Checked November 5, 2026
Free and low-cost GLP-1 and weight-loss help in Iowa
Iowa has health centers that charge by income, maker programs that start at $149 a month, and food help across the state. Start with the one that fits your week.
Ready to start this week? Two cash programs that ship to Iowa.
No insurance needed.
Prices checked Nov 6, 2026.
- Check price →
- Check price →
- Check price →Eden's GLP-1 page, then an online assessment
Health centers that charge by income
Federally funded health centers set your fee by household size and income. At or below the poverty line the fee is a small flat amount, and it rises in steps to the full price at twice the line.
| Household | Smallest fee at or below | Full price from |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 a year | $31,920 a year |
| 2 people | $21,640 a year | $43,280 a year |
| 3 people | $27,320 a year | $54,640 a year |
| 4 people | $33,000 a year | $66,000 a year |
Health centers in Iowa to call:
- Primary Health Care, Des Moines, 515-248-1447
- Eastern Iowa Health Center, Cedar Rapids, 319-730-7300
- Proteus, Des Moines, 563-264-0880
- Siouxland Community Health Center, Sioux City, 712-252-2477
- All Care Health Center, Council Bluffs, 712-325-1990
- Crescent Community Health Center, Dubuque, 563-690-2850
- River Hills Community Health Center, Ottumwa, 641-673-8308
- Infinity Health, Leon, 641-446-2383
- Community Health Care, Davenport, 563-336-3000
- Greater Sioux Community Health Center, Sioux Center, 712-722-1700
Find the health center nearest you. Ask for the sliding fee form when you book.
Clinics in the biggest Iowa counties
In Iowa, Polk, Linn, Johnson, Scott, Black Hawk and Woodbury counties have the most adults who struggle to afford care, so a call to a clinic there is a good first step.
Polk County
About 37 in 100 adults here live with obesity, 8 in 100 adults under 65 have no health insurance and 12 in 100 residents live below the poverty line (CDC PLACES and Census, 2025 and 2023 releases).
- Primary Health Care - Bery Engebretsen Clinic, 2353 Se 14Th St, Des Moines, 515-248-1400
County public health: Polk County Health Department, Des Moines, 515-286-3798.
Linn County
About 35 in 100 adults here live with obesity, 6 in 100 adults under 65 have no health insurance and 10 in 100 residents live below the poverty line (CDC PLACES and Census, 2025 and 2023 releases).
- Eastern Iowa Health Center, 1201 3Rd Ave Se, Cedar Rapids, 319-730-7300
County public health: Linn County Public Health, Cedar Rapids, 319-892-6000.
Johnson County
About 30 in 100 adults here live with obesity, 6 in 100 adults under 65 have no health insurance and 16 in 100 residents live below the poverty line (CDC PLACES and Census, 2025 and 2023 releases).
County public health: Johnson County Public Health, Iowa City, 319-356-6040.
Scott County
About 41 in 100 adults here live with obesity, 7 in 100 adults under 65 have no health insurance and 11 in 100 residents live below the poverty line (CDC PLACES and Census, 2025 and 2023 releases).
- Community Health Care Inc. Dental Clinic, 125 Scott St, Davenport, 563-336-3221
County public health: Scott County Health Department, Davenport, 563-326-8618.
Black Hawk County
About 40 in 100 adults here live with obesity, 7 in 100 adults under 65 have no health insurance and 14 in 100 residents live below the poverty line (CDC PLACES and Census, 2025 and 2023 releases).
- Peoples Community Health Clinic, 905 Franklin St, Waterloo, 319-874-3000
County public health: Waterloo Visiting Nursing Association/Bremer County Public Health, Waterloo, 319-235-6201.
Woodbury County
About 39 in 100 adults here live with obesity, 11 in 100 adults under 65 have no health insurance and 13 in 100 residents live below the poverty line (CDC PLACES and Census, 2025 and 2023 releases).
- Siouxland Community Health Center, 1021 Nebraska St, Sioux City, 712-252-2477
County public health: Siouxland District Health Department, Sioux City, 712-279-6119.
Maker programs and prices
| Program | What you pay | Who it fits |
|---|---|---|
| NovoCare Pharmacy, Wegovy pen | $199 a month for the first two fills, then $349 | Anyone with a prescription |
| NovoCare Pharmacy, Wegovy pill | $149 for 1.5 mg, $199 for 4 mg, $299 for 9 mg and 25 mg | Anyone with a prescription |
| Zepbound from Lilly | KwikPen $299 at 2.5 mg, $399 at 5 mg, from $449 at higher doses | Anyone with a prescription |
| TrumpRx | Wegovy pill $149, Wegovy pen $199, Zepbound $299 a month | Anyone with a prescription |
| Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance | Ozempic at no cost | No insurance and income up to $31,920 for one person |
| Lilly Cares | Trulicity at no cost | Income up to $47,880 for one person |
| Medicare GLP-1 Bridge | $50 a month for Wegovy, Foundayo or Zepbound KwikPen | Part D members who meet the weight and health test, until December 31, 2027 |
Zepbound has a $25 savings card for people whose insurance covers it, good through December 31, 2026. Prices read November 5, 2026. Compare every cash program on the cash price chart.
Iowa Medicaid and GLP-1s
Iowa Medicaid covers GLP-1s for type 2 diabetes with prior approval, Wegovy for heart protection and Zepbound for sleep apnea. It does not cover them for weight loss alone. The full rules are on Iowa Medicaid GLP-1 coverage.
Food help in Iowa
- SNAP: call 877-347-5678, or apply online. Program details.
- 2-1-1: dial 211 for food, rides, rent help and clinics near your zip code.
Food banks:
- Food Bank of Iowa, Des Moines, 515-564-0330
- HACAP Food Reservoir, Hiawatha, 319-393-7811
- Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Waterloo, 319-235-0507
- River Bend Food Bank, Davenport, 563-345-6490
Find the food bank for your county.
Free coaching and Medicare help
- Lifestyle change programs: a year of group coaching on food and movement, led by trained coaches. Search the CDC list for your zip code, in person or online. Programs in Iowa that meet in person include:
- Avera Holy Family Wellbeing Clinic, Estherville: 712-362-6306
- Bremer County Health Department, Waverly: 319-352-0082
- CHPcommunity, West Des Moines: 515-635-1285
- Christ Apostolic Temple Diabetes Prevention Program, Des Moines: 515-339-9016
- Grace Fitness, Des Moines: 515-661-3407
- Grundy County Memorial Hospital, Grundy Center: 319-824-5421
- Knoxville Hospital & Clinics, Knoxville: 641-842-1522
- Mary Greeley Medical Center, Ames: 515-956-2880
- MercyOne, Clive: 641-428-6609
- St. Anthony Regional Hospital- Chronic Care Center, Carroll: 712-794-5901
- Age 65 or older: Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) gives free one-to-one Medicare help. Call 800-351-4664.
Four ways to stretch your health dollar
- Ask every clinic and pharmacy for the cash price before you book or fill.
- Bring your last tax return or pay stubs to a health center visit so the sliding fee applies on day one.
- Ask for a 90-day supply when your prescriber agrees.
- Apply for Medicaid any time of year, and check Marketplace savings during open enrollment.
Iowa free-help FAQ
How much does a health center visit cost in Iowa?
It depends on your income. At or below the poverty line the fee is a small flat amount, and between one and two times the line it steps up. Ask for the sliding fee form.
Can I get help with a GLP-1 if I have no insurance?
Yes. NovoCare Pharmacy and Lilly sell directly at the prices above, and the cash programs at the top of this page ship to Iowa.
Where do I start if I need food and a clinic?
Dial 211. It connects you with food banks, clinics and other help near your zip code.
Sources: Health center fee rule (42 CFR 51c.303); 2026 poverty guidelines (ASPE); HRSA health center list; Feeding America member list; USDA SNAP directory; maker pages linked above; state Medicaid drug lists. Read November 5, 2026. How we check.
This page lists public programs and is not medical advice. Ask your clinician before starting any medicine.