MDLive vs Optum Now
A detailed head-to-head comparison of MDLive 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
- All 50 states
- Insurance integration is deep: most employer plans include MDLive, reducing or eliminating out-of-pocket costs
- Backed by Evernorth/Cigna
- Covers primary care, urgent care, dermatology, and behavioral health in one platform
- On-demand availability for urgent visits
- Video visits provide real-time interaction; not async-only care
Cons
- Not a GLP-1 specialist: patients seeking structured weight loss programs, dedicated titration coaching, or compounded semaglutide should look at specialist platforms
- Pricing is opaque for cash-pay patients; strongly optimized for the insured population
- Individual access (without employer benefits) is less seamless than using it through your employer plan
- No weight loss program structure comparable to Found, Calibrate, or Sequence
- No labs ordered or drawn through the platform (patients need to go to external lab)
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 | MDLive | Optum Now |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Price unavailable | Price unavailable |
| Tirzepatide | Price unavailable | Price unavailable |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MDLive or Optum Now better?
MDLive 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, MDLive or Optum Now?
See the pricing table above for a detailed comparison.