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Is metoprolol covered by insurance?| How much does metoprolol cost without insurance? | How to get metoprolol without insurance
Metoprolol is a generic prescription drug primarily used to lower blood pressure in people diagnosed with hypertension. The FDA has also approved metoprolol to treat people who have recently had a heart attack and as a long-term treatment for chest pain (angina). However, healthcare professionals may sometimes use it off-label for other medical conditions such as migraine headache prevention or heart failure. Metoprolol is taken twice a day as an oral tablet, but the extended-release form is taken once per day.
Metoprolol is a relatively inexpensive prescription drug. The brand-name versions—Lopressor, Toprol XL, and Kapspargo Sprinkle—are more expensive. Even as a low-cost drug, long-term metoprolol treatment can add up, so it pays to find ways to reduce the cost.
RELATED: Metoprolol tartrate vs. metoprolol succinate: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you
Is metoprolol covered by insurance?
Generic metoprolol is usually covered by commercial and private health insurance plans as well as Medicare Part D, Medicaid, Tricare, and the VA.
How much does metoprolol cost without insurance?
For the uninsured, a 30-day supply of 60, 25 mg tablets of generic metoprolol will cost around $50. The price, however, will change for different dosages. All told, the annual cost of metoprolol treatment is just under $600. Health insurance helps. Most insured patients will find both the immediate-release generic version (metoprolol tartrate) and the extended-release generic version (metoprolol succinate) classified as Tier 1 drugs, that is, drugs with the lowest copay cost. Other factors contribute to what each person will pay out-of-pocket. These include the insurance plan’s deductible, coinsurance, and, for Medicare, the coverage phase.
If metoprolol is too expensive, consider other blood pressure medications. Metoprolol belongs to a class of high blood pressure drugs called beta blockers, which lower blood pressure by widening blood vessels and, for some beta blockers like metoprolol, slowing the heart rate and reducing the force of individual heartbeats. There are other generic low-priced blood pressure medications that work differently in the body: ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril, angiotensin II receptor blockers such as losartan, calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine, diuretics, and alpha-2 receptor agonists. However, even though they may be cheaper, these other drugs may not be better. They also may not be approved by the FDA to treat some of the same medical conditions as metoprolol, or suitable for an individual’s situation. Effectiveness and side effects will vary, too. Before deciding to switch, ask the prescribing healthcare provider for medical advice.
Above all, be cautious about substituting over-the-counter drugs, natural remedies, or dietary supplements for prescription blood pressure medications. Some may have minor effects on blood pressure, but they may not be enough to treat diagnosed hypertension and other health conditions.
RELATED: Metoprolol alternatives: What can I take instead of metoprolol?
Compare metoprolol prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate) | $102 for 30, 50 mg tablets | $1 for 60, 50 mg tablets of generic metoprolol tartrate | See updated prices |
| Toprol XL (metoprolol succinate ER) | $59 for 30, 50 mg tablets | $2 for 30, 25 mg tablets of generic metoprolol succinate | See updated prices |
| Tenormin (atenolol) | $480 for 30, 50 mg tablets | $0.25 for 90, 50 mg tablets of generic atenolol | See updated prices |
| Acebutolol hydrochloride | $35 for 30, 200 mg tablets of generic acebutolol | $5 for 30, 200 mg tablets of generic acebutolol | See updated prices |
| Propranolol hydrochloride | $42 for 60, 20 mg tablets of generic propranolol | $2 for 60, 20 mg tablets of generic propranolol | See updated prices |
| Labetalol hcl | $47 for 60, 200 mg tablets of generic labetalol | $7 for 60, 200 mg tablets of generic labetalol | 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 metoprolol without insurance
Although generic metoprolol is lower-priced, it may be hard to afford month after month at the full cash price. Some people may be able to find patient assistance programs, manufacturer coupons, or manufacturer rebates to save money, but not everyone will be eligible. Besides, patient assistance programs and manufacturer coupons aren’t commonly offered for generic drugs. So, even if metoprolol is affordable, it pays to explore ways to consistently save money. And the lowest price for metoprolol can often be found using a free coupon from SingleCare.
RELATED: How do I search for savings?
1. Use a SingleCare savings card
The lowest SingleCare discount price for a month’s supply of metoprolol is $1, probably the best available prescription discount for metoprolol other than free. A SingleCare discount card can be used at your local pharmacy, but the actual discount may vary by pharmacy.
2. Find the pharmacy with the lowest prices
Simply finding the lowest pharmacy price for metoprolol can shave $30 off the average retail price. That’s a savings of $360 per year. Add a SingleCare discount card and save $40 off the average retail price. As an added bonus, by signing up for SingleCare you can save an extra $3 off of your next prescription.
3. Ask the prescriber for a 90-day prescription
When comparing pharmacy prices, ask about prices for a 90-day supply of metoprolol. Some pharmacies charge a significantly lower price per tablet and the savings could be substantial. However, some pharmacies will just charge the same price per tablet so there are no savings to be had.
4. Purchase prescriptions from an online pharmacy
If comparing pharmacy prices is too bothersome, consider using an online pharmacy. Some of the best prescription discounts can be found online. However, some mail-order online pharmacies may not be legal or reliable. SingleCare has some tips for making sure an online pharmacy is safe to deal with.
5. Use community resources
Community health clinics offer both low-cost treatment and some generic prescription medications. In particular, clinics and hospitals designated as 340B providers can sell generic drugs at a steep discount, or even give them out for free to people who qualify.
6. Enroll in Medicaid
If even the SingleCare discount price—as low as $1 per month at a typical dosage—or a cheap generics price—$4 no matter what the dosage—is hard to manage or access, Medicaid may be the best option. Drugs like metoprolol are usually free or cost a few cents or dollars depending on a person’s income.
