Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
Kova vs Maximus
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.
Kova
Shoppers willing to commit to a longer plan to bring compounded semaglutide down toward $129 a month, with an app that tracks protein and side effects.
Visit KovaMaximus
People who want compounded tirzepatide at a flat price across doses and are willing to prepay at least two months, or who want brand-name pens and tablets in the same account.
Visit MaximusThe verdict
Kova and Maximus tie on the Cost-Efficiency Index at 73/100, so neither wins outright on the numbers, so choose on fit. Kova: Shoppers willing to commit to a longer plan to bring compounded semaglutide down toward $129 a month, with an app that tracks protein and side effects. Maximus: People who want compounded tirzepatide at a flat price across doses and are willing to prepay at least two months, or who want brand-name pens and tablets in the same account.
Worth knowing either way: CoreAge Rx is one of our partners and leads our leaderboard, where partners are listed first (Cost-Efficiency Index 94/100). See how it stacks up: CoreAge Rx vs Kova.
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 | Kova | Maximus |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 73/100 | 73/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | $299/moMonth to month, compounded | Not offered |
| Tirzepatide / mo | $399/moMonth to month, compounded | $249.99/mo2-month plan, billed up front, compounded |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $3,588 | — |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $4,788 | $2,988 |
| Coverage | All 50 states | 47 states |
| Oral / sublingual | No | Yes |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Yes |
| Rank here | #90 | #92 |
Kova
73/100Where the value is
- Semaglutide drops from $299 a month to $179, $149 and $129 on 3-, 6- and 12-month plans, all listed before you start
- You aren't charged unless a clinician approves treatment
- Names its prescribers, led by Dr. Laurie Mercier, and five compounding pharmacies, including Strive and Southend
The tradeoffs
- Month to month is the dearest way to buy: $299 for semaglutide and $399 for tirzepatide after the first month
- The $129 to $179 semaglutide rates require a 3-, 6- or 12-month commitment
Maximus
73/100Where the value is
- Its pricing FAQ lists every plan length: $249.99 a month on 2 months, $219.99 on 4, $199.99 on 6 and $149.99 on 12, with no separate first-month price
- One flat rate covers every dose tier, with no membership fee and free shipping
- Also offers brand-name Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound and Mounjaro pens plus the Wegovy and Foundayo tablets
The tradeoffs
- There is no month-to-month tirzepatide plan: the shortest is two months, billed up front, and plans renew automatically at the same term
- No compounded semaglutide option
Regulatory note: the FDA issued a warning letter to Maximus Health, Inc. dba Maximus in June 2026. We still list and link to Maximus; you should know the letter is on the public record before you decide.
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.