Yes, it is real. You can pay just $25 a month for tirzepatide. But there is a catch — a few of them, actually. How to Get Tirzepatide for $25 a Month With Insurance depends on having the right insurance, the right prescription, and knowing exactly how to use Eli Lilly’s savings card. This step-by-step guide shows you how.
Why Tirzepatide Normally Costs So Much
Brand-name tirzepatide — sold as Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound for weight loss and sleep apnea — has a list price of about $1,079 to $1,086 per month. Without any savings program, that is over $13,000 per year. That price reflects years of research, clinical trials, and manufacturing. That is where Eli Lilly’s savings programs come in.
What Is the $25 Tirzepatide Savings Card?
Eli Lilly offers a manufacturer savings card, also called a copay card, that can reduce your monthly cost to as little as $25. For Mounjaro, you pay $25 for up to a 3-month fill when your commercial insurance covers it.
For Zepbound, you pay $25 per fill — 1, 2, or 3 months — when your commercial insurance covers it. The card saves up to $100 per 1-month fill, $200 per 2-month fill, or $300 per 3-month fill, with an annual cap of $1,300 for Zepbound and $1,950 for Mounjaro.
Who Qualifies?
The eligibility rules are strict. You must be a U.S. resident age 18 or older. You must have a valid prescription for an FDA-approved use — obesity, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea. You must have commercial private health insurance that covers your prescription. And you must not be enrolled in any government-funded program, including Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA benefits, or CHIP.
If you are on Medicare — even Medicare Advantage — you cannot use this card. If you are on Medicaid, you cannot use it. Federal law specifically bans manufacturer coupons from being combined with government insurance.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Tirzepatide for $25 a Month With Insurance
- Step 1: Get your prescription. Ask your doctor to prescribe Mounjaro if you have type 2 diabetes or Zepbound if you have obesity or sleep apnea. Make sure it is for an FDA-approved use.
- Step 2: Verify your insurance covers it. Call the member services number on your insurance card and ask whether your plan covers Mounjaro or Zepbound. Ask which formulary tier it falls under — the higher the tier, the more you pay before the card kicks in.
- Step 3: Enroll in the savings card. Visit zepbound.lilly.com/savings or mounjaro.lilly.com/savings-resources. Enrollment takes about 2 minutes. Confirm your insurance details, provide a HIPAA authorization, and download your digital savings card with the BIN, PCN, and Group numbers.
- Step 4: Present the card at the pharmacy. Bring your prescription and digital savings card to CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid, Kroger, or another participating pharmacy. Show the card before the prescription is processed.
- Step 5: Pay $25. The savings card covers the rest of your copay. Some pharmacies may need to call a helpline to process it — this is normal. The current savings card expires December 31, 2026, so you will need to re-enroll annually.
What If My Insurance Does Not Cover Tirzepatide?
This is more common than most people expect, especially for Zepbound prescribed for weight loss. Many plans still do not include obesity medications.
If your insurance does not cover it, Eli Lilly offers a self-pay savings card that brings your cost to around $499 per month for single-dose pens — not $25, but significantly below the list price.
You can also buy Zepbound vials directly from Eli Lilly through LillyDirect at $299 to $449 per month depending on your dose. No insurance is required. You just need a valid prescription and must refill within 45 days to keep the discounted price.
If navigating insurance and pharmacy logistics feels overwhelming, TirzepatideRX Online offers physician-supervised tirzepatide with once-weekly injections, home delivery, and ongoing support at clearly listed prices with no hidden fees.
Their Monthly Plan is $399/month with the flexibility to cancel anytime. Their 3-Month Plan is $1,125 total with quarterly assessments and priority support. Their 6-Month Plan is $2,199 total with bi-monthly check-ins, nutritional guidance, and premium support for the best value. You can start your care plan here or visit their blog for more guides on affording tirzepatide.
Will Medicare Ever Cover Tirzepatide for Weight Loss?
Not yet, but it may be coming. A proposed Medicare program called the BALANCE Model is expected to begin mid-2026 for eligible patients with obesity and related conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease. Projected copays would be around $50 per month. This program has not yet been enacted as of early 2026. Watch for updates through Medicare.gov or your plan provider.
Real Patient Experience
“My doctor prescribed Mounjaro for my type 2 diabetes,” says Sandra, 48, from Georgia. “I went to the pharmacy and saw a $1,086 bill. I almost walked out. Then the pharmacist mentioned a savings card from Eli Lilly. I enrolled on my phone right there. Walked out paying $25. I had no idea that program existed.”
The savings programs are real, but you often have to ask about them. Know your options before you arrive at the pharmacy.
Tips to Maximize Your Savings
Ask your doctor for a 3-month prescription since the savings card saves more per fill on 90-day supplies. Enroll in the savings card before your first fill because you cannot apply it retroactively. Use a mail-order pharmacy if your plan allows it, since copays are often lower.
Check whether your employer benefits include GLP-1 coverage since many large employers added it in 2025. If insurance denies your claim, ask your doctor to submit an appeal with clinical documentation.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to get Tirzepatide for $25 a Month With Insurance can save you thousands of dollars per year. The savings are real, but they require the right insurance, the right prescription, and knowing where to enroll. If insurance coverage is out of reach, programs like LillyDirect and transparent telehealth services offer meaningful alternatives. Do not let the sticker price stop you from exploring what tirzepatide could do for your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get Tirzepatide for $25 a Month With Insurance?
Enroll in Eli Lilly’s free savings card at zepbound.lilly.com/savings or mounjaro.lilly.com/savings-resources, then present the digital card when filling your prescription at a participating pharmacy.
Do I need insurance to get tirzepatide for $25?
Yes — the $25 rate requires commercial insurance that covers the medication; without coverage the self-pay rate starts at $499 per month for pens or $299 to $449 per month for vials via LillyDirect.
Can Medicare patients use the Eli Lilly savings card?
No — federal law prohibits Medicare, Medicaid, and other government insurance holders from using manufacturer copay cards.
How long does the savings card last?
The current Zepbound and Mounjaro savings cards expire December 31, 2026; you will need to re-enroll next year.
What if my pharmacy says the savings card does not work?
Ask the pharmacist to re-process after insurance with the savings card applied as secondary; if the issue continues, call the number on the back of the card for real-time support.
References
Eli Lilly — Zepbound Savings and Coverage: https://zepbound.lilly.com/savings
Eli Lilly — Mounjaro Savings Resources: https://mounjaro.lilly.com/savings-resources
Medicare.gov — Prescription Drug Coverage Part D: https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d
