Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
ShedRx (Shed) vs Transcarent
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.
ShedRx (Shed)
People who want a needle-free route or a brand-name option, and who will commit to twelve months to reach the lowest price.
Visit ShedRx (Shed)Transcarent
Cost-first shoppers who want self-insured employer and health-plan members needing full weight-health care.
Visit TranscarentThe verdict
ShedRx (Shed) takes it, leading the Cost-Efficiency Index 87 to 43. The widest set of formats on the board — injection, drops, lozenges and a daily oral pill, plus a real brand Zepbound route — though its cheapest advertised rates need a year-long commitment. Transcarent still earns a C — Cost-first shoppers who want self-insured employer and health-plan members needing full weight-health care.
Worth knowing either way: our overall #1 pick is CoreAge Rx (Cost-Efficiency Index 94/100 — the top of the board). See how it stacks up: CoreAge Rx vs ShedRx (Shed).
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 | ShedRx (Shed) | Transcarent |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 87/100 | 43/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | $199/mo ($159 on a 12-month plan) | Not disclosed |
| Tirzepatide / mo | $299/mo ($239 on a 12-month plan) | Not disclosed |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $2,388 | — |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $3,588 | — |
| Coverage | All 50 states | Coverage not published |
| Oral / sublingual | Yes | No |
| Brand-name access | Yes | Compounded only |
| Rank on the board | #3 | #458 |
ShedRx (Shed)
87/100Where the value is
- Four routes to a GLP-1 — injection, liquid drops, lozenges and a daily oral pill
- Brand Zepbound and Wegovy available alongside the compounded line
- Available in all 50 states, with health coaching included and a published 120-day weight-loss guarantee
The tradeoffs
- The advertised "as low as" prices ($159 semaglutide, $239 tirzepatide) require a TWELVE-MONTH commitment — month-to-month is $199 and $299
- Compounded medication is not FDA-approved the way brand Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound are
Transcarent
43/100Where the value is
- Comprehensive Weight Health pathway from lifestyle to GLP-1s to surgery
- Care team of doctors, nurses and pharmacists supports medication use
- Uses direct pharma contracts and a transparent PBM to cut costs
The tradeoffs
- Distributed only via employers and health plans, no direct cash-pay
- GLP-1 access depends on whether the plan covers the medication
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.