"$99 a month" is a compelling headline. It's also, in most cases, not the number you'll actually pay once a telehealth GLP-1 program is fully set up. Here's what the pricing actually looks like once membership fees, commitments, and fine print are factored in — and how it stacks up against transparent in-person pricing.
What Telehealth Actually Charges
As of mid-2026, all-inclusive compounded semaglutide pricing across telehealth platforms ranges from roughly $99 to $348 a month, depending on the provider and your dose. Brand-name Zepbound, when offered, runs $399–$549 a month retail — or $5,400 to $6,600 for a first year at full price.
The lower end of that range is where the real story is. Several platforms advertise their base subscription price prominently, then layer on a separate membership fee — commonly $75 to $79 a month — that isn't included in the headline number. Others bury consultation fees in the fine print of the intake form rather than on the public pricing page. At least one well-known program requires a one-year commitment that isn't obvious until you're further into checkout.
| What You're Told | What's Often Actually True |
|---|---|
| "$99/month" | Base medication price only — before any membership or consultation fee |
| "No hidden fees" | Some programs still charge a separate $75–$79/month membership on top |
| "Cancel anytime" | A few require a 1-year commitment disclosed only at or after checkout |
| "Includes provider support" | Usually a message queue, not scheduled visits with the same clinician |
What's Actually Included at Each Price Point
Price comparisons only mean something if you're comparing the same thing. A $99/month telehealth subscription typically includes medication and an initial async intake — nothing else. There's usually no physical exam, no in-office labs, and no body composition tracking. A support message queue stands in for a relationship with a provider who knows your case.
At Abbott, medical weight loss is self-pay, with pricing discussed plainly at your consultation before you commit to anything. That price includes your initial labs and exam, ongoing provider visits to adjust dosing, a SECA body composition scan every 60 days to confirm you're losing fat rather than muscle, and access to your care team if something comes up. It costs more than the bare medication — because it isn't just the medication.
"I'd rather a patient know the real number, and what it includes, before they start — not three months in when they realize the $99 they saw in an ad was never the whole story. A plan you can't see clearly isn't a plan you can trust."
Questions to Ask Before You Compare Prices
Get These Answers Before Signing Up Anywhere
- What is the total monthly cost at the highest dose I'm likely to need, not just the starting dose?
- Is there a separate membership fee on top of the medication price?
- Is there a required commitment period, and what happens if I want to stop?
- Does the price include any labs, exams, or monitoring — or is it medication only?
- What financing or HSA/FSA options are available if I want to spread out the cost?
How to Manage the Real Cost
Abbott accepts HSA and FSA funds toward treatment and offers CareCredit financing for patients who want to spread payments over time. For a full breakdown of what specifically drives semaglutide and tirzepatide pricing at Abbott, see How Much Does Semaglutide Actually Cost? For the full safety picture behind low-cost telehealth subscriptions, see Is Online Semaglutide Safe?, or read the complete Telehealth vs. Local Clinic comparison.
Get a Real Number, Not a Headline
Book a consultation and we'll walk through exactly what's included in your plan and what it costs — before you commit to anything.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or financial advice. Third-party pricing referenced reflects publicly reported rates as of mid-2026 and is subject to change by those providers. Please consult a qualified physician before starting any new treatment. — Justin Abbott, D.O., Abbott Health & Wellness, 45 North State Street, Salina, UT 84654.