Included Health vs Optum Now
A detailed head-to-head comparison of Included Health and Optum Now — pricing, peptides, consultation models, and patient reviews.
At a Glance
RatingNo reviews
Starting PriceN/A
Peptides2
ConsultationHybrid
Lab TestingNo
Shipping3-5 business days
Pros
- Real video visits with licensed primary care providers
- Health navigation layer is a genuine differentiator: help navigating insurance appeals, specialist referrals, care decisions
- Widely distributed through employer benefits
- Platform covers primary care, behavioral health, and specialist navigation in one place
- Strong infrastructure and clinical oversight from a well-funded, established company
- All 50 states for telehealth
Cons
- Primarily employer-benefit access
- Not a GLP-1 specialist: patients wanting structured weight loss programs, titration coaching, or compounded options should look elsewhere
- Pricing and access vary significantly by employer
- Doctor on Demand brand (the predecessor) was known for good but standard primary care
- No labs ordered or drawn through the platform
- Less suitable for patients whose main need is low-cost GLP-1 access without employer benefits
RatingNo reviews
Starting PriceN/A
Peptides2
ConsultationHybrid
Lab TestingNo
Shipping3-5 business days
Pros
- $45/month unlimited virtual visits
- Available in all 50 states
- Video consultations (not async-only)
- Deep integration with UnitedHealthcare for seamless insurance coordination
- Lab ordering available through Quest Diagnostics partnership
- Behavioral health network access for patients who need psychological support alongside weight management
Cons
- No compounded GLP-1 options
- Not a specialized obesity medicine practice
- Tied to the UnitedHealth Group ecosystem, which has faced criticism over prior authorization denial rates and conflicts of interest across insurance, PBM, and care delivery
- Relatively new to weight management (added 2024)
- No in-person option for patients who prefer or need hands-on clinical evaluation
- Vertical integration cuts both ways
Pros & Cons
Peptide Pricing Comparison
| Peptide | Included Health | Optum Now |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Price unavailable | Price unavailable |
| Tirzepatide | Price unavailable | Price unavailable |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Included Health or Optum Now better?
Included Health offers 2 peptides and hybrid consultations. Optum Now offers 2 peptides and hybrid consultations. The best choice depends on which peptides you need, your budget, and preferred consultation model.
Which is cheaper, Included Health or Optum Now?
See the pricing table above for a detailed comparison.