Sesame Care Review 2026: The GLP-1 Provider That Accepts Your Insurance
The Bottom Line
Sesame Care occupies a unique spot in the GLP-1 market: they accept insurance for medication costs and let you choose your own doctor. If your plan covers Wegovy or Zepbound, your medication could run as low as $25/month (per Sesame's program page) instead of $349+ self-pay. The $99/month subscription covers provider visits, messaging, and labs through Quest Diagnostics in most states. They only prescribe FDA-approved brand-name medications, which means no compounded alternatives, but insurance typically only covers FDA-approved options anyway. With over 1 million patients served, an A+ BBB rating, and a Costco pharmacy partnership, Sesame has built something most telehealth GLP-1 providers haven't: a bridge between telehealth convenience and the insurance system.
How to Get Started with Sesame Care
Quick Facts
- Subscription $99/mo (self-pay)
- With Insurance $99/mo + copay (from $25)
- Self-Pay Meds $149-$449/mo
- Medications FDA-Approved Only
- Trustpilot 4.5/5 (3,810)
- BBB A+ (accredited)
$99/mo subscription + medication costs are separate
Visit Sesame Care →The process moves faster than most telehealth GLP-1 providers because Sesame lets you book directly with a specific doctor instead of waiting to be assigned one.
Browse and Choose Your Provider
Unlike most platforms, Sesame shows you available providers with their credentials, specialties, and patient reviews. You pick who you want to work with. This alone sets Sesame apart from competitors where you get whoever is available.
Book Your Video Consultation
Same-day appointments are often available. The initial visit typically takes 15-20 minutes. Your provider assesses eligibility (BMI 30+ or 27+ with weight-related conditions) and discusses medication options.
Lab Work (If Needed)
Your provider may order labs through Quest Diagnostics. Labs are covered by your subscription in most states, though 9 states are excluded: AZ, HI, ND, NJ, NY, OK, RI, SD, and WY.
Insurance Pre-Authorization (If Applicable)
For insurance-covered medication, Sesame handles the prior authorization paperwork with your insurer. This can take a few days depending on your plan. Without insurance, you skip this step and go straight to self-pay pricing.
Receive Medication
Your prescription goes to a pharmacy for pickup or delivery. Costco members can fill prescriptions at Costco Pharmacy locations at discounted rates.
Cancellation: No contract. Cancel anytime by emailing support@sesamecare.com or calling (877) 947-6411 at least 48 hours before your next billing date. Your subscription bills every 28 days (aligned with GLP-1 supply schedules), not on a calendar month. Full refund available if you cancel at least 3 hours before your initial visit; no refund after the first visit occurs.
What's Included (And What's Not)
Included in $99/mo
- Initial + ongoing provider consultations (video)
- Unlimited provider messaging
- Lab work at Quest Diagnostics (most states)
- Health tracking app
- Prescription coordination
- Insurance pre-authorization help
- Weekly check-in tracking
- Diet and lifestyle guidance
HSA/FSA accepted for subscription and medication
Not Included
- Medication costs - billed separately (insurance or self-pay)
- Labs in 9 states - AZ, HI, ND, NJ, NY, OK, RI, SD, WY
- Structured weight loss program - guidance but not formal coaching
- In-person visits - 100% telehealth
- Controlled substances - no phentermine or Qsymia
Sesame Care Cost: Full Pricing Breakdown 2026
Sesame uses a two-part pricing model: a $99/month subscription covers your medical care, while medication costs are billed separately and depend heavily on whether your insurance covers GLP-1s. That split creates very different price experiences for insured vs. cash-pay patients. All self-pay prices below were verified on sesamecare.com as of March 2026.
| Medication | With Insurance | Self-Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subscription | $99/mo | $99/mo | Billed every 28 days |
| Wegovy (injectable) | From $25/mo | $199/mo first 2 months, then $349/mo | Promo ends March 31, 2026 at lowest doses |
| Wegovy (pill) | From $25/mo | $149/mo (1.5-4mg), $299/mo (9-25mg) | Oral tablet, no injection needed |
| Zepbound (vials) | From $25/mo | $299/mo (2.5mg), $399/mo (5mg), $449/mo (higher) | Vial pricing by dose |
| Ozempic | From $25/mo | $349/mo ($199/mo first 2 months at lowest dose) | Off-label for weight loss; promo ends March 31, 2026 |
*Self-pay prices from sesamecare.com/medication pages, verified March 2026. $199/mo promo for Wegovy injectable and Ozempic valid through March 31, 2026 at lowest doses only. Insurance copays vary by plan. Subscription ($99/mo) billed every 28 days.
The Insurance Advantage
For someone whose insurance covers GLP-1 medications, Sesame is significantly cheaper than cash-pay alternatives. A patient with insurance paying $25/month for Wegovy (per Sesame's medication page) plus the $99 subscription spends $124/month total. That same patient at a cash-pay compounded provider would spend $179-$299/month. The gap widens further on brand-name medications, where self-pay pricing can reach $349-$449/month before the subscription fee.
Without Insurance
Cash-pay patients face a tougher value proposition. The $99 subscription plus $349/month for Wegovy injectable totals $448/month. Compounded semaglutide from providers like Eden or Remedy Meds runs $299/month with everything included. Sesame's self-pay pricing makes the most sense for patients who specifically want FDA-approved brand-name medications and are willing to pay the premium for regulatory oversight.
Total Monthly Cost Examples
- Insurance + Wegovy: $124/mo ($99 subscription + $25 copay)
- Self-Pay + Wegovy Pill (starter): $248/mo ($99 + $149)
- Self-Pay + Wegovy Injectable: $448/mo ($99 + $349)
- Self-Pay + Zepbound Vial (starter): $398/mo ($99 + $299)
- Costco + Wegovy (promo): $298/mo ($99 + $199 promo for first 2 months)
Medication Options: More Variety Than Most Providers
Why This Matters
GLP-1 medications affect people differently. Some respond well to semaglutide and others to tirzepatide. Some patients can't tolerate injections, making oral options valuable. Having 14+ options from one provider means your doctor can switch medications without you switching providers.
FDA-Approved for Weight Loss
Wegovy (semaglutide)
Injectable or pill form
Self-pay: $149-$349/mo
Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Vials by dose tier
Self-pay: $299-$449/mo
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Daily injectable
Verify current pricing
Contrave
Oral, non-GLP-1 option
Naltrexone/bupropion
Off-Label (Diabetes Medications Used for Weight Loss)
Ozempic (semaglutide)
FDA-approved for diabetes
Self-pay: $349/mo ($199 promo first 2mo)
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
FDA-approved for diabetes
Verify current pricing
Rybelsus (oral semaglutide)
Oral daily tablet
FDA-approved for diabetes
Metformin
Generic, well-established
Often very affordable
Sesame does not prescribe controlled substances like phentermine or Qsymia. All medications are FDA-approved brand-name drugs from licensed U.S. pharmacies. Providers choose what's clinically appropriate for each patient without financial incentives favoring specific medications.
Want to See Which Medications Your Insurance Covers?
Sesame handles prior authorization and works with your plan to find the most affordable option.
Visit Sesame Care →Is Sesame Care Right for You?
Sesame Care is a good fit if:
- Your insurance covers GLP-1 medications: This is where Sesame shines. With coverage, you could pay $124/month total instead of $300+ at cash-pay providers. Sesame handles the pre-authorization process.
- You want to choose your own provider: Browse available doctors, read patient reviews, and pick based on experience and feedback. Most telehealth platforms assign you whoever is available.
- You specifically want FDA-approved medications: Sesame prescribes Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, and others. All medications went through clinical trials and carry full FDA oversight.
- You're a Costco member: The Costco partnership means you can fill prescriptions at Costco Pharmacy with additional savings and earn cashback as an Executive Member.
You might want to look elsewhere if:
- You don't have insurance: Brand-name GLP-1s are significantly more expensive without coverage. Compounded alternatives from other providers can cost half as much.
- You want a structured coaching program: Sesame provides guidance on diet and exercise, but it's not a comprehensive behavioral program with meal plans, workout regimens, or dedicated coaching sessions. Providers like MEDVi offer more structured support.
- You want lower-cost compounded options: Sesame does not offer compounded GLP-1 medications. If affordability without insurance is the primary concern, compounded providers start around $149-$199/month.
See If Sesame Works With Your Insurance
Sesame accepts insurance for medication costs and handles prior authorization. If your plan covers GLP-1s, your total could be $124/month instead of $300+ at cash-pay providers.
- Subscription: $99/mo (self-pay, covers visits + labs + messaging)
- With insurance: medication copays from $25/mo
- Self-pay promo: $199/mo for first 2 months on Wegovy injectable (ends March 31, 2026)
- Costco members get additional pharmacy savings and 2% Executive cashback
Pricing verified on sesamecare.com as of March 2026. Insurance copays vary by plan.
About Sesame Care
Sesame, Inc. was founded in 2018 by David Goldhill, Michael Botta, and John Fontein in New York City. Goldhill previously served as CEO of GSN (Game Show Network) and authored Catastrophic Care, a book on U.S. healthcare economics. He currently chairs the board of The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit focused on hospital safety and transparency. That healthcare reform background shaped Sesame's approach: cut out middlemen, let patients choose providers, and make pricing transparent.
The company has raised $84.8 million across four funding rounds and reports serving over 1 million patients across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. Their "Success by Sesame" weight loss program is one vertical within a broader telehealth platform that covers primary care, mental health, dermatology, and specialty consultations.
Contact Information
- Website: sesamecare.com
- Phone: (877) 947-6411
- Email: support@sesamecare.com
- Address: 200 Broadway, Fl 3, New York, NY 10038
BBB Profile
Sesame, Inc. holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and has been BBB-accredited since December 2022. They've been in business for 8 years. The BBB profile shows 104 complaints filed, which is moderate for a platform serving over a million patients. Common complaint themes include billing for medication not received, prescription processing issues, and scheduling difficulties with specific providers.
What Makes Sesame Care Stand Out
Insurance Acceptance for Medications
Most telehealth GLP-1 providers operate on a cash-pay model. Sesame works with insurance for medication costs, which is still uncommon in this space. If your plan covers Wegovy or Zepbound, Sesame handles the prior authorization paperwork and you pay your copay. The subscription fee ($99/month) is self-pay, but for someone whose insurance covers the medication, total monthly costs drop below what many compounded-only providers charge.
You Choose Your Doctor
At most telehealth platforms, you fill out a form and get matched with whoever is available. Sesame lets you browse providers by specialty, read patient reviews, and book with the specific doctor you want. If you've had the experience of being randomly assigned a provider who rushes through appointments, this matters. You can also switch providers without canceling your subscription if the fit isn't right.
FDA-Approved Medications Exclusively
Sesame prescribes only FDA-approved brand-name medications. Every option on their formulary went through clinical trials and carries full regulatory oversight. For patients who want that level of assurance, this removes the question of compounded medication quality that comes up with other providers. The tradeoff is price: without insurance, brand-name medications cost significantly more than compounded alternatives.
Wegovy Pill Available
Sesame offers the Wegovy oral tablet (approved December 2025, launched January 2026) alongside traditional injectables. Self-pay pricing starts at $149/month for 1.5-4mg tablets and $299/month for 9-25mg tablets. For patients who dislike injections, this is a meaningful option that many providers haven't added yet.
Sesame + Costco Partnership
Sesame partnered with Costco in September 2023 to offer prescription fulfillment through Costco Pharmacy locations. For Costco members, this adds a layer of savings and convenience on top of the standard Sesame program.
Costco Member Benefits
- Wegovy/Ozempic at $349/month at Costco Pharmacy (roughly half the ~$1,349 list price)
- New patient promo: $199/month for first 2 months at lowest doses (ends March 31, 2026)
- Executive Members and Costco Anywhere Visa holders earn extra 2% cashback on medication
- $29 virtual primary care visits through Sesame
- 10% discount on specialty visits
The Costco pricing doesn't require insurance. A Costco member using self-pay could get Wegovy injectable at $349/month through Costco Pharmacy, or $199/month for the first two months at the lowest dose level. Combined with the $99 subscription, the first two months could run $298/month total before increasing to $448/month at standard pricing.
Ready to See Your Options?
Browse providers, check your insurance coverage, and see available medications through Sesame.
Visit Sesame Care →Is Sesame Care Legit?
Business Credentials
BBB A+ rating, accredited since December 2022. $84.8M in venture funding. 8 years in business. Headquartered in New York City.
FDA-Approved Medications
All medications are FDA-approved brand-name drugs dispensed through licensed U.S. pharmacies, including Costco Pharmacy. No compounded or unregulated alternatives.
Customer Track Record
4.5/5 on Trustpilot from 3,810 reviews. Over 1 million patients served. Costco partnership active since September 2023. Provider network covers all 50 states plus D.C.
Insurance Infrastructure
Working within the insurance system requires legitimate pharmacy networks, proper billing infrastructure, and compliance with prior authorization processes. This is harder to set up than cash-pay models.
Sesame's focus on FDA-approved medications and insurance integration requires more regulatory infrastructure than cash-pay compounding providers. They need licensed pharmacies, insurance billing systems, and prior authorization workflows. The Costco partnership adds another layer of institutional credibility, since Costco wouldn't attach their brand to a questionable healthcare partner.
The BBB complaint count (104) deserves context. For a platform that's served over a million patients across 8 years, 104 complaints is a low ratio. The complaint themes (billing issues, prescription processing, provider availability) are common across telehealth platforms in general, not unique to Sesame.
Sesame Care Reviews: What Customers Say
Sesame Care holds 4.5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot from 3,810 reviews (verified March 12, 2026). The distribution shows strong overall satisfaction with a notable 1-star contingent, which is typical of healthcare platforms where billing and prescription issues generate more passionate negative feedback than positive experiences.
Rating Distribution (3,810 reviews)
Recent verified reviews from Trustpilot:
"Dr. Ridha made me feel very comfortable. Like I was talking to a normal guy. Very glad I chose him. Make your appointment with confidence. He's a good Dr. and good guy!"
"Very nice doc, knowledgeable! Hopes to really understand patient. Given circumstances they are facing."
"The doctor is very good, it's easy to make an appointment and the video calls with the doctor are brief and complete. However, prescriptions repeatedly failed to process without customer service intervention."
Sesame Care vs Other Providers
Sesame occupies a different niche than most providers on our comparison page. Most telehealth GLP-1 providers are cash-pay with compounded options. Sesame is insurance-friendly with FDA-approved medications only. The comparison below shows how these models create different value for different patients.
| Provider | Best For | Insurance? | Compounded? | Monthly Cost | Trustpilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sesame Care | Insurance Users | Yes | No (FDA only) | $99 + meds | 4.5/5 (3,810) |
| MEDVi | 24/7 Support | No | Yes | $179-$299 all-in | 4.7/5 (10,500+) |
| Eden | Multiple Treatment Paths | No | Yes | $129-$249 all-in | 4.3/5 (2,900+) |
| Remedy Meds | Price Lock + Labs | No | Yes | $299/mo all-in | 4.6/5 (10,786) |
| SkinnyRx | Value Compounded | No | Yes | $199 all-in | 4.9/5 (4,710+) |
*Sesame pricing = $99/mo subscription + medication (self-pay or insurance copay). Compounded provider prices are all-inclusive (cash pay, not FDA-approved). Trustpilot counts verified March 2026. Verify current rates on provider websites.
Our Verdict: Is Sesame Care Worth It?
For insured patients, Sesame Care is one of the most cost-effective paths to FDA-approved GLP-1 medications. The math is straightforward: $99/month subscription plus a $25 copay totals $124/month for brand-name Wegovy or Zepbound. That's less than most compounded providers charge for non-FDA-approved alternatives. Add in provider choice, Quest Diagnostics lab coverage, and Costco pharmacy pricing, and the value is strong.
For cash-pay patients, the calculus changes. At $448/month for subscription plus Wegovy injectable, Sesame costs more than twice what compounded providers charge. The Wegovy pill ($248/month total with subscription) and Costco promo pricing ($298/month total for first two months) narrow the gap, but compounded options at $179-$249/month still undercut Sesame on pure price.
Before signing up, check whether your insurance covers GLP-1 medications. If it does, Sesame should be on your shortlist. If it doesn't, consider whether the FDA-approved medication premium is worth the extra cost over compounded alternatives. Either way, the Costco partnership and provider choice make Sesame worth investigating.
Have Insurance That Covers GLP-1 Medications?
Your medication could cost $25/month instead of $300+. Sesame handles prior authorization.
Visit Sesame Care →Sesame Care FAQ
What is Sesame Care?
Sesame Care is a telehealth platform founded in 2018 that connects patients with licensed providers for healthcare services including weight loss treatment. Their "Success by Sesame" program focuses on FDA-approved GLP-1 medications with insurance support. They serve all 50 states plus D.C. and have treated over 1 million patients.
How much does Sesame Care cost?
The subscription is $99/month (billed every 28 days), which covers provider visits, messaging, and labs in most states. Medication costs are separate: with insurance, copays can be as low as $25/month. Without insurance, self-pay ranges from $149/month (Wegovy pill, lower doses) to $449/month (Zepbound, higher doses).
Does Sesame Care accept insurance?
Yes, for medication costs. The $99/month subscription is out-of-pocket (HSA/FSA may apply). If your insurance covers GLP-1s, Sesame handles prior authorization and you pay your copay. Not all insurance plans cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss.
Does Sesame offer compounded medications?
Sesame previously offered compounded semaglutide, but availability became extremely limited after the FDA declared the semaglutide shortage resolved in February 2025. Currently, Sesame primarily prescribes FDA-approved brand-name medications. If you want compounded options, other providers may be a better fit.
Can I choose my own provider?
Yes. Sesame lets you browse available providers, view their credentials and specialties, read patient reviews, and book with the specific doctor you want. You can also switch providers without canceling your subscription.
Are labs included?
Labs through Quest Diagnostics are included in the subscription for most states. Nine states are excluded: Arizona, Hawaii, North Dakota, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Wyoming. In those states, you'll need to arrange labs separately.
How does the Costco partnership work?
Costco members can fill Sesame prescriptions at Costco Pharmacy locations at discounted pricing. Wegovy and Ozempic are available at roughly $349/month (about half list price). Executive Members and Costco Anywhere Visa holders earn extra 2% cashback on medication purchases. An active Costco membership is required.
How do I cancel Sesame Care?
No contract is required. Email support@sesamecare.com or call (877) 947-6411 at least 48 hours before your renewal date. The subscription bills every 28 days. No prorated refunds for partial periods.
Does Sesame Care accept HSA/FSA?
Yes. Most services and medications may be eligible for HSA/FSA payment. Sesame provides itemized receipts for reimbursement. Some HSA/FSA debit cards can be used directly at checkout.
Is the Wegovy pill available through Sesame?
Yes. Sesame offers the Wegovy oral tablet (FDA-approved December 2025). Self-pay pricing starts at $149/month for 1.5mg or 4mg tablets and $299/month for 9mg or 25mg tablets. With insurance, copays may be as low as $25/month.
Article History
- March 12, 2026Ro-level standards alignment: 12+ inline source attributions added linking to sesamecare.com pricing and program pages, Trustpilot updated to 3,810 reviews, Quick Facts restructured with self-pay/insurance labels, green conversion CTA with promo urgency and insurance positioning added, Ozempic self-pay corrected to $349/mo, Remedy Meds comparison updated to $299/mo, refund policy details added, verification disclaimer expanded
- March 10, 2026Go-live verification: 10 primary sources checked. Fixed Ozempic pricing (removed unverified $499/2mg tier), updated company address per BBB (200 Broadway), updated Trustpilot to 3,799 reviews, added promo expiration dates (March 31, 2026), removed non-Costco-specific pricing from Costco benefits section
- March 9, 2026Full review update: source re-verification across 9 primary sources, added What's Included grid, medication options section (14+ medications), About section with company details and BBB data, Trustpilot rating distribution, Costco partnership section, Wegovy pill pricing, verification disclaimer, comparison data refreshed
- March 5, 2026Trustpilot review verification, server/client split, go-live review
- January 27, 2026Full review update, pricing verification, V2 template redesign
- September 20, 2025Original article published