Mounjaro (tirzepatide) remains one of the most effective once-weekly injections available for adults with type 2 diabetes or chronic weight management. The dual GLP-1/GIP mechanism produces powerful appetite suppression, substantial average weight loss (often 15–22 % over 12–18 months in studies), and reliable improvements in blood sugar control that many patients describe as transformative after years of other approaches falling short. For a large number of users, the biggest ongoing challenge is not effectiveness but affordability—the full cash price per month can exceed $1,000, creating real barriers even when the medication is clearly helping.
Eli Lilly, the manufacturer, offers several formal assistance programs to help bridge that gap. The best-known is the Mounjaro Savings Card, which reduces out-of-pocket costs to as little as $25 per 30-day supply for eligible commercially insured patients. Beyond that card, Lilly Cares provides free medication for qualifying low-income, uninsured or underinsured individuals, while other pathways exist for short-term bridge supplies or cash-pay discounts. These programs collectively make Mounjaro accessible to far more people than the list price suggests.
Whether you qualify for free medication, $25 copays, or a reduced cash price depends on your insurance status, household income, and a few other factors. This article explains every current assistance option in 2025–2026, who qualifies for each, how to apply, what documentation is required, and realistic alternatives when programs are not available—so you can determine the lowest sustainable cost for your situation and keep treatment going without interruption.
The Mounjaro Savings Card – $25 Copay for Commercially Insured Patients
The Mounjaro Savings Card is the most widely used assistance program and the fastest route to paying only $25 per 30-day supply (one carton of four pens). It is available exclusively to patients with commercial (private, employer-sponsored, or marketplace) prescription drug insurance—not Medicare, Medicaid, VA, TRICARE, CHAMPVA, or any other government plan.
The card covers up to $150 in out-of-pocket costs (copay, coinsurance, or deductible) per fill, reducing your final price to as little as $25. You can use it for up to 13 fills per calendar year (resets January 1), which covers slightly more than a full year of monthly refills. The savings apply automatically when the pharmacist runs your commercial insurance claim first, then processes the card.
To obtain the card, visit mounjaro.lilly.com, navigate to the cost and savings section, and download the digital version to your phone wallet or print a physical copy. No registration, income verification, or personal details are required. Your doctor’s office or the pharmacy can also provide one at the time of your first fill.
Lilly Cares – Free Mounjaro for Low-Income Patients
Lilly Cares is the manufacturer’s patient assistance program that provides free Mounjaro (and many other Lilly medications) to qualifying uninsured or underinsured individuals. Eligibility is based primarily on household income, typically up to 400 % of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for the household size, though some flexibility exists for medical hardship cases.
To qualify you generally need:
- U.S. residency
- No public or government prescription coverage (Medicare Part D, Medicaid, VA, etc.)
- Total household income at or below program limits
- A valid prescription for Mounjaro from a licensed U.S. healthcare provider
The application requires proof of income (recent tax return, pay stubs, or benefit statements), proof of U.S. residency, and a prescription. Approval usually takes 2–4 weeks, and approved patients receive medication shipped directly to their home or doctor’s office for up to 12 months (renewable annually).
Lilly Cares is separate from the savings card and cannot be used if you have commercial insurance or government coverage. If you later gain insurance, you must notify the program and transition to the savings card or plan coverage.
Other Cost-Reduction Options When Assistance Programs Don’t Apply
For patients with commercial insurance who have exhausted the 13-fill savings card limit (or whose plan excludes the card), cash-pay prices become the main route. In 2025–2026 typical cash costs for one carton of Mounjaro (four pens, 28-day supply) range from $850–$1,100 before discounts.
Discount cards (GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver, Blink Health) regularly reduce this to $780–$950 at participating pharmacies. Walmart, Costco (pharmacy usually no membership required), and Sam’s Club often post the lowest consistent cash prices in the $800–$900 range.
LillyDirect (Eli Lilly’s direct-to-patient program) sells Mounjaro for $850–$950 per carton with free home delivery in most areas. It is a reliable option when local pharmacy prices are higher or when convenience matters more than saving an extra $50–$100.
Comparison of Mounjaro Assistance & Cost-Reduction Options (2025–2026)
Different pathways lead to very different monthly costs depending on insurance status and eligibility. Here is a realistic comparison:
| Program / Method | Typical Monthly Cost (1 carton) | Eligibility Requirements | Annual Max Savings / Duration | Delivery Option? | Reliability & Availability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mounjaro Savings Card | $25 (up to $150 savings/fill) | Commercial insurance only; no government plans | $1,950 (13 fills × $150) | No | Very high | Commercially insured patients |
| Lilly Cares Patient Assistance | $0 | Uninsured/underinsured + income ≤400 % FPL | Up to 12 months (renewable) | Yes | Moderate (application required) | Financial hardship, no insurance |
| Cash price at Walmart / Costco | $795–$925 | No insurance needed | None | No | Very high | No commercial insurance or card eligibility |
| GoodRx / SingleCare / RxSaver coupon | $780–$920 | No insurance or savings card needed | None | No | High (prices change daily) | Quick savings at local pharmacies |
| LillyDirect cash-pay program | $850–$950 | No insurance needed | None | Yes (free in most areas) | High | Convenience + free delivery |
| Medicare Part D (various plans) | $100–$500+ (varies by phase) | Medicare Part D enrollment | Depends on plan | No | Moderate to high | Medicare beneficiaries |
The savings card remains the lowest-cost option for eligible patients; Lilly Cares is the best free route for qualifying low-income individuals; cash prices at big-box pharmacies or with discount cards are the most reliable fallback.
Practical Steps to Secure the Lowest Possible Cost Right Now
Visit mounjaro.lilly.com and download the savings card from the cost and savings section. Save the digital version to your phone wallet or print a physical copy—no registration or personal details are needed to get the card.
When filling, present your commercial insurance card first, then the savings card. Ask the pharmacist to process insurance → savings card in that order. Confirm the price is $25 before paying.
If the price is higher than $25, ask them to re-run the claim or call Lilly support (number on the card) while you’re at the counter. Most processing errors resolve quickly with a phone call.
When the card reaches 13 fills or you lose commercial coverage, compare cash prices at Walmart, Costco, or with GoodRx/SingleCare coupons. LillyDirect is a solid $850–$950 option with delivery if local pharmacies charge more.
If you are uninsured or underinsured, apply for Lilly Cares through the website or by calling the program line. Have income documents (tax return, pay stubs) and proof of denial from other sources ready—the process usually takes 2–4 weeks.
Summary
In 2025–2026 the Mounjaro Savings Card remains the most effective way to pay only $25 per 30-day supply, covering up to $150 per fill for 13 fills per calendar year—but only for patients with commercial insurance. Government plans (Medicare, Medicaid, VA, TRICARE) cannot use it, so those patients typically pay $100–$500+ under Part D or full cash prices ($780–$950 with coupons at Walmart/Costco). Lilly Cares provides free medication for qualifying low-income uninsured/underinsured individuals, while LillyDirect offers reliable $850–$950 cash pricing with free delivery.
To secure the $25 price, download the card from mounjaro.lilly.com, present it with your commercial insurance card at the pharmacy, and verify the savings apply before leaving. If ineligible or the card is exhausted, compare local cash prices, use discount coupons, or apply for patient assistance. Staying proactive with documentation and appeals often keeps costs manageable so treatment can continue uninterrupted.
FAQ
Who qualifies for the Mounjaro $25 coupon in 2026?
Only patients with commercial (private, employer-sponsored, or marketplace) prescription drug insurance are eligible. Medicare, Medicaid, VA, TRICARE, CHAMPVA, and other government plans are excluded. You must be 18+ and a U.S. or Puerto Rico resident.
How do I get the Mounjaro Savings Card?
Go to mounjaro.lilly.com, find the cost and savings section, and download the digital card to your phone wallet or print a physical copy. No registration or personal information is required. Your doctor or pharmacy can also provide one.
What is the maximum number of $25 fills allowed?
The card provides up to 13 fills per calendar year (resets January 1), covering roughly 13 months if filled monthly. After 13 fills you pay your plan’s full copay/coinsurance until the next year begins.
Can I use the savings card with Medicare or Medicaid?
No—the savings card is not valid with any government-sponsored insurance. Attempting to use it with Medicare, Medicaid, or similar plans violates the terms and can deactivate the card. Medicare Part D may cover Mounjaro separately with prior authorization.
What if the pharmacy charges more than $25 even with the card?
Ask the pharmacist to re-process the claim through insurance first, then apply the savings card. If the price is still higher, call Lilly support (number on the card) while at the pharmacy. Most errors resolve quickly with a phone call.
Dr. Hamza is a medical content reviewer with over 12+ years of experience in healthcare research and patient education. He specializes in evidence-based health information, medications, and chronic conditions. His reviews are grounded in trusted medical sources and current clinical guidelines to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Content reviewed by Dr. Hamza is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.