Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
Ark Health vs Basal Health
Two GLP-1 programs on the bench, scored on the same six factors. Here's how their real cost of ownership compares — and which one we'd start with.
Ark Health
Cost-first shoppers who want broadest single-platform menu — compounded, brand and wellness adjuncts.
Visit Ark HealthBasal Health
Cost-first shoppers who want a low, clearly-labeled first-month tirzepatide rate — if you can tolerate not knowing what month two costs before you sign up.
Visit Basal HealthThe verdict
Ark Health and Basal Health tie on the Cost-Efficiency Index at 60/100, so neither wins outright on the numbers. For most shoppers we'd start with Ark Health (ranked #245, a hair above #247) — Cost-first shoppers who want broadest single-platform menu — compounded, brand and wellness adjuncts. But Basal Health is a genuine coin-flip alternative here.
Worth knowing either way: our overall #1 pick is CoreAge Rx (Cost-Efficiency Index 94/100 — the top of the ranking). See how it stacks up: CoreAge Rx vs Ark Health.
Factor by factor
Both providers scored on our six Cost-Efficiency Index factors. The stronger side on each row is marked in teal.
Normalized Cost/Month
Price Transparency
Nationwide Access
Formulation Options
Clinical Oversight
Contract Flexibility
Pricing, coverage & formulary
The disclosed facts behind the scores. Lower price wins its row (teal).
| Spec | Ark Health | Basal Health |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 60/100 | 60/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | $1,399/mo (brand Ozempic) | Not disclosed |
| Tirzepatide / mo | $1,499/mo (brand Mounjaro) | $99/mo (first-month rate, compounded) |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $16,788 | — |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $17,988 | $1,188 |
| Coverage | Coverage not published | All 50 states |
| Oral / sublingual | Yes | No |
| Brand-name access | Yes | Compounded only |
| Rank here | #245 | #247 |
Ark Health
60/100Where the value is
- Broadest menu in the directory — compounded sema/tirz injection, oral sema, brand Ozempic and Mounjaro, Sermorelin, MIC/B12
- Consistent pricing at all dosages — flat rate, no escalation as you titrate up
- Compounded oral semaglutide at $125/mo is competitive for a niche most providers don't offer
The tradeoffs
- States served not listed — can't confirm coverage in your state without contacting support
- LegitScript status not disclosed — no badge or verifiable ID
Basal Health
60/100Where the value is
- Stated nationwide coverage — 'all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia' — confirmed in the footer disclaimer
- LegitScript Certified badge displayed
- The $99 first-month price is at least labeled honestly as a first-month rate rather than implied to be the standing price
The tradeoffs
- The $99 figure is explicitly first-month only; the ongoing monthly price is never disclosed anywhere on the public site
- No semaglutide pricing (or confirmation semaglutide is even offered) was found — only tirzepatide is named
Assume any provider we list may compensate us — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. It never changes the Cost-Efficiency Index. Pricing, states and verification reflect each provider's public disclosures at last review; prices change — confirm on the provider's site. Not medical advice. See our disclosure.