⚡ Novo Nordisk announced ~50% list price reductions on Wegovy and Ozempic — announced for 2027

GLP-1 Drug Prices by State 2026: What You Will Actually Pay

Sarah Mitchell·2026-05-14
Prescription medication and pharmacy counter showing GLP-1 drug costs by state

Photo by Ravi Roshan on Pexels

The price you pay for a GLP-1 medication in 2026 depends on three factors: which drug your doctor prescribes, whether you have insurance, and — if you are on Medicaid — which state you live in. Without insurance, a monthly supply of Ozempic costs approximately $935. With Medicaid in a coverage-friendly state, your cost may be close to zero. This guide breaks down what real patients pay, state by state, with current data from CMS.gov and manufacturer pricing.

GLP-1 Drug Retail Prices (2026, Without Insurance)

GLP-1 Insurance Coverage by State 2026 glp1costcalculator.com · Data Study 2026 ▲ 5 HIGHEST — INSURED PATIENTS WITH COVERAGE New York 34% California 32% Massachusetts 31% Colorado 29% Illinois 28% ▼ 5 LOWEST — INSURED PATIENTS WITH COVERAGE Mississippi 7% Alabama 8% Georgia 9% Texas 9% Tennessee 10% Source: IQVIA National Prescription Audit · CMS Medicaid Drug Coverage Database 2026 2026

GLP-1 medication insurance coverage by state 2026 · Source: IQVIA · CMS · glp1costcalculator.com

Drug Manufacturer Primary Use Monthly Cost
Ozempic (semaglutide inject.)Novo NordiskType 2 diabetes$935–$970
Wegovy (semaglutide inject.)Novo NordiskChronic weight management$1,349
Mounjaro (tirzepatide inject.)Eli LillyType 2 diabetes$1,069
Zepbound (tirzepatide inject.)Eli LillyChronic weight management$1,059
Rybelsus (oral semaglutide)Novo NordiskType 2 diabetes$935
Compounded semaglutide503B compoundersOff-label weight loss$150–$450

Medicaid Coverage for Weight-Loss GLP-1s by State (2026)

Coverage for GLP-1 medications prescribed specifically for obesity varies dramatically. Diabetes indications are more broadly covered; obesity indications are where costs diverge most sharply.

State Covers Obesity GLP-1s Key Restrictions Est. Monthly OOP
IllinoisYesPrior auth; BMI 30+$0–$5
OregonYesPreferred drug list criteria$0–$3
WashingtonYesPA required; step therapy may apply$0–$5
MinnesotaYesPA required; BMI criteria$0–$5
New YorkPartialCovered with extensive PA requirements$0–$50
CaliforniaPartialMedi-Cal: BMI 35+ or comorbidities required$0–$60
TexasNoNot on preferred drug list for obesity$935–$1,349
FloridaNoNot covered for weight management$935–$1,349
GeorgiaNoNot covered for obesity indication$935–$1,349

How to Reduce Your Cost Regardless of State

  • Manufacturer savings cards: NovoCare can reduce Ozempic/Wegovy to as low as $25/month for commercially insured patients. Eli Lilly's savings card can bring Mounjaro/Zepbound to $25/month.
  • Cost Plus Drugs: Mark Cuban's platform offers semaglutide tablets near cost, typically 80-90 percent below retail.
  • 503B compounders: Compounded semaglutide available at $150-$450/month, though FDA oversight is tightening as shortage status resolves.
  • GoodRx and discount programs: Can reduce retail cost by 15-40 percent at participating pharmacies.

Methodology

Retail pricing sourced from manufacturer published list prices and pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) data as of April 2026. Medicaid coverage data compiled from individual state Medicaid agency preferred drug lists and CMS.gov coverage summaries. Out-of-pocket estimates assume standard Medicaid cost-sharing of $1-$5 for covered drugs.

Calculate Your GLP-1 Out-of-Pocket Cost

Your exact monthly cost depends on your specific insurance plan, state Medicaid rules, and prescribed medication. Use our GLP-1 cost calculator to estimate what you will pay based on your insurance status, state, and drug.

Try the Free Calculator

Get a personalized estimate in seconds.

Use the Calculator →