Head-to-head · Cost-Efficiency Index
TeleWellnessMD vs Arc-1
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.
TeleWellnessMD
Cost-first shoppers who want not recommended based on headline pricing alone -- always price out the Month 4-5+ maintenance dose before comparing.
Visit TeleWellnessMDArc-1
Shoppers comparing headline GLP-1 starting prices who will click into the specific product page rather than trust the homepage figure.
Visit Arc-1The verdict
TeleWellnessMD takes it, leading the Cost-Efficiency Index 49 to 48. TeleWellnessMD sells compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide through a multi-category telehealth pharmacy storefront, but its advertised prices are Month-1, lowest-starter-dose rates only. Arc-1 still earns a C — Shoppers comparing headline GLP-1 starting prices who will click into the specific product page rather than trust the homepage figure.
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 TeleWellnessMD.
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 | TeleWellnessMD | Arc-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-Efficiency Index | 49/100 | 48/100 |
| Semaglutide / mo | $349/mo (0.25 mg dose, compounded) | Not disclosed |
| Tirzepatide / mo | $679/mo (2.5 mg dose, compounded) | Not disclosed |
| Semaglutide / yr (modeled) | $4,188 | — |
| Tirzepatide / yr (modeled) | $8,148 | — |
| Coverage | Coverage not published | Coverage not published |
| Oral / sublingual | No | No |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Compounded only |
| Rank here | #426 | #431 |
TeleWellnessMD
49/100Where the value is
- Broad GLP-1/GIP product catalog with add-on B-vitamin combination options
- Nationwide state-selector covers all 50 states plus Puerto Rico (with unspecified exceptions)
- Transparent month-by-month price table is at least published in full, not hidden behind a quote wall
The tradeoffs
- Headline prices ($199.95 / $279.95) are lowest-starter-dose only, not the real maintenance cost
- Maintenance-dose pricing is 75-140% higher than the advertised entry price
Arc-1
48/100Where the value is
- Both semaglutide and tirzepatide offered, with LegitScript Certified badge displayed and linked for verification
- Free 1-3 day shipping and a free consultation stated as included, with no separate visit-fee line item found
- Named founder physician (Dr. Todd Stearns) rather than an anonymous entity
The tradeoffs
- The homepage price ($199.99/mo for both drugs) and each drug's own product page (tirzepatide shows $149/mo) do not agree — the number you see depends on which page you land on
- Every dose variant on both product pages was shown as sold out/unavailable during this review, so the advertised price cannot currently be tied to a specific mg dose
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.