Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
CoreAge Rx vs Shapely
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.
CoreAge Rx
Anyone optimizing for real value — a transparent flat price you can model for a full year, nationwide, without a bait-and-switch.
Visit CoreAge RxShapely
Cost-first shoppers who want insured patients in CA, FL, NY, or TX who want help navigating coverage for branded GLP-1s.
Visit ShapelyThe verdict
CoreAge Rx takes it, leading the Cost-Efficiency Index 94 to 64. Best value in the ranking: both molecules at one flat, all-50 price with no teaser step-ups — the lowest true cost of ownership, not the lowest teaser. Shapely still earns a C — Cost-first shoppers who want insured patients in CA, FL, NY, or TX who want help navigating coverage for branded GLP-1s.
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 | CoreAge Rx | Shapely |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 94/100 | 64/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | $99/mo | $99/mo (plus a separate fee, compounded) |
| Tirzepatide / mo | $149/mo | $166/mo (plus a separate fee, compounded) |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $1,188 | $1,188 |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $1,788 | $1,992 |
| Coverage | All 50 states | 4 states |
| Oral / sublingual | No | No |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Yes |
| Rank here | #1 | #182 |
CoreAge Rx
94/100Where the value is
- Flat all-in monthly price — no intro rate that silently triples after month one, so the modeled annual cost is the real cost
- Both compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide on one account at published prices
- Available in all 50 states — no coverage gamble
The tradeoffs
- Not the rock-bottom sticker price — 30 of the 381 priced semaglutide programs we track list a cheaper figure, though most attach a term or a step-up that CoreAge does not
- No FDA-approved brand-name option (compounded only)
Shapely
64/100Where the value is
- Named, credentialed founder (Dr. Justin Zaghi, Harvard-trained, board-certified obesity medicine)
- Genuine insurance-navigation service across 8 major payers, potentially large savings if covered
- Both cash-pay compounded and insurance-covered branded pathways offered
The tradeoffs
- Live in only 4 states (CA, FL, NY, TX) despite a '50-state expansion' announcement
- Separate membership fee stacks on top of medication cost, and its headline prices ($9 first month, $49/mo promo) are not the real ongoing rate ($99/mo)
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.