Head-to-head comparison
Effecty vs MDLive
Two GLP-1 providers, one scorecard. Both are graded on the same six Desk Score dimensions — here is how they stack up, and which one fits you.
Desk Score
Below-market pricing with brand access across all 50 states — a clean, no-frills value option.
$160/mo sema · $240/mo tirz
Marked down on: Injectable only — no oral route
Desk Score
MDLive (an Evernorth/Cigna company) is a large telehealth provider offering urgent care, primary care, dermatology and behavioral health.
Marked down on: GLP-1s only at clinician discretion in a Primary Care routine visit
Effecty takes this head-to-head with the higher Desk Score, 89/100 (B+) against 60/100 (C) for MDLive. MDLive still holds its ground where its strengths line up with yours.
Desk Score, dimension by dimension
Same six measured dimensions for both. The red flag marks the stronger side. See the methodology.
Effecty
89/100
B+
MDLive
60/100
C
Price transparency
State access
Molecule range
Onboarding speed
Support responsiveness
Licensing & trust
The spec sheet
| Field | Effecty | MDLive |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | $160/mo$160/mo | Not listed on MDLive's site (checked July 2026) |
| Tirzepatide | $240/mo$240/mo | Not listed on MDLive's site (checked July 2026) |
| Coverage | All 50 states | Not listed on MDLive's site (checked July 2026) |
| Brand-name | Yes | Yes |
| Oral option | Injectable only | Injectable only |
| Best for | Patients who want affordable brand-capable care nationwide without extra program layers. | Insured or employer-covered patients wanting GLP-1s within full primary care. |
| Desk Score | 89/100B+ | 60/100C |
The verdict
Desk pick — EffectyEffecty takes this head-to-head with the higher Desk Score, 89/100 (B+) against 60/100 (C) for MDLive. MDLive still holds its ground where its strengths line up with yours.
Choose Effecty if…
Patients who want affordable brand-capable care nationwide without extra program layers.
$160/mo sema · $240/mo tirz · All 50 states
Choose MDLive if…
Insured or employer-covered patients wanting GLP-1s within full primary care.
Assume any provider we list may compensate us — we may earn a referral commission at no extra cost to you, and what we write about a provider reads the same either way. Read full breakdowns: Effecty · MDLive.
Also here
CoreAge Rx leads the whole ranking at 94/100
Whichever of these two you lean toward, our #1-rated provider outscores them both. One price at every dose, both molecules, all 50 states. The $99 and $149 figures are 12-month plans paid up front, not a monthly bill.
More head-to-heads
- CoreAge Rx vs Effecty
- CoreAge Rx vs MDLive
- Effecty vs Vytora Health
- MDLive vs Tyde Wellness
- Amazon One Medical vs Effecty
- Eden vs MDLive
Or see the full comparison hub and the complete ranking.
Pricing and verification reflect each provider's public disclosures at last scoring; the Desk Score is our editorial judgment per the methodology. Prices change — confirm on each provider's own site. Not medical advice; see our disclosure.