Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
List price: ≈ $1,080 per month (about $12,960 per year)
That figure is the U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) that the drug’s manufacturer, Eli Lilly, uses for pharmacy benefit managers and insurers. It’s the price you’ll see on the drug’s “black‑box” label and in most pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) formularies.
---
How the list price works in real life
| Item | Typical impact on your out‑of‑pocket cost |
|------|-------------------------------------------|
| Insurance copay/coinsurance | Many plans cover a large portion of the list price (often 10–25 %). |
| Formulary tier | Mounjaro is usually on the high‑tier (Tier 4/5), meaning you’ll pay a larger share before insurance kicks in. |
| Manufacturer coupons / savings cards | Eli Lilly offers a $300‑to‑$400 savings card that can reduce the copay/coinsurance. |
| Patient assistance programs | Eligibility depends on income and insurance status. |
| Pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) rebates | PBMs negotiate rebates with the manufacturer that can lower the actual cost you pay, but the rebate isn’t usually passed directly to the patient. |
---
Example cost calculations
| Scenario | List price | 25 % copay (typical) | Monthly out‑of‑pocket (after copay) | 12‑month cost |
|----------|------------|----------------------|--------------------------------------|---------------|
| Private insurance, no additional savings | $1,080 | $270 | $270 | $3,240 |
| Private insurance + $350 savings card | $1,080 | $270 – $350 = $0 | $0 (cap) | $0 |
| Medicaid (many states cover fully) | $1,080 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Self‑pay | $1,080 | $0 | $1,080 | $12,960 |
These numbers are illustrative; your plan’s exact copays, coinsurance, and out‑of‑pocket limits will determine the real cost.
---
Why the list price is higher than other weight‑loss drugs
- Novel mechanism: Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP‑1 receptor agonist, not just a GLP‑1 mimic.
- Clinical trial costs: Development of a new class of drugs is expensive.
- Limited competition: No direct competitors yet at the same efficacy level.
---
Quick take‑away
- $1,080/month is the MSRP; most patients pay far less thanks to insurance, manufacturer savings programs, and possible Medicaid coverage.
- If you’re unsure what your plan will cover, call your insurer or ask your pharmacy for a “benefits review” before starting Mounjaro.
- Always check whether your insurer offers a patient assistance program or savings card; it can make the drug free or inexpensive.
---
Got more questions?
- How to apply for a savings card?
- What is the typical dosage schedule for Mounjaro?
- Are there alternative medications with similar efficacy?
Feel free to ask!