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The Express Gazette
Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Overpaying for Ozempic? Online program aims to make GLP-1 medication more affordable

MyStart offers a $299-per-month telehealth-guided protocol with rapid prescriptions, at-home delivery, and ongoing clinical oversight for GLP-1 therapies.

Health 5 months ago
Overpaying for Ozempic? Online program aims to make GLP-1 medication more affordable

GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, have delivered meaningful results for millions of patients, but cost remains a barrier for many. Depending on location, insurance coverage, and dosage, a monthly supply of semaglutide can run as high as $1,200. The typical path—doctor evaluation, prescription, and frequent pharmacy visits—can be time-consuming and expensive.

MyStart, a telehealth platform, aims to streamline the process and reduce costs. New users begin with a short health intake quiz, may need follow-up bloodwork and video consultations, and in many cases a prescription can be approved within 24 hours, with medication arriving at the patient’s door in as little as 48 hours. The program starts at $299 per month and covers more than injections, including access to U.S. board-certified clinicians nationwide, expedited FedEx shipping, personalized dosage adjustments, and ongoing support from a dedicated patient care coordination team. The company says its approach is designed to pass efficiencies back to patients as it scales, making GLP-1 therapy more affordable over time.

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Affordability is paired with price transparency. At MyStart, the initial price for medication and ongoing care will not rise from a patient’s original plan even if their dosage changes. The chief medical officer, Dr. Ritu Chopra, says MyStart is designed to support patients throughout the GLP-1 journey, not just at prescription time. The organization emphasizes a complete protocol rather than a prescription alone, with fast turnaround on consultations and delivery.

The program is built as a structured 90-day protocol that provides medical oversight. Users can connect with MyStart clinicians as often as needed to discuss side effects, track progress, or adjust dosage. On average, users lose about 22 pounds within six months. Reviewers have credited the program with renewed confidence and notable life changes, with several reporting substantial improvements in how they feel and how they approach health.

Beyond weight management, MyStart has expanded into women’s hormone health, metabolic longevity, and personalized wellness, offering a broader spectrum of care to help patients take charge of their health. The company describes these services as part of redefining what modern care can look like in a space where access to effective weight-loss treatments is often blocked by high costs and complex processes. No long waits, inflated prices, or unanswered questions — just accessible care from anywhere.

As the company scales, executives say affordability and transparency will remain central to its model. MyStart says the goal is long-term health, not just short-term results, and that ongoing clinical oversight is built into the program so patients receive guidance on side effects, dosage changes, and progress.

MyStart’s approach arrives at a time when GLP-1 therapies are drawing increased attention for obesity and metabolic health. The platform positions itself as a more predictable alternative to traditional pathways, which can involve variable pricing, fluctuating insurance coverage, and logistical hurdles that keep some patients from starting or continuing therapy.

For now, advocates say telehealth-driven models like MyStart could help expand access to medically supervised GLP-1 care, especially for those who have faced steep out-of-pocket costs or lengthy wait times. Critics, though, will no doubt watch carefully for safety, adherence, and outcomes data as the program scales and incorporates additional services.

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In a health landscape where access to effective weight-loss treatments remains uneven, MyStart argues that a combination of transparent pricing, rapid clinical oversight, and home delivery can reshape how GLP-1 therapies are prescribed and managed. The company says it plans to continue expanding services while maintaining a patient-centric approach focused on long-term health outcomes.


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