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Is bupropion covered by insurance? | How much does bupropion cost without insurance? | How to get bupropion without insurance
Bupropion is a generic prescription drug used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and to help people quit smoking. Healthcare providers may, however, prescribe bupropion off-label for attention deficit disorder (ADHD) or weight loss. Bupropion is taken as a tablet. The actual dosage will depend on the form prescribed. For FDA-approved conditions, the standard daily dose is 300 mg, but the starting dose is typically lower. Bupropion can be taken in one of three forms. Immediate-release tablets are taken three times per day. Sustained-release (SR) tablets are taken twice a day and extended-release (ER or XL) once daily. Bupropion’s retail price will vary based on the form, but all are moderately expensive compared to other generic antidepressants. The brand-name versions, Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL, are more expensive. Brand-name Zyban, which was marketed for smoking cessation, is no longer available. No matter the form prescribed, people without insurance coverage have many options to save money on bupropion.
Is bupropion covered by insurance?
Bupropion is usually covered by commercial health insurance, Medicare Part D drug coverage, and Medicaid for FDA-approved medical conditions.
How much does bupropion cost without insurance?
A month’s supply of generic sustained-release tablets will cost about $102, and a month’s supply of generic extended-release tablets averages $140 at both the starting and standard dosage. Because bupropion is often prescribed for months at a time, the annual cost can range from $1,200 to $1,600.
With health insurance, the cost will be lower. To treat depression, health insurance formularies generally classify bupropion in all its forms as a Tier 1 drug, meaning it will have the lowest copay cost. But other factors will determine the actual out-of-pocket cost including the insurance plan’s deductible or coinsurance. There is one exception: when used for smoking cessation, bupropion SR is classified by the Affordable Care Act as a preventive medication. The insurance company must provide the medicine for free: no deductible, no copay.
For uninsured patients with depression, there are less expensive antidepressants. However, they all work differently than bupropion.
Other common antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and atypical antidepressants. Ask the prescribing healthcare provider for medical advice about other antidepressants and why bupropion is being prescribed instead. Remember: even though some over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements can help improve mood, they are not effective treatments for major depressive disorder.
For smoking cessation there are no comparable prescription or over-the-counter medications. Nicotine replacements and Chantix (varenicline) are approved by the FDA for smoking cessation, but they work differently. Only nicotine replacements can be purchased without a prescription.
RELATED: Should you take Wellbutrin to quit smoking? | Wellbutrin vs. Chantix
Compare bupropion prices to related drugs |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Bupropion HCl | $102 per 90, 100 mg tablets of generic bupropion | $13 per 90, 100 mg tablets of generic bupropion | See updated prices |
| Wellbutrin SR | $536 per 60, 150 mg tablets | $7 per 60, 150 mg tablets of generic bupropion SR | See updated prices |
| Wellbutrin XL
|
$2,709 per 30, 300 mg tablets | $9 per 30, 150 mg tablets of generic bupropion XL | See updated prices |
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. The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see updated drug prices.
RELATED: Wellbutrin SR vs. Wellbutrin XL
How to get bupropion without insurance
For a generic antidepressant, bupropion may be expensive. With a monthly cost approaching $100, a year of treatment will cost over $1,000 without insurance. Some people can save money with patient assistance programs, but these are rare for generic drugs. Fortunately, there are more certain price-slashing strategies, starting with SingleCare.
1. Save up to 80% with a SingleCare savings card
Immediate-release bupropion costs $102 per 90, 100 mg tablets. With a SingleCare discount savings card, you could pay just $13. Keep in mind that the actual discount will depend on the participating pharmacy where the SingleCare card is used. New SingleCare users can save an additional $3 off of their first prescription.
2. Compare pharmacy prices
Find a pharmacy near you and search for your prescription on our website or app to compare bupropion prices offered at local pharmacies.
3. Turn to a fixed-price generics program
Some of the lowest prices can be found at chain pharmacies that offer fixed-price generics. A month’s supply of bupropion SR may cost as little as $4, and a 90-day supply $10.
4. Take advantage of community resources
A healthcare professional or local health officials can provide a list of community clinics and 340B providers. They may be able to fill a generic bupropion prescription for only a few dollars or at no cost depending on income eligibility.
5. Enroll in Medicaid
If even a SingleCare discount price is too hard to pay for, visit your state’s Medicaid website to see if you meet the eligibility requirements. Bupropion and other generic prescription medications typically cost a few dollars—or nothing—for Medicaid recipients, but the actual copay cost may depend on income.
RELATED: Can I use SingleCare if I have Medicaid?
6. Switch to a less expensive antidepressant
As a last resort, ask a mental health professional for medical advice about other antidepressants such as Prozac (fluoxetine). For some people they may not work as well as bupropion, and some may work better. Common side effects may also be different. A month’s supply of some generic versions of tricyclic antidepressants or SSRIs can be purchased for as low as $4 at some chain pharmacies.
7. Talk to your local health department
All states have tobacco control programs that are subsidized by the federal government. They may be able to find ways to help patients get bupropion treatment for smoking cessation. Visit your state’s tobacco control website for information or contact your local health department.
