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Key takeaways
Cigna may cover Contrave, but prior authorization is usually required, and coverage can vary by plan.
Contrave may be covered for the first four months of treatment, and patients typically must show they’ve lost at least 5% of their weight to extend their coverage.
Without insurance, Contrave can cost over $800 a month since it’s only available as a brand-name drug.
Contrave is a prescription drug that contains naltrexone and bupropion to help with weight loss. It’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight management in adults 18 years and older with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with weight-related health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Many insurance plans don’t cover weight-loss medications even if they’re FDA approved. If they do cover them, they often require prior authorization or other criteria before covering a drug like Contrave.
Does Cigna cover Contrave?
Coverage for Contrave will depend on the plan. Some Cigna plans may cover Contrave, but it isn’t automatic. If it is covered, it may need prior authorization, which means your healthcare provider has to send information to Cigna to show that the medication is medically necessary.
Cigna generally approves Contrave for an initial four-month period for patients who:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Have already tried diet changes and lifestyle changes for at least three months
- Have a body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related medical condition, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or heart disease
- Are using Contrave alongside a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity
For people continuing treatment, Cigna may extend coverage for up to one year if they:
- Are 18 years or older
- Met the BMI requirements when they first started Contrave
- Have lost at least 5% of their starting body weight after the first four months
- Continue to follow dietary and lifestyle changes while taking the medication
Exclusions also apply. Cigna will not approve Contrave if you’re taking it at the same time as other weight-loss medications, such as Wegovy (semaglutide), Zepbound (tirzepatide), Saxenda (liraglutide), or phentermine.
RELATED: Contrave vs. Wegovy
How much is Contrave without insurance?
The price of Contrave can vary when paying out of pocket. Without insurance, the average retail price can be more than $800 for a monthly supply of Contrave taken at a maintenance dosage of two tablets in the morning and two in the evening.
Contrave is only available as a brand-name drug, which can make it inaccessible for many people who prefer the lower cost of generic drugs. However, it’s possible to save on the cash price of Contrave through different savings options like a prescription discount card.
Save up to 80% on Contrave with SingleCare Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.
How much does Contrave cost with Cigna?
How much a person pays for Contrave with Cigna depends on the insurance plan and where Contrave falls on the formulary or prescription drug list. Many Cigna Healthcare plans that cover Contrave may put it on a higher tier, especially since it’s a brand-name drug.
Weight loss medications are excluded from Medicare drug coverage by law, so expect to pay the full retail price if you have Medicare.
Medicaid coverage through Cigna varies by state since each state has its own preferred drug list. Contrave coverage, therefore, depends on local regulations. Some states provide coverage for certain obesity treatments, while others might not cover any at all.
Drug coverage through insurance also depends on meeting annual deductibles. Patients may need to pay full retail prices if they haven’t reached their deductible amount for the year.
How to check whether your Cigna plan covers Contrave
Patients can always contact their insurance company directly to see copay amounts and coverage requirements before starting treatment. Insurance plan documents also have details about the coverage policy.
It’s possible to find out which drugs are covered through Cigna’s website. Members can log in to the myCigna portal and use the “Price a Medication” tool to see the prescription medications covered under their plan.
Members can also call customer service on their ID card for more information about their coverage. An agent can explain which medications are covered and the specific coverage requirements of the plan.
How to save on Contrave
Even with insurance, Contrave can be costly. For those without insurance, it can be difficult to access this treatment at all. However, there are several ways to save on Contrave, such as discount cards, patient assistance programs, or choosing a different medication.
Use a SingleCare discount card
A free discount card from SingleCare could help lower costs at participating pharmacies nationwide. You can download the card online and show it to your pharmacy when picking up your refill to potentially save each month. You can also use the SingleCare app. However, the SingleCare discount can’t be combined with insurance copay benefits, so it’s best to compare the SingleCare discounted price with your insurance copay to see which option costs less.
Check for patient assistance
The manufacturer of Contrave, Currax Pharmaceuticals LLC, may occasionally offer patient assistance programs to help patients save on the medication. These programs are typically income-based, and individuals may be eligible by meeting specific criteria.
Shop around at different pharmacies
The cost of Contrave can vary depending on the pharmacy. For example, large chain pharmacies, independent pharmacies, and mail-order pharmacies can differ in their pricing for Contrave. Therefore, it can be helpful to compare the retail price at different pharmacies. With SingleCare, you can compare the potential costs of Contrave at pharmacies closest to you.
Weight Loss Coupons & Resources
Ask a healthcare provider for an alternative
If it’s still difficult to get Contrave with or without health insurance, a prescribing healthcare provider can recommend a different weight loss medication that may be more affordable. Some Contrave alternatives might also have better insurance coverage or lower copay amounts. Other options might include Qsymia (extended-release phentermine-topiramate) and Xenical (orlistat).
- Weight loss – appetite suppressants and orlistat, Cigna (2025)
- Contrave highlights of prescribing information, Food and Drug Administration (2024)
- Evidence of coverage, Cigna (2025)