If the cost of Mounjaro has you feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
Many people managing Type 2 diabetes find it difficult to afford this medication, and it’s a concern we hear about regularly. With a list price over $1,000 for a month’s supply, it’s clear why so many are looking for ways to save.
The good news is that we did the research for you. NeedyMeds currently lists all the available programs for Mounjaro that we know of on our website. In this article, we’re going to break down resources we list on our website and other options that can help with the cost.
What Is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a medication for adults with Type 2 diabetes. It helps the body lower blood sugar levels by improving how insulin works.
Mounjaro helps your body use its own insulin better. It does this by activating two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, which help release insulin when blood sugar is high, reduce sugar made by the liver, and slow digestion to keep blood sugar levels steady.
The drug can also help with weight loss, making it a useful option for managing diabetes and weight. It’s taken as a weekly injection and works well for many people. Sometimes, doctors prescribe Mounjaro with other diabetes medications, like metformin or long-acting insulin, to better control blood sugar and reduce the need for high insulin doses.
Why is Mounjaro So Expensive?
It’s expensive because there are no generic medications available, and there won’t be for a while. Eli Lilly has secured patents for Mounjaro until at least 2036. A generic drug won’t be available until patents for the brand name run out, but that could be an issue.
Manufactures of brand name drugs (including Mounjaro, Eliquis, Xarelto, and more) use various tactics to increase the length of their patents. They may change the formula or even pay generic manufactures to not make a new drug.
Practices like this mean that cheaper equivalents won’t be available for a while. But don’t worry, patients still have various options to save on their Mounjaro prescription.
How Can I Save on Mounjaro?
The Mounjaro Savings Card helps eligible patients lower the cost of their Mounjaro prescriptions.
To qualify, you need commercial insurance, a prescription for Mounjaro, and U.S. residency. Patients on government insurance, such as Medicare or Medicaid, aren’t eligible.
If your insurance covers Mounjaro, the card reduces costs to as little as $25 per month, with an annual savings limit of $1,950. If your insurance does not cover Mounjaro, the card offers up to $473 in savings per prescription, capped at $3,311 annually. The card expires on December 31, 2025, for those with insurance coverage. You must activate the card and meet all requirements every time you use it.
What if i don’t have Commercial insurance?
If you don’t have commercial insurance, you still have options. The following organizations operate based on available funding, so it’s important to apply as soon as funds open up. Visit their websites to check current fund statuses and learn more about how to apply. Use our FPL Calculator to see if you meet their income requirements.
The PAN Foundation
The PAN Foundation provides up to $2,000 per year for individuals managing Type 2 diabetes. Patients can reapply for additional assistance after their eligibility period, depending on available funding. To qualify, you must be receiving treatment for Type 2 diabetes and reside and get treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, although U.S. citizenship is not required.
You must also have Medicare insurance that covers the prescribed medication or product, which must be listed on PAN’s covered medications. Additionally, household income must fall at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.
The HealthWell Foundation
The HealthWell Foundation is a nonprofit that helps underinsured individuals with their healthcare costs. They offer a Type 2 Diabetes Fund, which can provide up to $1,000 to help with copayments for medications, including Mounjaro. To qualify, your household income must be up to 300% of the federal poverty level, and you need to have insurance that covers part of your treatment.
What else is available?
If you’re looking for more options, these programs may be able to help.
Medicare Part D Extra Help Program
The Medicare Part D Extra Help Program lowers medication costs for people with limited income and resources. If you qualify, you could pay as little as $11.20 per prescription fill.
To apply, visit the Social Security Administration’s website or call Medicare for assistance at 800-772-1213. Eligibility depends on your income, savings, and Medicare enrollment.
State Prescription Assistance Programs (SPAPS)
Many states offer SPAPs to help residents pay for medications. These programs vary by state and often support seniors, people with disabilities, or those with certain medical conditions. For example, Pennsylvania’s PACE, New York’s EPIC, and Wisconsin’s SeniorCare programs help cover medication costs or reduce copays. We list government programs on our website that may help with medication costs.
Find Mounjaro Savings And More With NeedyMeds
NeedyMeds does the research so you don’t have to. Whether you have insurance or not, you are likely to find help for the medication you need. Visit NeedyMeds.org now and find medication help today, or call us at 800-503-6897.
