Verdict94/ 100
Grade A · #1CoreAge Rx
The most honest middle of the market: nationwide access, both molecules at one flat, no-surprise price.
Visit CoreAge RxHead-to-head verdict
CoreAge Rx vs 1st Optimal
Two GLP-1 providers, ruled side by side on The Verdict Score — our published six-factor rubric. Same yardstick, and no score is adjusted for payment.
vs
Verdict56/ 100
Grade C · #3711st Optimal
1st Optimal is a Michigan-based telehealth and functional-medicine platform offering GLP-1 weight loss medications, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, as once-weekly injections or daily oral tablets.
Visit 1st OptimalThe verdict
Winner: CoreAge Rx
CoreAge Rx takes it with a higher Verdict Score — 94/100 to 56/100 (grade A vs C). Anyone who wants transparent flat pricing and nationwide access without a teaser-rate bait-and-switch. 1st Optimal still earns its place — patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program.
Factor by factor
Both scored on the same six factors — see the methodology. The brass bar marks the stronger side on each.
92Real-world results64
92
Real-world results64
97Price honesty20
97
Price honesty20
96Prescriber access54
96
Prescriber access54
88Formulary choice46
88
Formulary choice46
95Cancellation fairness92
95
Cancellation fairness92
93Member support74
93
Member support74
Price, coverage & features
| Metric | CoreAge Rx | 1st Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Score | 94/100 | 56/100 |
| Grade | A | C |
| Semaglutide | $149/mo | Not disclosed |
| Tirzepatide | $349/mo | Not disclosed |
| Coverage | All 50 states | Not disclosed |
| Brand-name access | Compounded only | Compounded only |
| Oral / sublingual | No | Yes |
CoreAge Rx
What we like
- Flat, all-in monthly price with no intro-rate step-ups after month one
- Both compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide on one account
- Available in all 50 states
- Straightforward, low-friction cancellation
The caveats
- Not the cheapest — flat-price challengers like Trimi Health and Alan Meds undercut its sticker price
- No FDA-approved brand-name option (compounded only)
- Does not yet publicly name its 503A/B pharmacy partner
1st Optimal
What we like
- Offers both semaglutide and tirzepatide with injectable and oral formats
- Functional-medicine approach with at-home labs and blood-work interpretation
- Unlimited coaching and ongoing support included
- No long-term contracts
- Board-certified doctors and nurse practitioners referenced
The caveats
- No public monthly pricing disclosed
- No published state availability list
- Compounded vs branded sourcing not clarified on site
- Pricing only revealed after quiz or consultation
Our pick — visit
Anyone who wants transparent flat pricing and nationwide access without a teaser-rate bait-and-switch.
Visit CoreAge Rx Read the full CoreAge Rx review →Also worth a look
Patients wanting GLP-1 therapy within a lab-driven functional-medicine program.
Visit 1st Optimal Read the full 1st Optimal review →Keep comparing
Neither of these has to be the answer: the rivals we rank against CoreAge Rx cover the 7 programmes closest to it, and the same shortlist for 1st Optimal does the reverse.
Or browse the full comparison hub and the complete rankings.
Pricing, states and verification reflect each provider's public disclosures at last review; the Verdict Score is our editorial judgment per the methodology. Prices change — confirm on each provider's site. Not medical advice; see our disclosure.