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Is naproxen covered by insurance? | How much does naproxen cost without insurance? | How to get naproxen without insurance
Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) similar to aspirin and ibuprofen. Over-the-counter (OTC) naproxen sodium helps relieve minor aches and pains caused by headaches, muscle aches, back troubles, and similar complaints. Healthcare providers use high-dose prescription naproxen or extended-release naproxen to manage more stubborn pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendonitis, gout, bursitis, and other medical conditions that cause pain and inflammation. People looking for OTC naproxen will find it comparably priced to other OTC pain relievers. However, prescription naproxen is generally more expensive than lower-dosed OTC naproxen products. No matter what dose is needed, people have several ways to find savings on naproxen.
Related: Naproxen dosage
What is the brand for naproxen?
OTC naproxen is best known as brand-name Aleve, but generic versions commonly are sold under store brands. Prescription naproxen is typically purchased as a lower-priced generic. However, healthcare providers will occasionally prescribe brand-name versions of naproxen, such as Naprosyn, EC-Naprosyn, Naprelan, or Anaprox DS.
Is naproxen covered by insurance?
OTC naproxen, like most OTC drugs, is generally not covered by health insurance. This may not always be true, though. Some OTC drugs are almost always covered by health insurance for certain medical conditions, such as aspirin, and some like naproxen may be covered depending on the diagnosis and the plan’s formulary. Check the insurance plan’s documents or talk to a representative just to be sure. Prescription naproxen, on the other hand, is commonly covered by health insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, and the VA, for FDA-approved uses.
How much does naproxen cost without insurance?
With or without health insurance, the cost of naproxen will vary. Numerous factors, including prescription versus non-prescription naproxen, brand-name versus generic naproxen, the dosage prescribed, the pharmacy used, and the health insurance plan, will determine the final out-of-pocket cost. For OTC naproxen, people with or without health insurance will both pay the same store price. For prescription naproxen, people with insurance will pay less than the full price, though this will vary based on the insurance plan’s formulary and copay costs. Without insurance, the full price for generic naproxen is $70 for 60, 500 mg tablets, or about one dollar per tablet. That same 30-day supply for brand-name Naprosyn will typically cost $450 at the full cash price, or about $5 per tablet.
Compare naproxen prices to related drugs |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Naproxen | $71 per 60, 500 mg tablets | $4 for 60, 500 mg tablets of generic naproxen | See updated prices |
| Naprosyn
(naproxen) |
$452 per 60, 500 mg tablets | $4 for 60, 500 mg tablets of generic naproxen | See updated prices |
| Ibuprofen | $32 per 30, 800 mg tablets | $1 for 30, 800 mg tablets for generic ibuprofen | See updated prices |
| Meloxicam | $93 per 30, 15 mg tablets | Less than $1 for 30, 15 mg tablets of generic meloxicam | See updated prices |
| Nabumetone | $90 per 60, 750 mg tablets | $12 for 60, 750 mg tablets of generic nabumetone | See updated prices |
| Acetaminophen | $11 per 30, 325 mg tablets | $2 per 30, 325 mg tablets of generic acetaminophen | See updated prices |
| Voltaren gel | $26 per 100 gm of 1% gel | $7 per 100 gm of 1% gel of generic diclofenac sodium | 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 naproxen without insurance
Although generic prescription naproxen is priced lower than many other prescription drugs, it can still be a challenge to cover a prescription without the help of insurance. Fortunately, there are several strategies to save on both prescription and over-the-counter naproxen. Start with a SingleCare savings card.
1. Save on naproxen with a SingleCare savings card
When purchasing generic prescription naproxen, people can pay as little as $4 for a one-month supply using a SingleCare discount card. That represents a savings of almost $65 off of its average retail price.
2. Shop around for the lowest price
Whether purchasing OTC or prescription naproxen, it pays to look for the lowest price. Start with SingleCare’s pharmacy finder, since the lowest discounted price might be that offered by a SingleCare naproxen coupon. Online pharmacies are another potential source of savings. Some offer significant discounts on prescription drugs.
3. Find a value-priced generics program
Some retail pharmacies offer value-priced generics at a low fixed cost. The price can range between $4 and $14 for a 30-day supply. Prescription naproxen is commonly included in these programs, sometimes at the lowest discount price.
4. Look for community health clinics or programs
Call your county health department or dial 211 for community health clinics, 540 providers, or other community health resources. These providers not only offer low-priced medical services, but they may also be able to fill prescriptions for generic drugs like naproxen at a substantial discount. However, there may be eligibility or income requirements.
5. Consider Medicaid coverage
If even a SingleCare discount or value-priced generic program doesn’t help, consider enrolling in Medicaid, a government-administered health insurance program with low to ultra-low premiums. Many people insured by a Medicaid plan will pay nothing for a naproxen prescription. Each state’s Medicaid website provides eligibility information and enrollment forms, so that’s a good place to start.
6. Consider other pain relievers
Especially for over-the-counter naproxen, savings may be found by switching to other NSAIDs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. However, pain relief from naproxen lasts longer than aspirin and ibuprofen, and side effects, such as high blood pressure, are less common when taking naproxen rather than alternative non-prescription NSAIDs. These benefits may be worth the additional expense.
