Dr Blitz: Medicare Deal for GLP-1 “Just What the Doctor Ordered”

After writing dozens of GLP-1 articles over the past year, one issue that consistently comes up is the affordability of popular medications like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound for weight loss. This is one reason telehealth platforms began offering compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide at lower costs than name-brand medications. However, name-brand medications remain the safest and most reliable option, according to medical experts and my research.

While Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have made efforts to lower costs after banning compounded medications, President Trump announced that under the TrumpRX plan patients may now access Zepbound and Wegovy at highly discounted prices—ranging from $50 to $350, depending on insurance coverage.

“Our citizens pay massively higher prices than other nations pay for the same exact pill, from the same factory, effectively subsidizing socialism abroad with skyrocketing prices at home,” said President Trump in a recent White House press release.

Here’s what we know so far about pricing, patient access and how TrumpRX could make GLP-1 medications more affordable.

Injectable GLP-1s through TrumpRX may cost eligible patients $50 to $350/month, depending on insurance coverage or program eligibility.
The press release notes that oral GLP-1 medications (if FDA-approved, such as the Wegovy pill) would have an initial dose priced at $149/month through TrumpRX.
Insurers and pharmacies may apply co-pays or deductibles, so out-of-pocket costs will differ.

What remains unclear:

Eligibility criteria: Exact patient qualifications are still being finalized.
Rollout timelines: When and how patients can sign up for TrumpRX is expected in the coming weeks.
Coverage scope: How widely this plan will be applied for Medicare beneficiaries is still being clarified.

“For decades, Americans have subsidized global drug development by paying the world’s highest prices,” said Dr. Arie Blitz, MD, MBA, a cardiac surgeon and health policy commentator. “The new Most-Favored-Nation model finally forces price parity while keeping innovation alive—an approach that could expand access, improve public health, and make U.S. medicine more sustainable.”

Why This GLP-1 Discount Matters

GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound have proven effective in helping patients manage diabetes and lose weight and may have additional health benefits, as well. Lower costs through TrumpRX may allow more people to access FDA-approved, safe GLP-1 medications, reducing reliance on compounded alternatives, which can carry legal and safety risks.

The inclusion of oral GLP-1s at $149/month could make these medications even more accessible for patients who prefer a pill over injections.

Accessing GLP-1 Medications With or Without Insurance

GLP-1 medications can be expensive, but programs from manufacturers and TrumpRX can help reduce costs depending on your coverage.

For Medicare beneficiaries:

Wegovy and Zepbound will be covered for patients with obesity or related conditions, with a co-pay of just $50 per month for injectables.

For self-pay or cash patients through TrumpRX:

Injectable GLP-1s like Wegovy and Zepbound may cost $346 to $350/month.
Oral GLP-1s (once FDA-approved) are expected to start at $150/month.

For commercially insured patients:

Manufacturer savings programs are still the primary way to reduce costs. Wegovy and Zepbound may be available for $0 to $650 per month, depending on dose, supply and insurance coverage. Government beneficiaries are excluded.

Costs vary depending on insurance, pharmacy choice and program eligibility. Full retail prices remain high, and some programs exclude certain groups. If you’re unsure where to start, platforms like Mochi provide safe, legal access, telehealth support and prescription management.

Broader Implications for Patients and the Industry

TrumpRX isn’t just about lower prices; it could change how millions of Americans manage obesity and related health conditions. By making GLP-1 medications more affordable, more people may be able to access treatments that were previously too expensive.

Dr. Arie Blitz also highlights the public-health impact: “From a public-health standpoint, this may be the rare policy that tackles both cost and outcomes. Obesity drives roughly 40 percent of adult U.S. morbidity, elevating risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.” Lower prices could allow more patients to access these medications and prevent serious health problems.

The plan also addresses a longstanding pricing problem. Americans have been paying far more than people in other developed countries for the same drugs. Dr. Blitz explains that TrumpRX, “restore[s] fairness in global pricing, maintain[s] incentives for innovation and extend[s] proven therapies to the people who need them most.”

This could indeed be ‘just what the doctor ordered’ for both American patients.

Finally, TrumpRX pairs lower prices with expanded Medicare and Medicaid coverage and investments in U.S. drug manufacturing. As Dr. Blitz puts it, “If implemented faithfully, this could indeed be ‘just what the doctor ordered’ for both American patients and American industry.”

Risks of Compounded GLP-1s

Some patients previously relied on compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide during shortages. Now that name-brand medications are more widely available, the need for compounded versions is significantly reduced.

Many providers offering compounded GLP-1s operate in a legal gray area, sometimes providing these medications without strict medical necessity. Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly and the FDA are taking legal action against such providers. The FDA has also cautioned that compounded GLP-1s are not FDA-approved, may have inconsistent dosing and could pose safety risks.

When I spoke to a representative from Eli Lilly in June, they said, “Any compounder that mass produces or sells knockoff semaglutide drugs is breaking the law and compromising patient safety.”

While compounded versions may be cheaper, name-brand medications remain the safest and most legal option. TrumpRX offers these medications at costs similar to (or lower than) many compounded alternatives.

Key Takeaways on TrumpRX GLP-1 Discounts

TrumpRX expands access to GLP-1s at significantly lower costs.
Insurance coverage still matters: Costs vary depending on your plan.
Name-brand medications are still strongly recommended over compounded versions.
Lower prices may help more patients manage diabetes and obesity safely.
Stay updated on rollout timelines and eligibility to maximize savings.

What TrumpRX Could Mean for Patients and the Pharmaceutical Industry

While the TrumpRx initiative will likely be debated politically, it could have a real impact on patients. For the first time, the top pharmaceutical companies have now agreed to balance pricing, increase Medicare and Medicaid access and support U.S. manufacturing. If carried out as planned, these changes could make GLP-1s (and potentially other important drugs) more affordable for millions of Americans.

“For decades, Americans have subsidized global drug development by paying the world’s highest prices. The new Most-Favored-Nation model finally forces price parity while keeping innovation alive—an approach that could expand access, improve public health, and make U.S. medicine more sustainable.”

Dr. Arie Blitz

Next steps:

Consult your physician or telehealth provider about GLP-1 eligibility.
Check your insurance plan or TrumpRX for current pricing.
Keep an eye on updates for expanded access to these life-changing medications.

FAQs

Who is eligible for TrumpRX GLP-1 coverage under Medicare?

Eligibility will likely include Medicare beneficiaries who qualify for GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound. Exact requirements, including income limits or medical criteria, are still being finalized, so patients should consult their doctor and check the official TrumpRX resources for updates.
How much will GLP-1 medications cost under TrumpRX for Medicare patients?

Under TrumpRX, oral GLP-1 pills could start at $149 per month, while injectable options like Wegovy and Zepbound may cost $50 to $350 per month depending on dosage and insurance coverage. Additional co-pays or deductibles may apply, so actual out-of-pocket costs will vary.