash price, sometimes resulting in a price around $995 per month, depending on the specific coupon and pharmacy.
- SingleCare: Provides savings cards that can reduce the price, with historical data showing prices as low as $875 per month with their discount.
- WellRx and BuzzRx: Also offer discounts that can be used at various pharmacies, including Walmart.
It is wise to compare coupons from multiple discount services to find the best available price at your local Walmart.
Insurance Coverage: What to Know
Your insurance plan’s formulary (list of covered drugs) and the reason for your prescription are the most significant factors in determining your cost. Since Mounjaro is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, it is more likely to be covered for that diagnosis. However, using it for off-label purposes like weight loss will almost certainly require paying the full out-of-pocket cost.
For those on Medicare, 2025 brings new benefits. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare Part D beneficiaries will have their annual out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs capped at $2,000. This can provide substantial savings for those with high medication costs, like Mounjaro. Additionally, a new payment option allows Medicare recipients to spread their out-of-pocket costs throughout the year via monthly installment payments.
Cost Comparison Table: Mounjaro Prices by Pharmacy
Here is a comparison of approximate retail prices and potential discounted prices for a one-month supply of Mounjaro based on recent data from various sources.
Pharmacy | Estimated Retail Price (without insurance) | Estimated Price with Discount Card (e.g., GoodRx or SingleCare) |
---|---|---|
Walmart | ~$1,100 - $1,200 | ~$995 - $1,117 |
CVS Pharmacy | ~$1,087 - $1,274 | ~$924 - $995 |
Walgreens | ~$1,100 - $1,300 | ~$995 - $1,040 |
Kroger | ~$1,295 | ~$958 |
Costco | ~$1,075 | ~$995 |
Note: These prices are estimates and can fluctuate. Always check current prices with your local pharmacy and discount service.
Additional Strategies to Reduce Mounjaro Costs
Beyond manufacturer and discount cards, several other options can help lower your costs:
- Compare Prices: As the table shows, prices differ across pharmacies. Use websites or apps to compare prices before you fill your prescription.
- Patient Assistance Programs: For those with no insurance or facing significant financial hardship, the Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program may offer Mounjaro at a low or no cost if you meet specific income criteria.
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA) / Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA): You can use these tax-advantaged funds to pay for Mounjaro, helping to reduce your overall healthcare spending.
- Ask for Samples: Your healthcare provider might have free Mounjaro samples from the manufacturer. While not a long-term solution, this can help you start treatment or cover a gap in coverage.
- Consider Alternatives: If the cost remains prohibitive, discuss other GLP-1 receptor agonists with your doctor. Options like Zepbound (also tirzepatide), Ozempic, or Trulicity might have different coverage rules or savings programs.
Conclusion: Finding the Best Price for Mounjaro at Walmart
While Mounjaro carries a high retail price, especially without insurance, several avenues exist to manage the cost. The key is to be proactive and explore all options. Start by checking your insurance coverage for the specific reason you are prescribed Mounjaro. For commercially insured patients with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, the manufacturer's savings card offers the most significant discount. For uninsured or commercially underinsured individuals, comparison shopping with discount cards like GoodRx or SingleCare can provide substantial savings at Walmart and other pharmacies. For Medicare recipients, new benefits in 2025 cap out-of-pocket expenses. By combining these strategies, patients can significantly lower their financial burden and access this important medication. For more information on Mounjaro's pricing, visit the official Lilly pricing information page at pricinginfo.lilly.com/mounjaro.