Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
MEDGm vs GobyMeds
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.
MEDGm
Readers who want the dispensing pharmacies and the prescribing practices named, and who will price the second month rather than the first.
Visit MEDGmGobyMeds
Shoppers comfortable prepaying a 3-month bundle upfront to get the lowest advertised compounded GLP-1 rate.
Visit GobyMedsThe verdict
GobyMeds takes it, leading the Cost-Efficiency Index 62 to 60. GobyMeds is a marketplace-style compounded GLP-1 telehealth platform serving all 50 states with free shipping and no named exclusive pharmacy partner. MEDGm still earns a C — Readers who want the dispensing pharmacies and the prescribing practices named, and who will price the second month rather than the first.
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 GobyMeds.
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 | MEDGm | GobyMeds |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 60/100 | 62/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | $299/mo month-to-month (the advertised $179 is the first month only, after an automatically applied coupon) | $99/mo (starting dose, 3-month plan, compounded) |
| Tirzepatide / mo | $399/mo month-to-month (the advertised $279 is the first month only) | $133/mo (starting dose, 3-month plan, compounded) |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $3,588 | $1,188 |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $4,788 | $1,596 |
| Coverage | All 50 states | Coverage not published |
| Oral / sublingual | Yes | No |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Compounded only |
| Rank here | #203 | #207 |
MEDGm
60/100Where the value is
- Names all four pharmacy partners in its terms, with street addresses, phone numbers and websites, and says which compounding classes they operate under
- Names seven prescribing professional corporations on its consent page rather than referring to an unnamed medical group
- Publishes the full ladder for three GLP-1 routes — injection, oral tablet and tirzepatide — at one, three, six and twelve months
The tradeoffs
- "Starting at $179" is a first-month rate produced by an automatically applied coupon; the standing month-to-month price is $299, and the same shape applies to the oral tablet and to tirzepatide
- The treatments FAQ says "your price never increases" on a plan whose price increases by $120 at the first renewal
GobyMeds
62/100Where the value is
- Available in all 50 states per the site's own copy
- No membership fees, free shipping, and HSA/FSA accepted
- Transparent tiered pricing published before intake, including how bundle cost rises with dose reached
The tradeoffs
- The $99/$133 headline requires prepaying the full 3-month bundle ($299/$399); paying monthly costs $169/$299 instead — 71% to 125% more
- Compounding pharmacy is not named, only described as 'GobyMeds' 503A or 503B pharmacy partner'
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.