How much is Otezla without insurance?

In this article:

• Is Otezla covered by insurance?
• Cost without insurance
• Price comparison
• Otezla costs by dose
• How to get Otezla covered by insurance
• Savings tips

In this article

• Is Otezla covered by insurance?
• Cost without insurance
• Price comparison
• Otezla costs by dose
• How to get Otezla covered by insurance
• Savings tips

Otezla (apremilast) is a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) that helps reduce symptoms of autoimmune conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, and oral ulcers due to Behçet’s disease, by blocking the immune system. It is an expensive brand-name drug with no generic or over-the-counter versions, but people without health insurance do have options that can help make treatment more affordable.

RELATED: What is Otezla?

Is Otezla covered by insurance?

Many commercial health insurance plans cover Otezla but may require prior authorization, step therapy, and quantity limits. According to the manufacturer, Amgen, 99% of people with private insurance have coverage for Otezla. 

People on Medicare plans, Medicaid, or Tricare are less likely to have Otezla coverage and are encouraged to contact Amgen for assistance. Insurance companies will require a specialty pharmacy to fill the prescription.

How much does Otezla cost without insurance?

The average cost for a 30-day supply of Otezla tablets (60, 30 mg tablets) is $6,843 for people paying the full retail price. A year of treatment could cost almost $80,000. Insurance can reduce that cost, but the copay and other costs may still be high. 

Even with insurance coverage, the out-of-pocket cost may be high. Insurance providers typically place Otezla in their highest copay tier for preferred brand-name specialty drugs. Not only will the co-payment cost be high, but there may be other fees, such as deductibles or coinsurance. An Otezla copay card can reduce the cost to $0 for people with private insurance, but it won’t work with Medicare, Medicaid, or other government-subsidized health plans.

People who can’t afford Otezla may be able to afford other, more traditional FDA-approved DMARDs. For moderate to severe psoriatic arthritis, the most commonly used traditional DMARDs are methotrexate, cyclosporine, Azulfidine (sulfasalazine), Arava (leflunomide), and Azasan (azathioprine). However, they may not be as effective as Otezla for some people, and the side effects may differ.

RELATED: Otezla side effects

How much does generic Otezla cost?

There are no generic versions of Otezla, but a generic option should be available in the U.S. by 2028.

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of 02/23/2026. The listed price, without insurance, refers to the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.

RELATED: What can I take instead of Otezla?

Otezla costs by dose

As with other premium-priced brand-name medications, the retail price of Otezla does not vary by dosage strength. Drugs like Otezla that are sold through specialty pharmacies are generally not available in large quantities, such as a 90-day supply. 

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of 02/23/2026. Click the link under “See our lowest price” to see the latest drug prices.

How to get Otezla covered by insurance

When insurance companies deny Otezla coverage, it’s typically because the prior authorization requirements haven’t been met. Doctors usually file all the prior authorization paperwork necessary when prescribing Otezla, along with other required paperwork, such as a form to be faxed to the specialty pharmacy filling the prescription.

The first step after a denial of coverage is to talk to an insurance plan representative or the prescribing healthcare provider. The only options are to fulfill the prior authorization requirements, such as taking certain drugs for a limited time, or to appeal the decision. The prescribing clinician will have to submit the necessary paperwork demonstrating medical necessity.

For plaque psoriasis, some insurance companies require a minimum amount of skin area affected before approving the drug. Called “body surface area requirements,” they may be the reason coverage is denied. If so, talk to the prescribing healthcare provider about filing an appeal.

How to get Otezla without insurance

With an annual cost of close to $80,000, Otezla may be hard to fit into most people’s budgets without some outside help. Health insurance helps, but not everyone with insurance will have their claim readily approved. Patient assistance programs and manufacturer coupons can help people who meet the eligibility requirements, but not everyone is eligible. There are, however, several more surefire ways to make Otezla affordable, starting with a SingleCare prescription discount card.

1. Use a SingleCare savings card

With a free SingleCare coupon, people can save up to $1,700 off the average retail price of Otezla. Use SingleCare to compare Otezla prices near you. Prescription prices vary by pharmacy. You may save hundreds of dollars on Otezla simply by switching pharmacies. Although registration is optional, you can sign up for SingleCare to start earning additional savings on future refills of Otzela or other medications. 

2. Ask for a free Otezla starter pack from the prescriber

The prescribing healthcare provider or the pharmacy could provide a free Otezla starter pack containing the appropriate doses for the first 14 days of treatment. Fourteen days doesn’t sound like much, but it does represent almost $3,000 in savings. It also provides a chance to explore other options.

3. Get medical advice about switching to traditional DMARDs

If funding cannot be found, it may be necessary to switch to lower-cost generic drugs. Called “traditional DMARDs” by healthcare professionals, these drugs are more affordable, and it’s easier to find help paying for them. Although there may be trade-offs, as their side effects can differ and they may not be as effective as Otezla. Discuss these trade-offs and safety information with a healthcare professional before giving up on Otezla.

The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of 02/23/2026. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our Otezla coupon page for the latest Otezla prices near you.