Alpha Medical (Hello Alpha) and LifeMD are two telehealth companies that prescribe GLP-1 weight loss medication online. This comparison covers pricing, what each prescribes, insurance, and where FormBlends fits if your goal is compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide.
Quick answer
Both are legitimate telehealth providers. LifeMD (Nasdaq: LFMD) leans toward branded GLP-1s like Wegovy and Zepbound, works with insurance, and accepts Medicare and some plans, with program fees around $75 first month then about $149/month plus medication. Hello Alpha is a women-focused, cash-pay platform with about a $79/month membership and access to branded semaglutide as low as roughly $128 for a 28-day pen if you qualify for savings programs. Both pulled back from compounded GLP-1s in 2025-2026. If you specifically want compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide with clear pricing, FormBlends is one option to compare. Compare options on the provider comparison tool or begin with compounded semaglutide.
Alpha Medical vs LifeMD at a glance
| Factor | Hello Alpha (Alpha Medical) | LifeMD |
|---|---|---|
| Company type | Private women's telehealth | Public (Nasdaq: LFMD) |
| Membership | About $79/month | About $75 first month, then ~$149/month program |
| Medications | Branded GLP-1s (Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounjaro) | Branded GLP-1s plus some compounded |
| Compounded GLP-1 | Stopped April 2025 | Limited in 2026 |
| Insurance | Cash-pay; cannot bill Medicare/Medicaid | Works with insurance; accepts Medicare and some plans |
| Branded cost without insurance | Pen as low as ~$128 via savings if eligible | $500-$1,500+/month |
| Best for | Women wanting cash-pay branded access | Patients pursuing insured branded GLP-1s |
Which is cheaper, Alpha Medical or LifeMD?
It depends on insurance. If you have coverage for a branded GLP-1, LifeMD can be cheaper because it helps run the drug through insurance, sometimes dropping cost to a low copay. If you are paying cash and qualify for a manufacturer savings program, Hello Alpha's roughly $128 pen pricing for a 28-day supply can be very competitive, though eligibility is limited. Without insurance and without savings eligibility, branded GLP-1s through either platform run into the hundreds to over a thousand dollars per month.
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Take the Assessment →What does each one prescribe?
LifeMD prescribes branded GLP-1s including Wegovy and Zepbound (tirzepatide), and has offered compounded options at times. Hello Alpha prescribes branded GLP-1s such as Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound when appropriate. Both reduced or stopped compounded GLP-1 prescribing as branded shortages eased and the FDA acted in 2025-2026. The medications are GLP-1 receptor agonists, the drug class studied in the STEP trials (semaglutide) and SURMOUNT trials (tirzepatide).
Insurance and coverage
LifeMD actively works with insurance for branded GLP-1s and accepts Medicare and some commercial plans, though coverage for weight loss drugs is uneven. Hello Alpha is cash-pay for medication and cannot bill Medicare or Medicaid; patients pay the cash price or use manufacturer savings if eligible. This is the biggest practical difference between the two.
Doctor access and experience
LifeMD uses video consultations and a structured weight management program with clinical follow-up. Hello Alpha centers on women's health with online visits and messaging. Both require a licensed provider to approve medication, and membership alone does not guarantee a prescription.
How both compare to FormBlends
| Feature | Hello Alpha / LifeMD | FormBlends |
|---|---|---|
| Primary medication | Branded GLP-1s | Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide |
| Compounded access (2026) | Limited or stopped | Core offering |
| Pricing | Membership plus branded drug cost | Medication-focused |
| Insurance | LifeMD yes, Alpha cash-pay | Cash-pay |
If you want help pursuing insured branded drugs, LifeMD fits. If you want women's-health-focused cash-pay branded access, Hello Alpha fits. If you want compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide at a clear price, FormBlends is one option to compare.
How to get started
Compare your options on the provider comparison tool, or begin an intake for compounded semaglutide at FormBlends. A licensed provider reviews your information, and if you qualify, medication ships to you.
FAQ
Is Alpha Medical the same as Hello Alpha?
Yes, in these searches "Alpha Medical" refers to Hello Alpha (helloalpha.com), a women-focused telehealth platform. Other unrelated "Alpha" clinics exist.
Which is cheaper, Alpha Medical or LifeMD?
It depends on insurance. LifeMD can be cheaper with coverage for branded drugs. Hello Alpha's cash pricing can be competitive if you qualify for savings programs.
Does LifeMD only offer semaglutide?
No. LifeMD offers branded GLP-1s including Wegovy and Zepbound (tirzepatide), and has offered compounded options at times.
Do Alpha Medical and LifeMD take insurance?
LifeMD works with insurance and accepts Medicare and some plans. Hello Alpha is cash-pay for medication and cannot bill Medicare or Medicaid.
Can I get compounded semaglutide from either?
Availability shrank in 2025-2026. Hello Alpha stopped compounded GLP-1s in April 2025, and LifeMD limited them in 2026. FormBlends focuses on compounded options.
Does LifeMD prescribe tirzepatide?
Yes. LifeMD offers branded tirzepatide products such as Zepbound, subject to provider approval and coverage.
What is getlifemd.com?
It is an access point associated with LifeMD's services. Confirm current pricing on the official LifeMD site.
How is FormBlends different?
FormBlends focuses on compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide with clear medication pricing rather than branded drugs and insurance navigation.
Sources
- LifeMD weight management program. https://lifemd.com/weight-management/
- Healthline. "LifeMD Review: Cost, Medications, and Plans." https://www.healthline.com/health/lifemd-review
- Hello Alpha weight loss. https://www.helloalpha.com/weight-loss
- Hello Alpha membership. https://www.helloalpha.com/membership
- Wilding JPH, et al. STEP 1, NEJM 2021. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
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