Head-to-Head

NovoCare vs. LillyDirect: Manufacturer Savings Compared

Prices verified May 2026 · Compare GLP-1 Editorial Team

TL;DR Verdict

Both NovoCare (Novo Nordisk) and LillyDirect (Eli Lilly) offer substantial savings on brand-name GLP-1 medications. NovoCare covers Wegovy/Ozempic; LillyDirect covers Zepbound/Mounjaro. Eligibility rules, savings amounts, and enrollment processes differ. If you're considering brand-name medication, check both before paying retail.

Why These Programs Matter

Nobody should pay full retail for brand-name GLP-1 medications before checking manufacturer savings programs. NovoCare and LillyDirect can reduce monthly costs from $1,000+ to as low as $0–$500 depending on your eligibility. These are legitimate programs run by the medication manufacturers — not third-party discount cards of questionable value.

Program Comparison

Feature	NovoCare	LillyDirect
Manufacturer	Novo Nordisk	Eli Lilly
Medications covered	Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus	Zepbound, Mounjaro
Savings card (commercial insurance)	Reduces copay (varies)	Reduces copay (varies)
Self-pay pricing	NovoCare pricing varies by program	LillyDirect self-pay available
Medicare/Medicaid eligible	No (separate PAP)	No (separate PAP)
Patient Assistance (uninsured/low income)	Yes — free medication possible	Yes — Lilly Cares
Enrollment	novocare.com	lillydirect.com

NovoCare: What You Get

NovoCare offers several tiers of support for Wegovy and Ozempic. Commercially insured patients can get savings cards that reduce copays. Uninsured and underinsured patients may qualify for the Patient Assistance Program (PAP), which provides medication at no cost for qualifying individuals.

Eligibility for the PAP is typically based on income (generally at or below 400% of the federal poverty level) and insurance status. The application requires income documentation and a healthcare provider's signature.

LillyDirect: What You Get

LillyDirect provides direct-to-patient medication sales for Zepbound and Mounjaro, often at reduced self-pay pricing. Eli Lilly also offers Lilly Cares, a patient assistance program for uninsured patients who meet income requirements.

LillyDirect's self-pay option has been particularly notable for offering Zepbound vials at reduced pricing, making brand-name tirzepatide more accessible to cash-pay patients.

Pro tip: If you're eligible for either manufacturer program, the brand-name route may be cheaper than compounded — with the added benefit of FDA-approved medications. Always check eligibility before assuming compounded is your only affordable option.

Who Should Use Which Program

NovoCare if: Your provider has prescribed Wegovy or Ozempic. You have commercial insurance with a GLP-1 copay. You're uninsured or underinsured and want to explore free medication through the PAP.

LillyDirect if: Your provider has prescribed Zepbound or Mounjaro. You're a self-pay patient and want competitive brand-name pricing. You meet income requirements for Lilly Cares.

Both if: You haven't started treatment yet and want to compare which brand-name medication offers the best financial package for your situation.

Get a Prescription First

Sesame Care

Licensed providers who can prescribe FDA-approved Wegovy or Zepbound, which you can then fill through manufacturer savings programs.

Post-consultation pricing

Get Started → Paid link

Sesame Care provides access to FDA-approved brand-name medications only.