How much is albuterol sulfate HFA (Proventil HFA) without insurance?

Is albuterol sulfate HFA covered by insurance? | How much does albuterol sulfate HFA cost without insurance? | How to get albuterol sulfate HFA without insurance

Albuterol sulfate (also known as salbutamol) is a prescription generic inhalation solution packaged in a metered dose inhaler. Inhaled albuterol is FDA-approved for immediate relief of airway closure (bronchospasm) in people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a medical condition that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. People are most familiar with inhalers that contain albuterol sulfate hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) that are in a puffer. Albuterol sulfate without HFA is inhaled in a mist from a nebulizer machine. Albuterol belongs to the drugs class called short-acting beta2 antagonists or SABA for short. These medications work by rapidly relaxing the airways, allowing air to flow more freely. 

Related: Albuterol sulfate HFA dosage | Albuterol sulfate HFA side effects

What is the brand name for albuterol sulfate HFA?

Albuterol sulfate HFA is the active ingredient in brand-name Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA, Proair HFA, Proair Digihaler, and Proair Respiclick. The brand-name versions of albuterol retail for about the same price as generic albuterol. 

Is albuterol sulfate HFA covered by insurance?

Albuterol sulfate HFA is typically covered by health insurance, Medicare drug insurance plans, and Medicaid. However, insurance coverage will vary by plan. Copay costs will also vary by plan. The insurance company may impose restrictions such as quantity limits or prior authorization. 

How much does albuterol sulfate HFA cost without insurance?

The average retail price for a single 8.5 gm albuterol sulfate inhaler is about $98, enough medicine for 100 doses of two inhalations each. That works out to about 90 cents per dose. How long an inhaler lasts depends on how often an inhaler is used. Albuterol inhalant is intended to be used when experiencing wheezing or asthma symptoms or before exercise. The number of inhalers needed depends on the frequency of use. Some people need more than one inhaler per month, some need less.

Switching to a brand-name version will neither save nor waste much money. Except for dry-powder non-HFA inhalers (Proair Digihaler and Proair Respiclick), brand-name albuterol sulfate costs about the same as the generic. 

Switching to another short-acting beta antagonist may also not save money. The only other medically equivalent bronchodilator is generic Xopenex HFA (levalbuterol tartrate). A generic levalbuterol inhaler costs nearly twice as much as the generic version of albuterol sulfate.

Other over-the-counter asthma inhalers such as Primatene Mist (inhaled epinephrine) are an option, but these are only FDA-approved to relieve shortness of breath in people with mild, intermittent asthma. They may not be suitable for people with moderate to severe asthma attacks. It’s important to seek medical advice from a healthcare provider before considering over-the-counter quick-relief inhalers.

RELATED: Albuterol sulfate HFA alternatives: What can I take instead of albuterol sulfate HFA? 

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.

How to get albuterol sulfate HFA without insurance

Albuterol sulfate is a life-saving medication. It’s vital to have it on hand as a rescue inhaler. At a cash price of about $100 per inhaler, costs can add up. Sometimes, pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs or manufacturer coupons for uninsured patients, but this is usually not available for generic drugs. Luckily, there are ways to save. Sign up for a prescription savings card from SingleCare.

1. Get 80% or more savings on prescription medications with SingleCare

A SingleCare prescription discount card could decrease the cost of an albuterol inhaler by over $90, for a total out-of-pocket cost of $9. That’s a 90% savings off the average retail price of $100. Browse available discounts by visiting the albuterol sulfate free coupons page. Make sure to check the FAQs section of the discount coupon page for more savings and drug information.

2. Look for the lowest price 

Pharmacies charge different retail prices for the same prescription. The lowest pharmacy price for albuterol sulfate HFA is half the cost of the highest price. That means that a careful shopper could buy two inhalers at one drugstore for the cost of one at another.

3. Consider Medicaid

Medicaid may also be another way to save money. As state-subsidized health insurance, Medicaid is designed to minimize out-of-pocket costs for necessary medical care and medications like albuterol sulfate for qualified candidates. Visit your state’s Medicaid website for eligibility criteria, enrollment forms, and additional information.