(NewsNation) — While weight loss medications are usually not covered by insurance, there are other ways to secure a medication without a provider.
There are 13 states whose Medicaid programs allow for GLP-1 drugs to be used for the treatment of obesity. Some GLP-1 drugs are only covered by insurance when prescribed for diabetes. Here are your options for getting medication without insurance.
Telehealth websites
If you are looking to get a weight loss drug but lack insurance coverage, telehealth websites such as Ro, Hers and Mochi Health sell GLP-1 drugs for lower prices than what you’d pay at a pharmacy, with plans for certain medications starting at $69 per month.
GoodRx also offers coupons that lower the price of some weight loss medications if purchased at a pharmacy.
Manufacturer programs
In April, drugmaker Novo Nordisk announced it would be collaborating with telehealth services such as Hims and LifeMD to start home shipments of its medication Wegovy for self-paying customers at a cost of $499 per month.
Eli Lilly sells its weight loss medication Zepbound directly from its pharmacy, LillyDirect, between $349 to $499 per month depending on the dosage.