How much is Viibryd without insurance?

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

Viibryd is a brand-name prescription antidepressant that is FDA approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. In many ways, Viibryd works similar to SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Vilazodone, the active ingredient, increases serotonin levels in the brain, giving people better control over mood. However, it also acts like serotonin in the brain, so mental health professionals call it a serotonin modulator. People on Viibryd should expect to take a single 20 mg or 40 mg tablet once per day with food. As a unique, brand-name drug without any lower-priced generic versions, Viibryd costs considerably more than many other antidepressants. There may be ways, however, for uninsured people to get the treatment they need at an affordable price.

Related: Viibryd side effects 

Is Viibryd covered by insurance?

People with commercial health insurance, Medicare drug coverage, or Medicaid may have coverage for a Viibryd prescription, but it will depend on the plan’s formulary (their list of covered drugs). Not all insurance companies include Viibryd in their formulary. Even when covered, a Viibryd prescription may not be preferred, and approval may require prior authorization or that other—generic and/or less expensive—antidepressants be tried first.

How much does Viibryd cost without insurance?

At full cash price, a 30-day prescription of Viibryd will usually cost $368, but prices will vary between pharmacies. Because Viibryd is prescribed for months at a time, a year of treatment could cost over $4,000. Health insurance can reduce that cost, but even then, the actual out-of-pocket cost of a month’s prescription will depend on the plan’s formulary, deductible, coinsurance, and copay cost.

If Viibryd is too expensive, the only alternative drug that works similarly is Trintellix (vortioxetine). It, too, is a brand-name medication but costs more than Viibryd. Neither have generic versions, so if they’re unaffordable, the only alternative is to turn to different types of antidepressants such as Prozac (fluoxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram), or Zoloft (sertraline).

Although some over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and natural remedies can improve mild or temporary mood problems, they cannot be substituted for prescription medications to treat major depressive disorder. 

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 Viibryd without insurance

Viibryd is hard to afford month after month at full retail price. People can benefit from AbbVie’s patient assistance program, Viibryd rebates, or manufacturer coupons to offset some of that cost, but not everyone can meet the eligibility requirements. Each of these is worth pursuing if health insurance is lacking, but there are more certain ways to save on brand-name prescription medications like Viibryd.

1. Use a SingleCare savings card

SingleCare does not currently provide a Viibryd coupon but there are coupons for Trintellix, and other antidepressants. Just search the coupon directory to see if there is a coupon for your specific prescription. 

2. Ask for a free 30-day sample

Ask a healthcare professional for a free sample. A free sample may only cover a few weeks or a month of treatment, but it will allow an opportunity to find other funding options.

3. Get medical advice about alternative generic antidepressants

One of the reasons why it may be difficult to get health insurance coverage for Viibryd is that there are dozens of other proven antidepressants that cost significantly less. Many of them, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, work very much like Viibryd. Most are available as low- or medium-cost generics. Talk to your doctor and see if there may be a less expensive alternative that would be effective for you.

4. Shop for the lowest price

Finding the lowest pharmacy retail price for Viibryd could save hundreds of dollars over a year. Some of the best discounts can be found at mail-order pharmacy through your insurance, or a VIPPS-certified online pharmacy. If you prefer talking to a pharmacist in person, start your price shopping by looking up local pharmacies on SingleCare’s pharmacy finder. 

5. Get health insurance

Antidepressants are typically taken for months or even years, so the most surefire way to save on Viibryd treatment may be to purchase health insurance. Start by researching policies and prices on your state’s online health insurance marketplace. Make sure to talk to an agent to help choose a policy that will cover Viibryd at a reasonable out-of-pocket cost.

6. Enroll in Medicaid

If private health insurance is too hard to manage, take a look at your state’s Medicaid health insurance plans. The bad news, though, is that only some of them may cover a Viibryd prescription, so talk to an agent before choosing a plan. Visit your state’s Medicaid website for eligibility requirements, enrollment instructions, and additional information.