How much is Nexplanon without insurance?

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

Nexplanon is a brand-name prescription birth control implant that does not contain estrogen. It is a single-hormone contraceptive that steadily releases the hormone progestin, providing women with a long-term contraception option. The implant requires a healthcare professional to insert or remove it. Without insurance, the cost of Nexplanon can range from $0 to $1,300, with removal possibly incurring an additional office visit fee of up to $300, depending on healthcare provider fees and location. 

Despite the potential high upfront cost, Nexplanon is a one-time expense providing up to three years of birth control coverage, which may be more favorable in the long run for some.

Related: Nexplanon side effects and how to avoid them

What is the brand name/generic for Nexplanon?

Nexplanon is the brand name for the hormonal birth control implant that contains the active ingredient etonogestrel. Currently, there isn’t a generic equivalent available on the market. The patent protection for Nexplanon typically prevents other pharmaceutical companies from creating a generic version until the patent expires. The patent for Nexplanon is expected to expire in the U.S. in 2027 and other countries in 2025, when a generic version may be approved. 

Is Nexplanon covered by insurance?

Most insurance companies offer health insurance plans that cover Nexplanon and other birth control methods. These include birth control pills, birth control patches, and other types of birth control approved by the U.S. Drug and Food Administration (FDA). This is due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements that insurance providers must follow. This coverage usually includes the upper arm implant Nexplanon, removing financial barriers to effective contraception and family planning. Individuals with Medicaid and certain government programs may also receive Nexplanon at no out-of-pocket or low cost.

How much does Nexplanon cost without insurance?

Without insurance coverage, individuals can expect varying costs. The average retail price for a single Nexplanon implant may range between $0 and $1,300. The wide range in cost can be attributed to geographic location, the pharmacy’s pricing, and potential discounts or financial assistance programs. In many cases, out-of-pocket costs may be associated with the visit for implanting the medication. 

Because Nexplanon releases hormones over three years, there isn’t a per-pill price or a monthly cost as with other forms of birth control. The upfront cost covers three years of birth control, and when calculated yearly, it simplifies to a range of $0 to $433 annually before considering removal procedure costs, which can also vary.

There is no generic alternative to Nexplanon. However, individuals can consider other forms of long-term birth control, like intrauterine devices (IUDs), which may vary in price and could potentially be cheaper options. In any case, it may be helpful to research and ask about available options to reduce the financial burden.

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 (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.

How to get Nexplanon without insurance

While insurance can significantly reduce the cost of this birth control implant, many people may find it challenging to pay for Nexplanon without it. Paying for Nexplanon out-of-pocket can be costly. However, there are still methods to make Nexplanon more affordable without insurance coverage. Here are some potential strategies:

1. Use a discount card

SingleCare discount cards can be a significant help. These coupons are accepted at many pharmacies and could reduce the cost of Nexplanon, making it more accessible for uninsured people.

2. Consider a comparable medication

While Nexplanon does not have a direct generic equivalent, there are other long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), such as Mirena and Skyla, that may offer similar benefits. Combination oral contraceptives like Loestrin (ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone) or progestin-only pills like Heather (norethindrone) are oral alternatives to Nexplanon that can also be considered. Researching birth-control alternatives and comparing prices may offer considerable savings.

3. Compare pharmacy prices

Different pharmacies may offer varying prices for the same medication. You can shop around and compare prices at local pharmacies to find the most affordable option for Nexplanon. Sometimes, you may find lower prices at pharmacies you don’t typically frequent. 

4. Visit a community health clinic

Some local health clinics and community health centers may offer Nexplanon at reduced prices or on a sliding scale based on income. This can make the implant much more attainable for those without insurance. 

5. Check for nonprofit organizations

Nonprofits like Planned Parenthood sometimes provide birth control implants at little to no cost for those who qualify. Checking their criteria could lead to free or subsidized Nexplanon. Some local charitable organizations and women’s health initiatives may offer financial assistance or sliding-scale fees for birth control options.

These options may offer substantial savings. For instance, the cost with a discount card might be significantly less than the listed price, potentially offering savings similar to those seen with generic medications. Exploring these potential strategies is the most reliable way to reduce the costs of obtaining Nexplanon without insurance.

Lea este artículo en español aquí.