Navigating the $350 Revolution: How to Access Affordable GLP-1s

For years, the conversation around groundbreaking metabolic drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound has been dominated by a single word: cost. With list prices frequently exceeding $1,000 per month, these "longevity essentials" were out of reach for millions.

As of early 2026, a series of historic federal agreements and the launch of the TrumpRx platform have finally broken the price barrier. Here is exactly how the new system works and how you can qualify.

The TrupmRx.gov Option (Available Now)

Launched in January 2026, TrumpRx.gov is a direct-to-consumer platform designed for those paying "cash" (out-of-pocket) or those whose private insurance still refuses to cover obesity medications.

• The Price: Average monthly prices for injectables like Ozempic and Wegovy have dropped to $350, with some doses available for as low as $199.
• The Oral Advantage: The newly approved Wegovy pill is launching on the platform with introductory pricing as low as $149/month.
• How to use it: The site functions as a portal. You search for your medication, and it redirects you to the manufacturer’s (Eli Lilly or Novo Nordisk) verified direct-to-consumer channel with the "Most-Favored-Nation" discount already applied.
• The Deal: For eligible seniors, the monthly copay is capped at exactly $50.
• The Eligibility: To qualify for the $50 cap under the new "BALANCE" model, you must meet one of the following criteria:
  • BMI > 35 (Severe Obesity).
  • BMI > 27 with a "qualifying comorbidity" such as prediabetes, high blood pressure, or established heart disease.
• The Timeline: While the full program integrates into all Part D plans in 2027, a payment demonstration begins in July 2026, providing immediate relief for roughly 6.6 million beneficiaries.

The Medicare $50 Copay Cap (Starting July 2026)

In a major policy shift, the FDA and CMS have cleared a "bridge" program that allows Medicare Part D to cover GLP-1s specifically for weight loss—a move previously prohibited by law.

Generic Options:

Beyond the brand-name deals, 2026 marks the first year that generic liraglutide (the active ingredient in Victoza and Saxenda) is widely available. While these daily injections are slightly less potent than the weekly versions, their entry into the market has forced brand-name manufacturers to keep their "TrumpRx" prices competitive.

For your Next Doctors Visit:

If you are currently paying high out-of-pocket costs, ask your physician specifically about "Direct-to-Consumer Manufacturer Pricing." Many doctors are still used to the old $1,000 price tags and may not realize that the "cash price" via platforms like TrumpRx or LillyDirect is now often cheaper than an insurance copay.

Sources:

• White House Fact Sheet: "President Launches TrumpRx.gov to Lower Drug Prices" (Feb 5, 2026).
• CMS.gov: "The BALANCE Model and GLP-1 Payment Demonstration" (Jan 2026).
• KFF Health News: "Medicare Coverage Expansion for GLP-1s" (Jan 13, 2026).