Insurance UpdateDupixent (dupilumab) is a brand-name prescription medication used to treat contact allergies such as severe atopic dermatitis, severe asthma, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.
Dupilumab, Dupixent’s active ingredient, is a monoclonal antibody that avoids contact allergy symptoms by inhibiting the allergic immune response.
The dosage will vary depending on the ailment being treated and, in some situations, the patient’s weight.
Dupixent is given as an injection beneath the skin every two to four weeks with single-dose prefilled syringes or autoinjector pens.
Dupixent is a very expensive medicine that may be unaffordable without insurance.
Does Insurance Cover Dupixent?
Dupixent is covered by several insurance programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. However, because of the cost, most health insurance companies may require prior authorization, a note of medical necessity, or step treatment.
Patients should not be surprised if their insurance provider initially declines to cover the prescription.
Even with insurance, the out-of-pocket costs might be significant, depending on the plan’s copay and deductible.
According to Sanofi, around 68% of patients with commercial insurance and 71% of Medicare Part D consumers pay less than $100 each month.
Sanofi provides a Dupixent MyWay copay card to some patients with commercial insurance, although there are eligibility limitations and a yearly maximum of $13,000.
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How much does Dupixent cost without insurance?
Dupixent has an average monthly retail price of $4,910 for two 2 mL prefilled syringes containing 300 mg.
Depending on the dose, uninsured people might expect to pay up to $59,000 per year for Dupixent.
Dupixent is the only FDA-approved monoclonal antibody for the treatment of atopic dermatitis and eczema.
Other monoclonal antibodies, such as Dupixent, are effective for asthma and nasal polyposis.
Unfortunately, all of these injections are brand-name and pricey, with some only available at specialty pharmacies. Additional fees, like infusion costs, may also apply.
Patients who cannot afford Dupixent have less-priced options. Asthma treatments include high-dose corticosteroid inhalants, long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs), and oral leukotriene modifiers. Alternative treatments for atopic dermatitis include oral and topical corticosteroids, as well as non-pharmaceutical therapies like light therapy or biofeedback.
There are no over-the-counter pharmaceuticals or vitamins that can effectively replace prescription asthma, nasal polyps, or atopic dermatitis medications.
Prescription medicine prices frequently fluctuate. These are the most current medicine prices at the time of publication.
How to get Dupixent without insurance
A prescription medicine like Dupixent is very expensive for most people to afford without insurance.
Even individuals with insurance may end up paying several thousand dollars per month for their prescriptions.
Most individuals will be unable to take the medicine unless the cost is reduced in some way. Here are a few choices.
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1. Use the SingleCare discount card.
The most guaranteed approach to saving money on Dupixent is to use a free coupon from SingleCare.
A SingleCare savings card might help you save up to $1,600 per month on Dupixent without insurance. To save even more money, consider using SingleCare on Dupixent alternatives.
2. Ask the prescriber for a free sample
Your healthcare provider may have enough free samples to support a month’s treatment. If not, get them from the manufacturer.
This will provide you with the opportunity to sample the treatment and purchase extra time to figure out how to pay for the prescription in the coming months.
3. Consult the prescriber regarding patient assistance.
Uninsured individuals can apply to the manufacturer’s patient assistance program, Dupixent MyWay.
Eligible patients may receive Dupixent for free or at a discounted cost. The manufacturer may supply further information and enrollment forms.
4. Switch medicines.
A healthcare provider is unlikely to recommend an extraordinarily expensive medication like Dupixent until other options have been exhausted.
Still, consult a healthcare expert for medical advice and prescribing information on any Dupixent alternatives that have not yet been tried.
5. Get health insurance.
Even a low-deductible plan will cost less than Dupixent. First, confirm that your insurance plan will cover your Dupixent medication.
Second, look into the plan’s guidelines for getting a Dupixent prescription accepted. Insurance companies may require step therapy or prior permission before covering Dupixent.
Finally, compare the plan’s premium, deductible, and copayment to the cost of Dupixent without insurance.
Do not just buy any plan. Make certain you’re investing in a plan that will lower total healthcare costs.
6. Determine if you qualify for Medicaid.
If the total cost of health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses is still prohibitively expensive, investigate if you are eligible for Medicaid.
Before applying, check the eligibility conditions on your state’s Medicaid website.
7. Apply for Medicare’s Extra Help program.
If you qualify for Medicare, you may also be eligible for Extra Help. Extra Help is a low-income subsidy that helps lower Medicare Part D expenditures, such as copays for medications like Dupixent, and removes late enrollment penalties.
8. Search for the lowest price.
Even the most inexpensive medications, such as aspirin, can vary in price between pharmacies. For pharmaceuticals that cost thousands of dollars, finding the lowest price can save hundreds of dollars, thus, price comparison is worthwhile.
Conclusion
The cost of Dupixent (dupilumab) with insurance varies by plan. Dupixent’s coverage and copay amount are determined by your plan.
The cost of Dupixent without insurance is $3,019.50 for a four-week supply. People who qualify can, however, benefit from the manufacturer’s patient aid program.
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