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Is fluoxetine covered by insurance? | How much does fluoxetine cost without insurance? | How to get fluoxetine without insurance
Better known as brand-name Prozac, fluoxetine HCl is a generic prescription antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and the eating disorder bulimia. The FDA has also approved the use of fluoxetine along with olanzapine to treat bipolar depression and treatment-resistant depression. Dosages will vary depending on the condition and treatment response, but expect to take anywhere from 20 mg to 60 mg per day. Fluoxetine is one of the best known members of a family of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Like most SSRIs, fluoxetine is an affordable prescription drug, but costs can add up if taking it long term.
Related: Prozac side effects
Is fluoxetine covered by insurance?
People with a fluoxetine prescription for an approved condition will usually have it covered if they have health insurance. This includes commercial insurance plans, Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage drug plans, and Medicaid. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may also cover fluoxetine for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), even though this use hasn’t been approved by the FDA.
How much does fluoxetine cost without insurance?
With a retail price of $60 for a 30-day supply, fluoxetine can be considered affordable. However, a year of fluoxetine treatment at the average retail price will cost $720. That may be harder to manage. People with health insurance will pay less, but the actual out-of-pocket cost will depend on the insurance company’s formulary, copay cost, deductible, and coinsurance. Medicare Part D patients will pay variable prices throughout the year because of coverage gaps. In general, though, the copay cost alone should be low. Most insurance companies classify fluoxetine as a Tier 1 drug, the category with the lowest copays.
Fluoxetine, fortunately, is not the least expensive SSRI on the market. For depression, there are cheaper SSRIs that may work just as well, such as generic Celexa (citalopram) and trazodone. There are also other types of antidepressants, including tricyclic antidepressants, that could be used. People with panic disorder have fewer options. The only other SSRI approved for panic disorder is Paxil (paroxetine), but it costs more than fluoxetine.
Some over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and natural remedies can help relieve mild depression, sadness, or the occasional bout of stress. They are not, however, proven effective at treating serious mental health conditions like major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or panic attacks.
Compare fluoxetine prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance for brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Prozac | $600 per 30, 20 mg capsules | $3 per 30, 20 mg capsules for generic Prozac | See updated prices |
| Trazodone | $24 per 30, 50 mg tablets for generic trazodone | $1 per 30, 50 mg tablets for generic trazodone | See updated prices |
| Celexa | $351 per 30, 20 mg tablets | $3 per 30, 20 mg tablets for generic Celexa | See updated prices |
| Zoloft | $475 per 30, 50 mg tablets | $5 per 30, 50 mg tablets for generic Zoloft | See updated prices |
| Paxil
|
$295 per 30, 20 mg tablets | $4 per 30, 20 mg tablets for generic Paxil | See updated prices |
| Fluvoxamine | $78 for 30, 100 mg tablets for generic fluvoxamine | $11 for 30, 100 mg tablets for generic fluvoxamine | See updated prices |
| Lexapro | $490 per 30, 10 mg tablets | $5 per 30, 10 mg tablets for generic Lexapro | 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.
How to get fluoxetine without insurance
Fluoxetine is a moderately-priced generic antidepressant. Many uninsured people can afford a one-month prescription. But fluoxetine treatment lasts for at least six months and often longer. That might be harder to afford. Patient assistance programs, manufacturer coupons, and even rebates might help if patients meet certain eligibility requirements. There are more certain and lasting ways to save money, starting with a SingleCare discount card.
1. Bring a SingleCare savings card to a participating pharmacy
With a free coupon from SingleCare, a 30-day supply of fluoxetine can be purchased for as little as $3 depending on the pharmacy. Considering that the average retail price of generic fluoxetine is $60, that’s a big discount.
2. Compare prices
Many people don’t realize that pharmacies charge different prices for prescription medications. Search SingleCare for your prescription, then compare your local pharmacy prices.
3. Get a 90-day prescription
It also pays to compare prices of 90-day prescriptions versus 30-day fills. A larger prescription may have a lower price on a per-tablet basis. The difference in price will also depend on the pharmacy. Adding a SingleCare savings card can save even more.
4. Fill the prescription at a clinic or hospital with discount medications
Called 340B providers, some local clinics and hospitals purchase drugs like fluoxetine using federal subsidies. They then sell these drugs to income-eligible patients at a steeply reduced price. Ask a healthcare provider or local health official for a list of local 340B providers.
5. Switch to a less-expensive SSRI
There are generic SSRIs similar to fluoxetine that cost less than generic fluoxetine. Ask a healthcare professional for medical advice about these other drugs. Some may not be appropriate, but switching to a less expensive SSRI could save money.
