How much is escitalopram without insurance?

Is escitalopram covered by insurance | How much does escitalopram cost without insurance? | How to get escitalopram without insurance

Escitalopram is a generic prescription drug that helps people with major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), although healthcare professionals may prescribe it for uses not approved by the FDA. Taken by mouth as a tablet once per day, the standard daily dose is 10 milligrams (mg). Escitalopram is also sold under the brand name Lexapro and belongs to a commonly prescribed family of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). When taken for several months, escitalopram increases serotonin in the brain, thus increasing nerve signals and helping people with depression or anxiety to better regulate their mood. However, escitalopram is one of the higher-priced SSRIs, so people without insurance may need to find ways to make this medication more affordable over the long term.

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Is escitalopram covered by insurance?

Most commercial health insurance plans, Medicare drug plans, and Medicaid will cover a generic escitalopram prescription for qualifying medical conditions. Some health insurance policies may not cover brand-name Lexapro for off-label use.

How much does escitalopram cost without insurance?

With a retail price of $122 for a 30-day supply of 10 mg tablets, escitalopram may be hard to afford for several months of treatment. Escitalopram is typically prescribed for six months or longer, so six months of treatment will have a total cost exceeding $700 at full cash price. Health insurance can reduce the cost. Most insurance companies classify escitalopram as a Tier 1 drug. However, health insurance is more complex than copay costs, so the actual out-of-pocket costs depend on other aspects of the health plan, such as deductibles and coinsurance. 

Those who cannot afford escitalopram should consider asking their prescribing healthcare providers about alternative SSRIs. Currently, generic escitalopram is the most expensive SSRI on the market. A lower cost SSRI, such as citalopram, can cost as low as one-fourth of the escitalopram’s price. However, if these alternative treatments are still too pricey, consider asking about tricyclic antidepressants to help with depression or anxiety. Other less expensive options for people with anxiety include antihistamines, anticonvulsants, beta blockers, and buspirone.

Some over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and natural remedies may help alleviate mild symptoms of depressed mood, anxiety, or stress. However, they are not effective at treating diagnosed mental health conditions like major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. 

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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.

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How to get escitalopram without insurance

With a six-month cost exceeding $700, generic escitalopram can be made more affordable. Manufacturer coupons, patient assistance programs, and manufacturer rebates may be offered for brand-name Lexapro, but they’re not always guaranteed and may not be available for generic escitalopram. Here are a few money-saving tips that can provide more certain savings, starting with a SingleCare discount card.

1. Get immediate prescription savings with a SingleCare savings card

A 30-day supply of escitalopram can cost as little as $7 just by using a free coupon from SingleCare at participating local pharmacies. That’s a $115 discount off the average retail price of generic escitalopram, which is $122 per 30 tablets, and a $483 discount off the average retail price of brand-name Lexapro, which is $490 per 30 tablets. Save even more than that: a SingleCare savings card can be a reliable source of prescription discounts on hundreds of other medications as well.

2. Use a SingleCare savings card with a 90-day prescription

Escitalopram is a long-term treatment but getting a 90-day supply may not save money. However, the lowest SingleCare discount price for 90 days of escitalopram is only $9, just a tad higher than $7 for a 30-day supply. Visit SingleCare’s escitalopram discount coupon page to explore all the possible savings. By becoming a SingleCare member, you can earn an extra $3 off your next prescription. 

3. Shop around for lower prices

Some pharmacies charge more for generic medications than others. For a month of escitalopram, the highest pharmacy price is twice as much as the lowest. Finding the lowest price could save you an average of $300 over six months.

4. Get help from a local health department

Local health departments can point you in the direction of public health clinics, community clinics, and 340B providers that may be able to fill an escitalopram prescription for only a few dollars. They may also be able to provide low-cost treatment. Start by contacting your city or county’s health department.

5. Enroll in Medicaid

For people who qualify for Medicaid, the cost for escitalopram may only be a few dollars per month or free. Not only will Medicaid save on prescription medications, but it will also substantially reduce the out-of-pocket cost of medical care. Start by researching eligibility requirements on your state’s Medicaid website to see if you could qualify.

6. Ask the prescriber about other SSRIs

Escitalopram is currently the most expensive SSRI on the market, so it pays to ask the prescribing healthcare provider for medical advice about using other generic versions of SSRIs. Some of them, such as paroxetine, fluoxetine, and citalopram are frequently found on some pharmacy chains’ $4 generic drug lists.