Mounjaro, a medication for type 2 diabetes, is expensive, often costing over $1,000 per month without insurance. Many patients wonder, “Does Mounjaro have patient assistance?” to help manage these costs.
While Eli Lilly, the manufacturer, does not offer a traditional patient assistance program for Mounjaro, other savings options exist. This article explores these options, including coupons, discounts, and alternative strategies to make Mounjaro more affordable.
Understanding Mounjaro and Its Costs
Mounjaro, or tirzepatide, is an injectable medication used with diet and exercise to control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Its retail price ranges from $1,069 to $1,463 per month, depending on the pharmacy and dosage. Without insurance, these costs can be a significant burden for patients.
The high price prompts many to seek financial assistance. Understanding available savings options is key to maintaining treatment. Let’s explore whether Mounjaro has patient assistance and other ways to reduce costs.
Does Mounjaro Have a Patient Assistance Program?
Eli Lilly does not currently offer a patient assistance program (PAP) specifically for Mounjaro, unlike some of their other medications.
PAPs typically provide free or low-cost drugs to uninsured or low-income patients, but Mounjaro is not included in Lilly’s Lilly Cares program. This absence leaves many patients searching for alternative savings.
Instead, Eli Lilly focuses on a Mounjaro Savings Card for commercially insured patients. Other discount options are available for those without insurance. Exploring these alternatives helps address the question, “Does Mounjaro have patient assistance?”
The Mounjaro Savings Card Program
The Mounjaro Savings Card is Eli Lilly’s primary cost-saving option. Eligible patients with commercial insurance can pay as little as $25 for a 1-month (4 pens) or 3-month (12 pens) supply. The program is valid through December 31, 2025, for those with coverage and June 30, 2025, for those without.
Patients must be U.S. or Puerto Rico residents, 18 or older, and not enrolled in government-funded insurance like Medicare or Medicaid. The card offers up to $150 monthly savings for covered patients and $463 for non-covered, with annual caps of $1,950 and $6,019, respectively. This card is a key answer to the question, “Does Mounjaro have patient assistance?”
How to Get the Mounjaro Savings Card
Follow these steps to access the Mounjaro Savings Card:
- Visit the Mounjaro Website: Go to mounjaro.lilly.com and find the savings section.
2.-AA Complete the Eligibility Form: Answer questions about your insurance and prescription. - Download the Card: Choose to download, email, text, or add it to your mobile wallet.
- Present at the Pharmacy: Show the card with your prescription to apply the discount.
This process is quick and user-friendly. Save the card digitally for easy access at refills. The card significantly reduces costs for eligible patients.
Table: Mounjaro Savings Card Details
| Insurance Status | Supply Duration | Max Monthly Savings | Annual Savings Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Insurance with Coverage | 1–3 months | $150 (1-month), $450 (3-month) | $1,950 |
| Commercial Insurance without Coverage | 1 month | $463 | $6,019 |
| Government Insurance (e.g., Medicare) | Not eligible | N/A | N/A |
| Maximum Fills | Up to 13/year | N/A | Varies by insurance |
This table outlines the savings potential and limitations of the Mounjaro Savings Card.
Other Ways to Save on Mounjaro
If you don’t qualify for the Savings Card, alternative options can lower Mounjaro’s cost. Discount cards from GoodRx, SingleCare, or Optum Perks can reduce prices to $935–$1,047 per month, saving up to 27%. Comparing pharmacy prices helps find the best deal.
Ask your doctor for Mounjaro samples, typically a 1-month supply of 2.5 mg pens. HSA or FSA funds can also cover costs. These strategies provide relief for those asking, “Does Mounjaro have patient assistance?”
Off-Label Use and Savings Challenges
Mounjaro is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, but some doctors prescribe it off-label for weight loss. The Savings Card typically applies only to FDA-approved uses, so weight loss prescriptions may not qualify. This limitation can increase out-of-pocket costs.
Zepbound, another tirzepatide medication for weight loss, has its own savings program. Discuss with your doctor if Zepbound is an option. Understanding these restrictions helps manage expectations for assistance.
Insurance Coverage for Mounjaro
Insurance coverage varies by plan. Many commercial plans cover Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes but may require prior authorization. Government plans like Medicare or Medicaid often don’t cover it, excluding patients from the Savings Card.
Check your plan’s formulary to confirm coverage. If denied, appeal with your doctor’s help or explore discount cards. Knowing your insurance details is crucial for finding savings.
Troubleshooting Savings Card Issues
If the Savings Card isn’t accepted, ensure your prescription is for type 2 diabetes and your insurance details are correct. Pharmacies may need the coverage code (“08” for covered, “03” for non-covered). Try a different pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens if issues persist.
Contact Eli Lilly at 1-833-807-6576 for support. Reapplying for a new card can resolve expired or invalid cards. Quick action ensures you access the discount.
Exploring Pharmacy Discounts
GoodRx and SingleCare offer free coupons that lower Mounjaro’s price to around $935 for a 1-month supply. These are ideal for uninsured patients or those whose insurance doesn’t cover Mounjaro. No enrollment is needed, and coupons are reusable.
Compare prices at local pharmacies, as costs vary by location. Online tools make this process easy. These discounts are a practical alternative for those seeking patient assistance.
Using HSA or FSA Funds
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can cover Mounjaro costs with pre-tax dollars.
This reduces your effective out-of-pocket expense, especially for uninsured patients. Check your account balance before filling your prescription.
Ensure your prescription is valid and documented for HSA/FSA use. This option complements other savings strategies. It’s a smart way to manage costs without a traditional PAP.
Requesting Samples from Your Doctor
Doctors often receive Mounjaro samples from Eli Lilly, typically 2.5 mg pens for a 1-month supply. Ask your healthcare provider if samples are available to try the medication before purchasing. Samples are not guaranteed but can reduce initial costs.
This approach is especially helpful for uninsured patients or those testing Mounjaro’s effectiveness. It’s a limited but useful option for short-term savings. Always confirm availability with your doctor.
Exploring Alternative Medications
If Mounjaro is unaffordable, ask your doctor about other GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic or Trulicity. These may have their own savings cards or lower costs. Trulicity, for example, is part of Lilly’s PAP for eligible patients.
Switching medications requires medical guidance to ensure effectiveness. Discuss your budget and health needs with your doctor. Alternatives can bridge the gap if Mounjaro assistance is unavailable.
Traveling with Mounjaro
When traveling, store Mounjaro pens in a medical-grade cool bag to maintain the proper temperature (2°C–8°C for unused pens, up to 30°C for in-use pens). Carry your Savings Card digitally for pharmacy refills. Bring a prescription copy for airport security.
The Savings Card is valid only in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Plan refills to avoid shortages while away. Proper planning ensures uninterrupted treatment and savings.
Maintaining Your Treatment Schedule
Mounjaro is a weekly injection, and consistency is key for managing type 2 diabetes. Use the Savings Card or discount coupons for each fill to keep costs low. Set reminders to stay on schedule and order refills early.
If you miss a dose, take it within four days. If more than four days pass, skip it and resume your schedule. Consult your doctor if you miss multiple doses.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Reach out to your doctor if you experience side effects like nausea or severe stomach pain. If savings options aren’t working or the pen malfunctions, your pharmacist or Eli Lilly’s support (1-844-805-5807) can assist. Persistent issues may require a medication change.
Your doctor can help with prior authorization or appeals for insurance coverage. Prompt communication keeps your treatment affordable and effective. Don’t hesitate to seek help.
Summary
While Mounjaro does not have a traditional patient assistance program, Eli Lilly’s Savings Card offers significant relief, reducing costs to as low as $25 per month for eligible commercially insured patients. Alternatives like GoodRx, SingleCare, HSA/FSA funds, and doctor-provided samples help uninsured or ineligible patients.
Exploring insurance coverage, comparing pharmacy prices, and discussing other medications with your doctor can further reduce costs. Staying proactive ensures you manage expenses while maintaining your treatment.
FAQ
Does Mounjaro have patient assistance for uninsured patients?
Eli Lilly does not offer a patient assistance program for Mounjaro. Uninsured patients can use GoodRx or SingleCare coupons to lower costs to around $935 per month. Ask your doctor for samples or explore HSA/FSA funds.
Who qualifies for the Mounjaro Savings Card?
You need commercial insurance, a type 2 diabetes prescription, and must be a U.S. or Puerto Rico resident aged 18+. Government insurance like Medicare or Medicaid disqualifies you. Check eligibility on mounjaro.lilly.com.
Can I use the Savings Card for weight loss prescriptions?
The Savings Card typically applies only to type 2 diabetes prescriptions. Off-label weight loss use may not qualify. Ask your doctor about Zepbound’s savings program for weight loss.
What if the Savings Card doesn’t work at my pharmacy?
Verify your prescription is for type 2 diabetes and insurance details are correct. Use the correct coverage code (“08” or “03”) or try another pharmacy. Call Eli Lilly at 1-833-807-6576 for support.
Are there other ways to save on Mounjaro?
Use GoodRx or SingleCare coupons, request a 90-day supply, or use HSA/FSA funds. Ask your doctor for samples or consider alternative medications like Ozempic. Compare pharmacy prices for the best deal.