Mounjaro has quickly become one of the most sought-after medications for adults with type 2 diabetes who also need help with weight management. Its ability to deliver strong blood sugar control alongside meaningful weight loss makes it a powerful option, but the price tag without insurance coverage often stops people in their tracks. For many, the monthly cost feels out of reach when paying full retail price.
Without any insurance, savings cards, or assistance programs, the cash price typically ranges from $950 to $1,150 for a 28-day supply (four pens) in the United States as of 2026. This amount varies slightly depending on the pharmacy, location, and current wholesale pricing from Eli Lilly. The high list price reflects the medication’s innovative dual-hormone mechanism and the research investment behind it.
Understanding the real out-of-pocket cost—and the legitimate ways to lower it—can make a significant difference. This article breaks down current cash pricing, pharmacy-to-pharmacy differences, available discount options, and long-term cost considerations so you can plan realistically and explore every avenue to make treatment more affordable.
Current Cash Price of Mounjaro Without Insurance
The average retail cash price for one 28-day supply (four single-dose pens) of Mounjaro ranges between $950 and $1,150 in most U.S. regions in 2026. Prices tend to be lowest at large chain pharmacies with discount programs and highest at independent or specialty pharmacies. The exact amount fluctuates slightly month to month based on manufacturer pricing and pharmacy markups.
Higher strengths (10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg) usually cost the same as lower strengths because the pens contain the same volume (0.5 mL) and are priced per pen rather than per milligram. This uniform pricing across doses is a key feature of Eli Lilly’s strategy for the brand.
Patients who pay cash without any discount card or coupon typically face the full list price. That means a year of treatment could easily run $11,400–$13,800 before any savings programs are applied.
How Much Does Mounjaro Cost Without Insurance
Without insurance or any discount program, a single month’s supply of Mounjaro costs $950–$1,150 at most pharmacies in 2026. This range reflects typical retail pricing after pharmacy markups and regional differences. The lowest cash prices are often found at large national chains that participate in transparent pricing programs, while smaller independent pharmacies may charge closer to the higher end.
The price is the same regardless of dose strength because each pen delivers 0.5 mL of solution, whether it is 2.5 mg or 15 mg. That means moving up during titration does not increase the monthly cost for cash-paying patients. Refills follow the same pricing structure.
Pharmacies sometimes offer small cash discounts or match online coupon prices, but the full list price remains the baseline for anyone without coverage or savings assistance.
Pharmacy Price Variations Across Major Chains
Large chain pharmacies generally offer the most competitive cash prices due to their buying power and participation in discount networks. Walmart, Costco (membership required), Sam’s Club (membership required), and Kroger often list Mounjaro in the $950–$1,050 range for cash payers. CVS and Walgreens typically fall in the $1,000–$1,150 range unless a coupon is applied.
Independent pharmacies and smaller regional chains can charge higher prices—sometimes $1,100–$1,300—because they have less negotiating leverage with wholesalers. Specialty pharmacies that handle many injectable diabetes medications may offer competitive pricing but usually require a prescription transfer and may add shipping fees if mail-order is involved.
Price shopping by calling or checking online tools (GoodRx, SingleCare, etc.) before filling can save $100–$200 per month for cash payers.
Comparison of Mounjaro Cash Prices vs. Similar GLP-1 Medications (2026)
| Medication | Active Ingredient | Typical Cash Price (28-day supply) | Dose Range Covered by Price | Availability of Generic | Manufacturer Savings Card Available? | Notes on Price Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | $950–$1,150 | All strengths (2.5–15 mg) | No | Yes (as low as $25 for eligible) | Uniform pricing per pen |
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | $900–$1,100 | 0.25–2 mg | No | Yes (similar savings card) | Slightly lower average cash price |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | $1,300–$1,600 | 0.25–2.4 mg | No | Yes | Higher due to higher-dose pens |
| Trulicity | Dulaglutide | $800–$1,000 | 0.75–4.5 mg | No | Yes | Often lowest cash price in class |
| Rybelsus (oral) | Semaglutide | $900–$1,100 | 3–14 mg daily | No | Yes | Oral convenience but similar cost |
| Saxenda (daily) | Liraglutide | $1,200–$1,400 | Up to 3 mg daily | No | Yes | Daily dosing increases total cost |
This table shows approximate 2026 cash prices without insurance or discounts for a 28-day supply.
Manufacturer Savings Card and Patient Assistance Programs
Eli Lilly provides a savings card that reduces the cost to as low as $25 per 28-day fill for commercially insured patients who meet eligibility criteria (most cash-paying patients do not qualify). The card has maximum annual savings limits and requires activation through the manufacturer’s website or your prescriber.
For patients who are uninsured or whose insurance denies coverage, the Lilly Cares Foundation patient assistance program offers Mounjaro at no cost or very low cost based on household income and size. Applications require proof of income, denial letters (if insured), and a completed prescriber form.
Both programs are widely used and can reduce monthly costs from over $1,000 to $0–$50 for eligible individuals. Renewal is required periodically, and changes in insurance status must be reported.
Discount Cards and Pharmacy Savings Programs
Third-party discount cards such as GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver, and others regularly bring the cash price down to $900–$1,100 per month at participating pharmacies. These cards are free to use, require no insurance, and are accepted at most major chains and many independent pharmacies.
Some pharmacies offer their own cash-pay discount programs or price-matching policies. Costco and Sam’s Club (with membership) often provide the lowest consistent cash prices due to their bulk purchasing power. Walmart and Kroger frequently match or beat online coupon prices.
Comparing prices across several discount platforms before filling can save $50–$200 per month compared with paying the full retail amount.
Strategies to Lower Your Out-of-Pocket Cost
Ask your prescriber whether Mounjaro is the only suitable option or if a covered alternative (Ozempic, Trulicity) could meet your needs with lower cost. If diabetes is present, check whether Mounjaro can be billed under the diabetes indication in your plan, which sometimes unlocks better coverage.
Apply for the Lilly Cares patient assistance program early if you are uninsured or underinsured; processing can take several weeks. Use a discount card for immediate relief while waiting for assistance approval. Split-fill options (two pens instead of four) are sometimes available at pharmacies to reduce upfront cost.
Regular follow-up with your provider ensures documentation stays current if you pursue insurance coverage or appeals later.
Summary
Without insurance, Mounjaro typically costs $950–$1,150 for a 28-day supply (four pens) in 2026, with prices varying by pharmacy, region, and chain. Large national retailers and discount card programs often bring the cash price closer to $900–$1,100. Manufacturer savings cards reduce costs to $25 per fill for eligible commercially insured patients, while the Lilly Cares patient assistance program provides free or low-cost medication for qualifying uninsured or underinsured individuals. Price shopping with GoodRx, SingleCare, and other tools, combined with membership pharmacies (Costco, Sam’s Club), offers the most immediate savings for cash payers. Exploring alternatives, appealing insurance denials, and applying for assistance programs can further lower or eliminate out-of-pocket expenses. Checking multiple sources and working with your prescriber maximizes affordability.
FAQ
How much does Mounjaro cost per month without insurance?
A 28-day supply (four pens) usually costs $950–$1,150 at retail pharmacies in 2026. Prices are lowest at large chains using discount programs and highest at independent pharmacies. The cost is the same regardless of dose strength.
Are there discounts available for cash-paying patients?
Yes. Discount cards like GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver typically reduce the price to $900–$1,100 per month. Costco and Sam’s Club (with membership) often offer the lowest consistent cash prices. These discounts require no insurance.
Does the Mounjaro savings card work without insurance?
No. The Lilly savings card is only valid for commercially insured patients who meet eligibility rules. Uninsured or Medicaid patients do not qualify. The Lilly Cares patient assistance program serves uninsured or underinsured individuals instead.
How can I get Mounjaro for free or very low cost?
Apply to the Lilly Cares Foundation patient assistance program if your household income is at or below 400–500% of the federal poverty level (guidelines vary). The program provides medication at no cost or very low cost after approval. Processing usually takes several weeks.
Why is Mounjaro so expensive without insurance?
The high list price reflects research and development costs, manufacturing, and the medication’s patented dual-hormone mechanism. Without insurance negotiation or discount programs, patients pay the full wholesale price plus pharmacy markup. Generic versions are not yet available.
Can I use GoodRx or other coupons with insurance?
No. Most discount cards cannot be combined with insurance. If you have insurance but high copays or denial, choose one path—use insurance and appeal, or pay cash with a discount card. Your pharmacy can help determine the lowest cost option.
