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Key takeaways
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a brand-name SGLT2 inhibitor used to manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes and reduce the risks of cardiovascular and kidney-related complications in certain patients.
Although no generic version is available, there are ways to save on this prescription, such as using a savings card or applying for patient assistance programs.
If Jardiance is still not affordable, your healthcare provider may recommend other medications that are just as effective but lower in cost.
Jardiance (empagliflozin) is a brand-name prescription SGLT2 inhibitor medication with several FDA-approved uses, including:
- To improve control of blood sugar levels in adults and children 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes
- To reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
- To lower the risk of hospitalization and cardiovascular death in adults with heart failure
- To reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease, hospitalization, and cardiovascular death in adults with chronic kidney disease
Without health insurance, Jardiance can be expensive for many people, but there are several options you can pursue to save money on this medication.
Save up to 80% on Jardiance with SingleCare
Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.
How much does Jardiance cost?
The current list price for Jardiance is $630 for a 30-day supply. This is the medication’s cost without discounts or insurance, and it may vary based on pharmacy location.
Does insurance cover Jardiance?
According to Boehringer Ingelheim, the manufacturer of Jardiance, 93% of patients pay between $0 and $50 a month for Jardiance, with the remaining 7% paying an average of $170 per month.
“Due to the high cost, many plans will have you first try less expensive drugs, which the insurance companies will recommend,” says Adria Goldman Gross, a medical bill advocate and CEO and president of MedWise Insurance Advocacy in Monroe, New York.
If necessary, your healthcare provider can give you medical advice on Jardiance alternatives that are more affordable. Some Jardiance alternatives that insurance plans may cover include:
- Glucophage (metformin)
- Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
- Amaryl (glimepiride)
- Ozempic (semaglutide)
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
- Januvia (sitagliptin)
- Victoza (liraglutide)
- Actos (pioglitazone)
- Trulicity (dulaglutide)
- Glucotrol XL (glipizide extended-release)
- Lantus (insulin glargine)
RELATED: Jardiance vs. metformin
Does Medicare cover Jardiance?
Thanks to a new law called the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare can now negotiate directly with manufacturers for the price of certain brand-name Medicare Part B and Part D drugs that don’t have competition. Jardiance is one of the 10 medications.
Medicare plans that offer prescription drug coverage put medications in tiers on their formularies. Tier 1 usually has the lowest copayment, encompassing most generic prescription drugs, while Tier 3 has a higher copayment with nonpreferred, brand-name prescription drugs.
“Jardiance is tier 3 on most Medicare Part D plans,” Gross says. “If you have a Medicare prescription plan, prices vary by the plan you are on. They can range from $0 to $170 a month.”
RELATED: Jardiance cost with Medicare
Does Medicaid cover Jardiance?
Some state Medicaid plans will cover Jardiance, while others may recommend cheaper alternatives.
According to the manufacturer, patients with Medicaid usually pay copays of $0–$8 per month if they meet authorization guidelines.
If you’re on Medicaid, it’s best to speak to your health insurance service provider to determine your coverage or seek additional information.
Why is Jardiance so expensive?
The reason why Jardiance is so expensive is that there are no generic versions available.
The drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2014, which means there’s a 20-year patent restriction on generic versions that is still active, according to Michael Yudelevich, MD, an independent patient advocate at My Personal Health Advocate in New York City. “Jardiance is only available via brand name, which is the principal reason for the high cost.”
Jardiance copay assistance and other financial help
If you’ve been prescribed Jardiance, there are ways to make it more affordable, starting with a Jardiance savings card offered by the manufacturer.
Jardiance manufacturer savings card
The pharmaceutical company that manufactures and trademarks Jardiance, Boehringer Ingelheim, offers a savings card for the medication. You can pay as low as $10 monthly for a one- to three-month supply for people with commercial insurance who are eligible. Once you get the card, they’ll automatically re-enroll you after 12 months if you still qualify.
To apply for the savings card, visit the Jardiance website or call the manufacturer at 866-279-8990 for support or additional information.
BI Cares Patient Assistance Program
The Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation (BI Cares) Patient Assistance Program is a charitable assistance program for older adults and lower-income families. This program provides free medication to eligible patients.
Here are the eligibility requirements for the program:
- Be a resident in the United States or a U.S. territory.
- Have no health insurance or limited health insurance
- No access to alternate insurance coverage or financial aid for the medication
- Meet BI Cares’ household income guidelines
After enrollment, the program lasts 12 months from the approval date and can be renewed if you still meet the eligibility requirements to receive free medication.
To receive benefits, you’ll need to submit an online application on the program’s website. If you need assistance filling out the application or have questions about the program, call BI Cares at 800-556-8317.
SingleCare Prescription Savings Card
SingleCare offers a prescription discount card that can help lower the cost of your Jardiance prescription. With the discount card, you won’t have a copay. Instead, you’ll pay a discounted price for Jardiance, which may be cheaper than using your insurance and paying a copay. In fact, some SingleCare users have saved up to 80% on prescriptions.
Free diabetes coupons & discount diabetic supplies
The first step to using the prescription drug discount card is to search for your preferred pharmacy on the Jardiance coupon page on the SingleCare website. Then click “Get free coupon,” which will instantly provide you with a coupon you can save to your phone or print. Simply show it to your pharmacist to obtain the discount.
- Jardiance – empagliflozin tablet, film-coated, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023)
- How much does Jardiance cost per month? Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Saving money with the prescription drug law, Medicare.gov (n.d.)
- What Medicare Part D drug plans cover, Medicare.gov
- Savings card – Jardiance, Boehringer Ingelheim (2023)
- BI Cares patient assistance program, Boehringer Ingelheim