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How much does Trulicity cost?| Free Trulicity | Trulicity savings | Trulicity alternatives
Saving money on your prescriptions for diabetes medications can be difficult, especially if you have a limited income. However, there are several ways to save money on Trulicity (dulaglutide), a brand-name medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes.
“Trulicity, also known as dulaglutide, is a GLP-1 agonist that works by activating glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptors, increasing secretion, decreasing glucagon secretion, and delaying gastric emptying,” says Alex Spinoso, MD, the CEO of Genesis Lifestyle Medicine. “It’s mostly used to treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus but can also be used for cardiovascular event risk reduction in Type 2 patients with established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors.”
This once-weekly injection, which is administered under the skin of the stomach, thigh, or upper arm, helps control blood sugar levels. It belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. Trulicity is not for use in those with Type 1 diabetes.
The medication was first approved by the FDA in 2014. As a newer, brand-name-only medication, it can be expensive. However, there are several ways to save money on Trulicity.
RELATED: Trulicity side effects and how to avoid them
How much does Trulicity cost?
Without insurance, the average cost of Trulicity is $1,297 for a one-month supply, or $325 per pen injector. The retail price of Trulicity varies depending on the pharmacy you use and the dosage you need.
If you have commercial health insurance, your out-of-pocket cost for Trulicity is dependent on your specific plan. Trulicity prescriptions cost up to $30 per month for 92% of people with employer-sponsored or private health insurance, according to the drug manufacturer, Eli Lilly and Company. The remaining 8% of Trulicity prescriptions cost $239 per month with commercial insurance. You may pay more until your deductible is met.
Those with Medicare must have a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage to help pay for Trulicity. The out-of-pocket cost for those with Medicare varies depending on the plan. You can find Medicare drug costs using this free tool. Trulicity costs up to $100 per month for 70% of people with Medicare Part D, according to Eli Lilly and Company.
Medicaid coverage varies based on state, insurance policy, and other factors. Those with Medicaid may pay up to $9 per month for Trulicity, according to Eli Lilly and Company. Learn more about your state’s Medicare coverage and eligibility here.
Can I get Trulicity for free?
If you have Medicare Part D or no health insurance at all, you may be able to get Trulicity for free through the Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program. This program provides free medication to those who qualify based on household income and other factors. For Trulicity coverage, you must have a household annual adjusted gross income (AGI) at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FLP). The FLP is currently set at $51,520 for a one-person household and $106,000 for a four-person household.
How to save money on Trulicity
Finding ways to make your prescription medications more affordable can be difficult, but there are a few options available. Take advantage of available prescription discount programs, patient assistance programs, and manufacturer coupons.
1. Free Trulicity coupons
SingleCare offers discounts up to 80% on Trulicity and other medications. With a Trulicity savings card from SingleCare, you could reduce the monthly cost of Trulicity from $1,297 to $731 for 4, 1.5 mg/0.5 mL pens. That’s a savings of nearly $150 per pen. SingleCare coupons are always free, and you don’t need insurance to use the prescription discount card.
2. Eli Lilly and Co. patient assistance program
Patient assistance programs are sponsored by pharmaceutical companies to help those who can’t afford their medication. The Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program provides free Trulicity to those who qualify. If your application is accepted, they’ll ship your medication to your home or doctor’s office for free. The caveat is that there are eligibility requirements, so many people do not qualify for this savings program.
3. Eli Lilly and Co. Trulicity Savings Card
The manufacturer of Trulicity offers a Trulicity Savings Card to help those with diabetes afford their medication. If eligible, you may pay as little as $25 for 12 Trulicity pens. You must have commercial health insurance to use the savings card. Those with Medicare or Medicaid coverage are not eligible.
4. Compare prices
Pharmacy prices vary greatly, so it’s important to compare prices before filling your prescriptions. You can find coupons and compare prices at local pharmacies on SingleCare.
5. Check your insurance coverage
It’s important to understand your insurance coverage. Some insurance plans cover certain medications at a lower cost than others. Your insurance plan may not cover Trulicity at all. Compare the formulary of multiple insurance plans before choosing one during the next open enrollment period.
6. Apply for Medicare savings programs
Medicare Extra Help is a low-income subsidy that reduces Part D costs, such as premiums, copays, and deductibles. If you qualify, brand-name prescriptions like Trulicity could cost $8.85 or 15% of the plan’s copay or coinsurance—whichever is less.
The Senior Savings Model is another Medicare program that provides savings on insulin. This program won’t help you pay for Trulicity, but if you take Trulicity and insulin, you could still reduce treatment costs.
7. Switch medications
Your healthcare provider may have additional resources or suggestions on how to help you afford your medication. They may also be able to prescribe a generic medication or cheaper alternative Trulicity.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Trulicity?
There is no generic alternative to Trulicity currently available. There are, however, several other medications available to treat Type 2 diabetes, so it’s important to discuss your options with your doctor.
Trulicity is a GLP-1 agonist, or glucagon-like peptide agonists, and works by stimulating the pancreas to produce insulin when blood glucose levels are high. Most drugs in this class are expensive, but your cost will vary depending on your insurance coverage.
Some insurance plans prefer you to use a certain GLP-1 agonist, so it’s important to check with your insurance company before starting any new medication. Other FDA-approved GLP-1 agonists include:
Compare prices of Trulicity alternatives |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance | SingleCare price | Coupons |
| Trulicity (dulaglutide) | $1,297 per 4, 0.5 mL of 1.5 mg/0.5 mL pen-injectors | $731 per 4, 0.5 mL of 1.5 mg/0.5 mL pen-injectors | See updated prices |
| $325 per pen-injector | $183 per pen-injector | ||
| Ozempic 0.25 or 0.5 mg/dose | $1,238 per 1, 1.5 mL of 2 mg/1.5 mL pen-injector | $755 per 1, 1.5 mL of 2 mg/1.5 mL pen-injector | See updated prices |
| $1,238 per pen-injector | $755 per pen-injector | ||
| Ozempic 1 mg/dose | $1,199 per 1, 3 mL of 4 mg/3 mL pen-injector | $755 per 1, 3 mL of 4 mg/3 mL pen-injector | See updated prices |
| $1,199 per pen-injector | $755 per pen-injector | ||
| Victoza (liraglutide) | $1,337 per 3, 3 mL of 18 mg/3 mL pen-injectors | $883 per 3, 3 mL of 18 mg/3 mL pen-injectors | See updated prices |
| $446 per pen-injector | $295 per pen-injector | ||
| Rybelsus (semaglutide) | $1,231 per 30, 7 mg tablets | $894 per 30, 7 mg tablets | See updated prices |
| $41 per tablet | $30 per tablet |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing.
RELATED: Trulicity vs. Victoza | Ozempic vs. Trulicity
Note: Trulicity and Ozempic are once-weekly injections whereas Victoza and Rybelsus are taken every day. Consider the monthly cost when comparing prices between Trulicity and other medications.
If you’re having difficulty paying for your diabetes medication, be sure to ask your doctor for additional information on patient assistance programs and discount cards. There are many ways to afford the medications you need to stay healthy. Never stop or change your medications without first seeking medical advice from your healthcare professional.
