Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
Open Water Rx vs ZipHealth
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.
Open Water Rx
Cost-first shoppers who want all-inclusive compounded GLP-1 pricing from four named 503A pharmacies, if you qualify for the promo codes.
Visit Open Water RxZipHealth
Cost-first shoppers who want a low compounded-GLP-1 starting price, in one of 19 named states, and are willing to call to confirm the branded-drug price.
Visit ZipHealthThe verdict
Open Water Rx and ZipHealth tie on the Cost-Efficiency Index at 53/100, so neither wins outright on the numbers. For most shoppers we'd start with Open Water Rx (ranked #379, a hair above #383) — Cost-first shoppers who want all-inclusive compounded GLP-1 pricing from four named 503A pharmacies, if you qualify for the promo codes. But ZipHealth 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 Open Water Rx.
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 | Open Water Rx | ZipHealth |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 53/100 | 53/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | $199/mo (promotional rate, plus a separate fee, compounded) | $149/mo (starting dose, compounded) |
| Tirzepatide / mo | $339/mo (compounded) | Not disclosed |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $2,388 | $1,788 |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $4,068 | — |
| Coverage | Coverage not published | Coverage not published |
| Oral / sublingual | Yes | No |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Yes |
| Rank here | #379 | #383 |
Open Water Rx
53/100Where the value is
- Names four specific 503A compounding pharmacies (RedRock, HealthWarehouse, Precision Compounding, Triad Rx) — most competitors disclose zero
- Pricing is genuinely all-inclusive — clinician review, medication, and shipping bundled with no separate visit fee
- LegitScript certification seals displayed
The tradeoffs
- The lower, more prominent $159/$219 figures depend on promo codes (SEMASUMMER, FOUNDER) stacked on top of stated $199/$339 standing prices — unclear whether these codes are permanent
- A '12-Week Plan' at $169/month strongly implies a multi-month prepay requirement, but the page never states the actual upfront total
ZipHealth
53/100Where the value is
- Named, NPI-verifiable prescribers: Laurie Lowe Nelson, APRN (NPI 1467595330) and Dr. Abhishek Patel, MD (NPI 1780944918)
- LegitScript verification referenced with a link on-site
- Free shipping with delivery speed options from USPS 1-5 day to FedEx overnight
The tradeoffs
- The advertised $149/month floor excludes a separate $79 clinical service fee that recurs on repeat visits, not just at intake -- true floor is closer to $228
- Branded medication programs (Zepbound, Wegovy Pen/Pill, Foundayo) are priced separately with no dollar figure published anywhere on the site
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.