Zepbound Coupons & Savings: Complete Guide to Reducing Costs

Zepbound Cost Overview: Base Pricing

Understanding Zepbound's base cost is essential context for savings programs. The list price (what Eli Lilly charges to wholesalers) is approximately $1,060 per month ($12,720 per year) for a single injection pen at the maximum dose of 15 mg. Exact pricing varies slightly by dose and location:

These are list prices. Most patients never pay the full list price due to insurance, savings programs, or patient assistance.

Eli Lilly Zepbound Savings Card (LillyDirect)

The official Eli Lilly Zepbound Savings Card is the most valuable cost reduction option for patients with commercial insurance. It's managed through their LillyDirect program and offers substantial savings for eligible patients.

How to Get the Zepbound Savings Card

Step 1: Check eligibility by visiting zepbound.com or calling 1-844-ZEPBOUND (1-844-937-2683). You'll need your insurance information and prescription details. Eligibility typically takes less than 5 minutes to determine.

Step 2: Download or request the card online at zepbound.com. You can request the card be mailed to you or print a digital version immediately. Many doctors' offices also have cards available.

Step 3: Present the card at the pharmacy along with your prescription when filling Zepbound. The pharmacy will process it like an insurance card, applying the savings automatically at checkout.

Step 4: Confirm your out-of-pocket cost with the pharmacist. It should be significantly lower than your normal copay. If not, call LillyDirect support to verify your enrollment.

Savings Card Benefits and Amounts

• Patients with commercial insurance: Typically pay $0-$250 per month out-of-pocket, saving $250-$1,060 per month depending on your plan
• Patients without insurance coverage: Can access LillyDirect pricing at approximately $499 per month (a 53% discount from list price)
• Maximum benefit: $12,000 per year in savings for those who qualify
• No income limits: Most commercial insurance patients qualify regardless of income
• Renewable: The card renews annually and can be used for multiple years of treatment

Savings Card Eligibility Requirements

You are eligible for the Zepbound Savings Card if:

• You have a valid prescription for Zepbound from a licensed healthcare provider
• You are a U.S. resident (cannot be used internationally)
• You have commercial (private) insurance OR are willing to use the self-pay discount pricing
• You are not eligible for or do not have Medicare or Medicaid coverage for Zepbound
• You do not live in states with certain insurance commissioner restrictions (rare, your state is likely eligible)

You are NOT eligible if:

• Your prescription is for Mounjaro (the diabetes version) — Mounjaro has a separate copay card
• You are covered by Medicare or Medicaid for Zepbound (you must use your government insurance instead)
• Your pharmacy is not in network with the program (extremely rare — nearly all U.S. pharmacies participate)

Using the Savings Card WITH Your Insurance

This is the key to maximum savings. The Zepbound Savings Card works together with your commercial insurance:

1. Your insurance pays its portion of the drug cost
2. You pay your normal copay (could be $100-$250 depending on your plan)
3. Eli Lilly covers any remaining cost above the copay, up to certain limits
4. Result: You pay the discounted copay, Eli Lilly covers the gap

Example: Drug costs $1,060. Insurance negotiated rate is $800. Your copay is $150. You pay $150. Eli Lilly covers $650. Result: Insurance company, you, and Eli Lilly all share costs.

Compare this to without the card: You might pay $300-$400 copay with your insurance alone. The card ensures you never pay more than a certain amount per month.

LillyDirect: Self-Pay Discount Program

If you don't have insurance or prefer to self-pay, LillyDirect offers discount pricing that's significantly better than the full list price.

Pricing

Self-pay patients using LillyDirect can obtain Zepbound for approximately $499 per month, compared to the full list price of $1,060+. This represents a 53% discount and makes the cost comparable to compounded tirzepatide alternatives.

How to Access LillyDirect Pricing

Option 1 (Easiest): Tell your pharmacist you want to use the uninsured/self-pay price when filling your prescription. Many pharmacies can look this up in their system automatically.

Option 2: Call Eli Lilly customer service at 1-844-ZEPBOUND and ask for the self-pay/uninsured price. They'll provide you with a code to give to the pharmacy.

Option 3: Visit zepbound.com and use their price lookup tool to find self-pay pricing at your local pharmacy.

Limitations

• $499/month is higher than what insured patients with good coverage pay ($0-$250)
• Still affordable for many but requires consistent out-of-pocket spending
• If you become insured later, you should switch to insurance to save more
• No income-based assistance at this price point — if you cannot afford even $499/month, you need Lilly Cares

Lilly Cares: Patient Assistance Program

Lilly Cares is Eli Lilly's patient assistance program (PAP) providing free or reduced-cost Zepbound to patients who cannot afford it. This program exists specifically for patients who fall through the cracks of insurance and cannot afford even the discounted prices.

Eligibility

Lilly Cares eligibility is based primarily on household income. In 2026, general guidelines are:

• Single person: Annual income below approximately $38,000-$48,000 (adjusts yearly)
• Family of 4: Annual income below approximately $78,000-$98,000 (adjusts yearly)
• Income limits are typically up to 300% of the federal poverty level
• Program also accepts patients with insurance who have been denied coverage or face unaffordable copays
• No citizenship requirements — lawful permanent residents and visa holders may qualify

Eligibility requirements include:

• Valid prescription for Zepbound from a licensed provider
• U.S. resident
• Uninsured, underinsured, or unable to afford copays
• Household income below program thresholds

How to Apply for Lilly Cares

Step 1: Contact Lilly Cares at 1-800-LILLY-RX (1-800-545-5979) or online at lillyforall.com. A representative will discuss your situation and eligibility.

Step 2: Gather required documentation:

• Photo ID and Social Security number
• Proof of income (recent tax return, pay stubs, or benefit statement from Social Security/unemployment)
• Proof of U.S. residency (utility bill, lease, or insurance statement)
• Valid prescription for Zepbound
• Medical insurance documentation if you have coverage

Step 3: Complete application which can be done online, by phone, or in paper form. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Step 4: Enrollment confirmation and your Zepbound will be delivered at no cost or as a co-pay depending on your financial situation.

Benefits

• Zepbound provided at no cost or minimal cost to qualified applicants
• Medication is mailed directly to your home (may work with specialty pharmacy)
• No enrollment fees
• Renewable annually
• Can be obtained while waiting for insurance coverage

Important: If you are later approved for insurance coverage of Zepbound, you should transition to insurance. Lilly Cares is designed for those who cannot afford other options, not as a first-choice program for those who can pay through insurance.

Navigating Insurance Coverage

Commercial Insurance

Commercial insurance plans vary widely in their coverage of Zepbound. Most major insurers (Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealth, Anthem, Humana) cover Zepbound with varying degrees of cost-sharing.

Formulary Tier and Copay

Zepbound is typically placed on Tier 3 or Tier 4 of an insurance plan's formulary. This means:

• Tier 1 (Generic): $5-$15 copay
• Tier 2 (Preferred Brand): $25-$50 copay
• Tier 3 (Non-preferred Brand): $75-$150 copay
• Tier 4 (Specialty): $150-$250+ copay or 20-30% coinsurance

Most plans place Zepbound on Tier 3 or 4, meaning $75-$250 copay depending on your specific plan. The Eli Lilly Savings Card then covers anything above that copay (up to the full cost).

Prior Authorization Process

Many insurance plans require prior authorization (PA) before they will cover Zepbound. This is a approval process to confirm you meet medical necessity criteria.

Typical PA Requirements:

• BMI greater than 27 (or greater than 25 in some cases) with documented weight-related condition (hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc.)
• BMI greater than 30 (obesity) even without weight-related conditions
• Documentation of failed previous weight loss attempts or contraindications to other treatments
• Patient signed informed consent acknowledging medication purpose and risks

PA Process:

1. Your doctor\'s office submits PA request to insurance with medical records showing you meet criteria
2. Insurance reviews within 1-3 business days (sometimes up to 5-10 days)
3. Insurance approves or denies based on their criteria
4. Approval is usually granted if criteria are clearly documented
5. Approval is valid for typically 1 year, covering all refills

If PA is denied, your doctor can appeal by submitting additional documentation or requesting a peer-to-peer review with a medical director.

Deductibles and Out-of-Pocket Maximums

Your insurance deductible still applies to Zepbound. If you haven't met your annual deductible, you may pay the full negotiated price (often $400-$800 per month) until your deductible is satisfied. Once deductible is met, you pay your copay.

Zepbound typically counts toward your out-of-pocket maximum, meaning once you've paid $1,000-$5,000 out-of-pocket in a year (depending on your plan), insurance covers 100% of the remaining cost.

Strategy: If you have high deductible insurance, consider using the self-pay LillyDirect pricing ($499/month) until you meet your deductible, then switching to insurance after deductible is satisfied. Your doctor can provide both a prescription for insurance coverage and for self-pay as backup.

Medicare Coverage

Medicare coverage of Zepbound has been evolving. As of February 2026:

• Medicare Part D: Many Part D plans cover tirzepatide but typically place it on high tiers (Tier 4 or 5) with copays of $100-$250 per month
• Coverage varies by plan: Some plans may not cover Zepbound at all, or only cover Mounjaro (diabetes version)
• Coverage for weight loss: Medicare coverage specifically for weight management (not diabetes) is very limited as of early 2026
• What to do: Check your specific Part D plan\'s formulary on Medicare.gov to see if tirzepatide is covered and at what tier

Medicaid Coverage

Medicaid coverage of Zepbound varies dramatically by state:

• States with coverage: California, New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, and several others cover Zepbound for eligible recipients
• States without coverage: Some states do not cover Zepbound at all for weight loss as of 2026
• Eligibility requirements: States that do cover typically require BMI > 30 (or > 27 with conditions) and may require prior authorization
• Copays: Usually very low ($0-$5 per prescription in covered states)
• What to do: Contact your state\'s Medicaid program or visit their website to check current coverage status

Major Medicaid Programs:

• California Medicaid (Medi-Cal): Generally covers tirzepatide with PA
• New York Medicaid: Generally covers tirzepatide
• Texas Medicaid: Limited coverage as of 2026
• Florida Medicaid: Does not currently cover Zepbound for weight loss

Since state Medicaid programs change frequently, call your specific state program or visit their website for current status.

Discount Cards and Pharmacy Programs (GoodRx, SingleCare, etc.)

Third-party discount pharmacy programs can provide savings on Zepbound, though typically less than official manufacturer programs.

GoodRx Typical Pricing

• Single Zepbound injection: $799-$899 (varies by location and pharmacy)
• Annual cost: Approximately $9,600-$10,800 (12 injections)
• Savings vs list price: 10-25% discount
• Comparison: Eli Lilly Savings Card ($0-$250/month) is usually better

When to Use Discount Cards

• If ineligible for official Eli Lilly Savings Card for some reason
• If you need Zepbound before insurance approval/PA is completed
• If your insurance denies coverage and you\'re waiting on appeal
• To compare prices at different pharmacies in your area
• As backup pricing if your insurance copay is high

How to Use GoodRx/SingleCare

1. Visit goodrx.com or singulcare.com
2. Search for "Zepbound" and your zip code
3. Compare prices at different pharmacies
4. Click on a pharmacy to get a coupon code
5. Present the coupon at the pharmacy or use the code when paying
6. Get the discounted price immediately at checkout

Important Warnings

• Insurance companies may not allow you to use discount cards instead of your insurance copay
• Using a discount card can sometimes trigger insurance issues or affect your claim history
• Always ask your pharmacy: "Should I use my insurance or this discount card?"
• Discount cards are best for truly uninsured patients

Cost Comparison: Zepbound vs Alternatives

Key takeaway: For insured patients, brand Zepbound with the Eli Lilly Savings Card is the cheapest option by far. For uninsured patients, compounded tirzepatide may be slightly cheaper than LillyDirect pricing ($250-350 vs $499), though quality and efficacy may differ. Always try Eli Lilly's official programs before considering compounded alternatives.

Zepbound vs Mounjaro: Why Cost Matters

Zepbound and Mounjaro contain identical tirzepatide but are approved for different uses. This affects insurance coverage and pricing:

• Zepbound: FDA approved for weight management in people with obesity or overweight with conditions. Insurance often has different (sometimes higher) copays. The Eli Lilly Savings Card specifically applies to Zepbound.
• Mounjaro: FDA approved for Type 2 diabetes. Insurance coverage is often better because it\'s for an FDA-approved diabetes indication. Some insurance plans may cover Mounjaro better than Zepbound.

Strategy: If you have Type 2 diabetes AND excess weight, some patients find Mounjaro has better insurance coverage than Zepbound. Ask your doctor about this possibility. The medication is the same; only the approved indication differs.

What to Do If Insurance Denies Zepbound

Common Denial Reasons

• "Prior authorization not obtained" — Your doctor must submit PA
• "Does not meet medical necessity criteria" — You don't have documented obesity or overweight with conditions
• "Not on formulary" — The drug is excluded from your plan (rare)
• "Experimental" — Outdated reason (Zepbound is FDA-approved and no longer experimental)
• "Step therapy required" — You must try cheaper drugs first

Appeal Process

1. Get the denial letter from insurance within 2-3 business days of denial
2. Talk to your doctor about the specific denial reason
3. Request an appeal: Call your insurance company and request a formal appeal. Time limit is usually 60-180 days from denial date.
4. Provide additional documentation: More recent weight, BMI calculation, documented weight-related conditions, photos of weight gain if relevant
5. Request peer-to-peer review: Ask for your doctor to speak directly with the insurance company\'s medical director (often approved in peer-to-peer calls)
6. External review: If appeal is denied, request an external independent review
7. Use other payment options while appealing: Eli Lilly Savings Card, LillyDirect pricing, or Lilly Cares can provide medication while appeal is pending

Timeline

• Standard appeal: Decision within 30 days
• Expedited appeal: Decision within 72 hours (request this for urgent situations)
• External review: Decision within 30 days

Many insurance denials are ultimately overturned on appeal, especially with peer-to-peer review. Don't give up on insurance coverage — persevere with appeals while using other payment options.

Strategies for Maximum Savings

Best Case Scenario (Maximum Savings)

If you have good commercial insurance that covers Zepbound:

1. Get prior authorization completed by your doctor
2. Enroll in the Eli Lilly Zepbound Savings Card at zepbound.com
3. Present the savings card at pharmacy along with insurance
4. Pay your regular copay ($0-$250)
5. Eli Lilly covers anything above that
6. Annual cost: $0-$3,000 for insured patients (often $0-$1,000)

Moderate Case Scenario (With Insurance)

If you have insurance but face access barriers:

1. Check your insurance formulary and copay tier
2. Complete prior authorization process
3. Appeal if initially denied
4. Enroll in Eli Lilly Savings Card for cost assistance
5. Annual cost: $1,000-$3,000

Self-Pay Case (No Insurance)

If you don't have insurance or it doesn't cover Zepbound:

1. Check Lilly Cares income eligibility (free program if you qualify)
2. If ineligible for Lilly Cares, use LillyDirect self-pay pricing ($499/month)
3. Do NOT pay full list price without attempting savings programs first
4. Consider compounded tirzepatide as alternative ($250-$350/month) if LillyDirect is unaffordable
5. Annual cost: $3,000-$6,000 (with LillyDirect) or $2,400-$4,200 (with compounding)

Low-Income Case (Lilly Cares)

If you qualify for patient assistance:

1. Apply for Lilly Cares at lillyforall.com or 1-800-LILLY-RX
2. Wait 2-4 weeks for processing
3. Receive Zepbound at no cost or minimal cost
4. Annual cost: $0 to minimal copay

Red Flags: What to Avoid

• Paying full list price ($1,060+): You don't need to do this. Always use savings card or other programs first.
• Paying pharmacy pricing without checking discount cards: Always ask pharmacy to check GoodRx prices as backup.
• Third-party \"coupon sites\" asking for personal information: Stick with official sources (zepbound.com, lillyforall.com, goodrx.com).
• \"Guaranteed approval\" services charging fees: Eli Lilly, insurance companies, and legitimate patient assistance never charge application fees.
• Overseas pharmacies offering "cheaper Zepbound": FDA does not allow importation of most biologic drugs like tirzepatide. Avoid.
• Buying Zepbound without a prescription: It requires a valid prescription. If someone offers it without, it\'s likely counterfeit.