Optum Now vs Paloma Health
A detailed head-to-head comparison of Optum Now and Paloma Health — pricing, peptides, consultation models, and patient reviews.
At a Glance
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
RatingNo reviews
Starting PriceN/A
Peptides2
ConsultationHybrid
Lab TestingYes
Shipping3-5 business days
Pros
- Comprehensive thyroid testing included in membership
- Insurance accepted for consultations, which reduces out-of-pocket cost compared to most GLP-1 platforms
- Thyroid optimization before or alongside GLP-1 prescribing is clinically more thorough than platforms that ignore thyroid status
- Specialist-level thyroid knowledge; providers understand the nuances of T3/T4 ratios and symptom-lab discordance
- At-home lab testing removes a significant barrier for patients who struggle to access phlebotomy services
- Addresses a frequently missed root cause of weight-loss resistance
Cons
- Primarily a thyroid platform; patients without thyroid concerns may find it a poor fit for standalone weight management
- GLP-1 prescribing is a secondary offering
- Membership fees plus medication costs can add up; the total may exceed single-service weight-loss platforms
- State availability is broad but not universal
- Patients without a thyroid diagnosis may find the intake process more involved than they expected for weight management alone
Pros & Cons
Peptide Pricing Comparison
| Peptide | Optum Now | Paloma Health |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Price unavailable | Price unavailable |
| Tirzepatide | Price unavailable | Price unavailable |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Optum Now or Paloma Health better?
Optum Now offers 2 peptides and hybrid consultations. Paloma Health offers 2 peptides and hybrid consultations. The best choice depends on which peptides you need, your budget, and preferred consultation model.
Which is cheaper, Optum Now or Paloma Health?
See the pricing table above for a detailed comparison.