Finding affordable GLP-1s is hard. Big Pharma demands high insurance deductibles, and big Telehealth demands monthly subscription fees. MedVi removes both barriers. We offer transparent, cash-pay pricing with $0 monthly fees and no insurance requirements.
If you have tried to price-shop for weight loss medications online, you have likely encountered a dizzying array of “introductory offers,” hidden subscription fees, and confusing insurance terms. One site promises “$99/month” but hides a mandatory membership fee. Another claims “$199,” but only if you pay thousands of dollars upfront.
At MedVi, we believe healthcare pricing should be radically transparent. The cost of your metabolic health shouldn’t be a surprise you find on your credit card statement three months later.
This comprehensive guide audits the Total Annual Cost of the top online weight loss providers in 2026, breaks down the “membership taxes” hidden in the fine print, and explains why the new government coverage models (like Medicare’s “BALANCE” pilot) might not save you money anytime soon.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
Retail Price Shock: Without insurance, brand-name pens like Wegovy® cost ~$1,349/mo at pharmacies.
The Hidden “Membership” Tax: Providers like Ro charge a $145/mo membership fee on top of medication costs, bringing the total to over $440/mo.
The “Bulk” Trap: Companies like Hers advertise low rates ($199), but often require an upfront payment of 6-12 months (up to ~$2,400) to unlock them.
Medicare Reality: Despite proposed pilot programs for late 2026, Medicare generally does not cover weight-loss drugs for patients without diabetes or heart disease.
The MedVi Solution: We use a $179/mo all-inclusive model (Medication + Provider + Shipping) with zero insurance requirements and no long-term contracts.
The “Double Cost” of Standard Telehealth: Explain the math clearly
The Insurance Trap: Paying copays, high deductibles, and months of waiting for prior authorizations that get denied.
The Subscription Trap: Paying $99/mo to a telehealth provider to wait for that insurance denial.
The MedVi Solution: Bypass the insurance queue. Bypass the membership fee. Pay one flat rate for compounded medication that is available now.
The Master Comparison Chart (2026)
We analyzed the pricing models of the major online clinics. Here is how they stack up for a cash-pay patient (someone without insurance or subscription coverage for weight loss, which accounts for ~70% of applicants).
MedVi vs. Competitors: The “Freedom” Comparison
| Provider | Insurance Hassle | Monthly Membership Fee | Total Monthly Cost (Cash Pay) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MedVi (Winner) | NOT REQUIRED | $0.00 | $299 (All-Inclusive) |
| Traditional Brand Name (Wegovy®) | Required (High Denials) | N/A (Pharmacy) | $1,300+ (Without Coverage) |
| Competitor “R” (Ro) | Often Pushed | ~$145 / mo | $400+ (Membership + Meds) |
| Competitor “M” (Mochi) | Optional | ~$79 / mo | ~$254 (Membership + Meds) |
*MedVi pricing includes consultation, medication, and shipping. No insurance delays. No hidden fees.
Calculate Your Personal Savings
Don’t just take our word for it. Use our Real Cost Auditor to select your current provider (or the one you are considering) and see precisely how much you will save by choosing MedVi.
The Real Cost Auditor
Provider Breakdown: Where the Hidden Costs Are
1. Ro (The Body Program)
Ro is a premium telehealth service, but their pricing model separates “Care” from “Medication.”
The Membership Fee: You pay $145/month ($1,740/year) just to be a patient in their Body Program. This fee is charged even if you don’t receive medication that month.
The Medication Cost: The medication itself is billed separately. If you opt for their compounded semaglutide, it costs an additional $299/month.
The Verdict: Your effective monthly cost is nearly $450.
MedVi Advantage: We charge $0 for membership. You save ~$270 every single month.
2. Hers & Hims
These brands advertise very attractive rates (often citing “$199/mo”), but this is a classic “Bulk Pricing” model.
The “Lock-In”: To get the $199 rate, you typically must pay for 12 months upfront (roughly $2,388). If you want the freedom to cancel anytime (a Month-to-Month plan), the price often jumps to $399+.
The Risk: If you experience side effects in Month 2 or reach your goal weight in Month 6, you cannot easily get a refund for the unused months.
MedVi Advantage: Our $179 price is Month-to-Month. You get the bulk savings without the bulk risk.
3. WeightWatchers Clinic
WeightWatchers focuses on “Clinical Access,” helping you get a prescription for name-brand pens (Wegovy®/Zepbound®) at a local pharmacy.
The Cost: You pay $99/mo for the clinician and the app. However, WeightWatchers does not supply the drug. You must take their prescription to a pharmacy like CVS.
The Trap: If your insurance denies coverage (which happens to ~70% of patients), the pharmacy will charge you the full retail price—approx. $1,300/mo.
The Verdict: An incredibly expensive option for cash-pay patients.
MedVi Advantage: We bypass the insurance/pharmacy loop entirely.
Weight Loss Injection Costs Without Insurance (Retail)
If you are one of the millions of Americans whose insurance does not cover weight loss medications, you are forced to pay the “Cash Price” (also called the List Price or WAC).
Here is what you can expect to pay at a retail pharmacy for a one-month supply of brand-name pens:
| Medication | Avg. Retail Price (Monthly) | MedVi Price (Monthly) |
| Wegovy® (Semaglutide) | $1,349 | $179 |
| Ozempic® (Semaglutide) | $968 – $1,000 | $179 |
| Zepbound® (Tirzepatide) | $1,060 | $179 |
| Mounjaro® (Tirzepatide) | $1,069 | $179 |
The Bottom Line: You are paying a 600% markup for the brand-name injector pen. MedVi provides the same active ingredient (compounded Semaglutide) in a vial for $179/month, regardless of your insurance status.
The Truth About Medicare & Medicaid Coverage (2026 Update)
Many patients hope government insurance will foot the bill. Unfortunately, despite headlines about “new coverage,” the rules remain strict in 2026.
Medicare Part D: Still Mostly a “No”
By law, Medicare Part D plans have historically been prohibited from covering drugs used solely for weight loss.
The Exception: Medicare currently covers Wegovy® only if you have a secondary diagnosis of established cardiovascular disease (heart disease) to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
The “BALANCE” Model: You may have heard about a new CMS pilot program called the “BALANCE” model. While promising, this voluntary program for states isn’t expected to open up broad Medicare Part D access until January 2027.
The Reality: For most seniors in 2026, weight loss medication remains an out-of-pocket expense.
Medicaid: State-by-State Restrictions
Medicaid coverage varies wildly by state.
Restrictions Increasing: Some states, facing budget crunches, are actually removing coverage. For example, North Carolina Medicaid is set to discontinue coverage for weight management GLP-1s in late 2025 due to funding shortfalls.
Step Therapy: Even in states that cover it, you often must try and fail “Step Therapy” (cheap diet pills or generic phentermine) for months before they approve a GLP-1.
The MedVi Fix: We provide a viable “Third Path” for seniors and Medicaid patients who are tired of waiting for government approval. Our cash price is often lower than the “Tier 3” copays of many commercial plans.
Can Manufacturer Savings Cards Lower the Price?
Pharmaceutical giants like Novo Nordisk (Wegovy®) and Eli Lilly (Zepbound®) offer “Savings Cards” that promise prices as low as $25. However, there is a significant catch that most patients miss.
The “Commercial Coverage” Requirement: These coupons usually only work if your commercial insurance already covers the drug. If your insurance denies coverage (which happens 70% of the time), the coupon typically only knocks off ~$200–$500. This still leaves you with a pharmacy bill of $650–$1,100 per month.
The Government Exclusion: By federal law, you cannot use these manufacturer coupons if you are on Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare.
The MedVi Difference: Our $179 price is not a temporary coupon or a “qualified” offer. It is the standard price for everyone.
Cost Comparison: Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide
Is it worth paying more for the newer drugs? Many patients are confused between the different molecules.
Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic): The “Gold Standard.”
Effectiveness: Proven to help patients lose ~15% of body weight.
Cost: Retail ~$1,350. MedVi Price: $179.
Best For: Most patients starting their journey.
Tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro): The “Dual Agonist” (GLP-1 + GIP).
Effectiveness: Often effective for ~20%+ weight loss.
Cost: Retail ~$1,060+.
Best For: Patients who have “plateaued” on Semaglutide or have extreme insulin resistance.
Our Recommendation: Start with Semaglutide. It is the most cost-effective entry point. If you plateau, you can discuss upgrading protocols with your MedVi clinician.
Why MedVi is the “Smarter Choice” (Beyond Price)
Price is important, but clinical results matter more. Cheap medication is worthless if it makes you sick or doesn’t work. Here is why MedVi’s “Precision Protocol” offers better value than a standard prescription.
1. Micro-Dosing vs. The “Sledgehammer.”
Competitors: Prescribe standard pens or generic vials with rigid instructions (e.g., “Double your dose every 4 weeks”). This often causes severe nausea and causes patients to quit.
MedVi: We teach “Gentle Titration.” You can increase your dose by tiny amounts (e.g., 0.10mg) using our calibrated vials. This protects your stomach and keeps you consistent.
2. Bio-Stacking (Vitamin B12)
Competitors: Most sell plain semaglutide salt solutions or standard commercial pens.
MedVi: We compound our Semaglutide with Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12). This “Bio-Stacking” helps combat fatigue associated with low-calorie diets, delivering two treatments in a single injection.
3. The 100% Outcome Guarantee
Competitors: Read their terms. Almost all say “No Refunds on Prescriptions.”
MedVi: We offer a 100% Weight Loss Money-Back Guarantee. If you follow our protocol and don’t lose weight, we will refund you. We take the financial risk, not you.
Buyer’s Checklist: 5 Questions to Ask Before You Sign Up
Before you give your credit card to an online clinic, ask these five questions to avoid hidden costs:
“Is there a monthly fee even if I don’t get medication?” (If yes, you are paying a “Membership Tax.”)
“Do I have to pay for a year upfront to get the advertised price?” (If yes, you are signing a contract.)
“Is the price for the therapeutic dose, or just the starter dose?” (Some clinics double the price after Month 1.)
“Does the price include shipping and supplies?” (MedVi includes overnight cold-chain shipping; others charge $20-$30 extra.)
“Can I get my money back if it doesn’t work?” (MedVi says Yes; most others say No.)
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Unlike competitors who lure you in with a cheap first month ($199) and then raise the price to standard rates ($349), MedVi’s price is $179 for the standard therapeutic doses.
Yes! Weight loss medications prescribed by a clinician for a medical condition (like obesity) are typically eligible expenses for FSA and HSA cards.
No. MedVi is a direct-pay model. We do not require insurance approvals, prior authorizations, or copays. The price is the same for everyone.
We partner directly with FDA-inspected 503B Outsourcing Facilities. These large-scale pharmacies are authorized to compound medications during FDA shortages, allowing us to bypass the massive markups of brand-name manufacturers while maintaining strict safety and potency standards.
MedVi is one of the few premium telehealth providers with a $0 monthly membership fee. Unlike other platforms (such as Ro, Mochi, or Sesame) that charge a recurring monthly fee of $79–$145 just to access their platform, MedVi operates on a “Pay-for-Results” model. You only pay for your medication bundle, which includes your provider consultation and overnight shipping.
No. MedVi is a cash-pay service, meaning we do not require insurance approvals, prior authorizations, or copays. This allows us to bypass the nationwide insurance shortages for brand-name drugs and offer affordable, compounded GLP-1 medications directly to you without delay.
No. Since MedVi has no subscription fees, you never pay for “access” when you aren’t using the service. If you are traveling, pregnant, or simply want to take a break, you can pause your treatment instantly with zero penalty and zero recurring charges.
Most competitors charge a membership fee plus medication costs. For example, a competitor might charge $145/month for membership and separate costs for medication. This can add over **$1,700 per year** in “access fees” alone. MedVi eliminates this waste. Your price is all-inclusive, saving the average patient 30-40% annually compared to subscription-based clinics.
Ready to Stop Overpaying?
Stop paying membership fees for permission to lose weight. Get the medication, the doctor, and the guarantee—all for $179.
Start Your Intake Now – No Insurance Needed. Cancel Anytime.
