How much is chlorthalidone without insurance?

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

Chlorthalidone is a generic prescription drug that lowers blood pressure in people diagnosed with high blood pressure. It’s also used with other drugs to treat fluid retention (edema) caused by certain medical conditions such as heart failure or liver disease. Chlorthalidone is a thiazide diuretic like hydrochlorothiazide, which is commonly used for hypertension. As a diuretic or “water pill,” chlorthalidone increases the body’s elimination of water and salts through the urine. It’s also a lower-priced generic drug, but there are ways to reduce the cost even more. 

Related: Chlorthalidone side effects

What is the brand/generic price for chlorthalidone?

Generic chlorthalidone can also be prescribed as a brand-name drug called Thalitone. The average retail price for a 30-day supply of brand-name Thalitone is $100 more than generic chlorthalidone: $145 as opposed to $46. 

Is chlorthalidone covered by insurance?

As a treatment for both high blood pressure and edema, chlorthalidone is covered by nearly all health insurance plans, Medicare drug plans, and Medicaid plans. The final out-of-pocket cost will vary depending on the plan’s formulary, the dosage strength, and the quantity prescribed. The good news is that health insurance formularies group chlorthalidone in the lowest drug tiers (Tiers 1 and 2), so the copay cost should be low to modest.

How much does chlorthalidone cost without insurance?

People without insurance can expect to pay $46 for 30, 25 mg tablets of chlorthalidone. The price may vary, however, depending on the dosage strength prescribed: doses can be as low as 12.5 mg per day to as large as 100 mg per day. At a monthly price of $46, each tablet costs about $1.50. An entire year of treatment will cost about $550. That is higher than many of the commonly-prescribed alternatives. For instance, hydrochlorothiazide, one of the most commonly-prescribed diuretics for high blood pressure, costs about $18 for a 30-day supply. Some of these alternatives have fewer side effects. Before paying full price for a chlorthalidone prescription, ask for medical advice from the prescribing healthcare professional about lower-priced alternatives. 

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 updated drug prices.

How to get chlorthalidone without insurance

Even though chlorthalidone is a lower-priced generic drug, there are still ways to save money on it. Every discount counts. As a generic drug, uninsured people will probably not be able to use patient assistance programs, manufacturer coupons, or rebates to help with the expense of chlorthalidone. Still, there are other great ways to find discounts on generic drugs, starting with a SingleCare savings card.

1. Rely on a SingleCare discount card for generic drug discounts

SingleCare’s lowest discount price for a 30-day supply of 25 mg chlorthalidone tablets is $2, a savings of $44 off the average price. That $44 discount quickly adds up to $540 of savings in a year. Of course, SingleCare discount prices on chlorthalidone will vary by participating pharmacies. Visit SingleCare’s chlorthalidone coupons page for a list of discount prices and participating local pharmacies.

2. Buy chlorthalidone at the lowest price 

Currently, the lowest pharmacy price for chlorthalidone is $25, $20 less than the average cash price. That represents $300 in savings in a year. However, a SingleCare discount card can beat that $25 low price. The lowest SingleCare pharmacy price is $2. 

3. Consider purchasing a 90-day supply

Generic drugs frequently cost less per pill when filling a 90-day rather than 30-day prescription. Always compare pharmacy prices between a one-month and a three-month prescription if possible. If the per-pill price is much cheaper, ask the prescribing healthcare provider for a 90-day prescription

5. Switch to another diuretic

Chlorthalidone is a commonly-prescribed diuretic for high blood pressure, but other thiazide diuretics are even more commonly prescribed. People with heart failure may be prescribed chlorthalidone to reduce fluid build-up, but other drugs are also FDA-approved for edema in that situation. Some of these alternative treatment options are more affordable than chlorthalidone. Ask the prescriber about other treatment options that are effective, safe, and can save money.

6. Research Medicaid eligibility and enrollment

For people struggling to pay for generic prescription drugs like chlorthalidone, Medicaid may be a workable option. Since Medicaid is government-subsidized health insurance, premiums are ultra-low, and prescription generic drugs like chlorthalidone have minimal or no out-of-pocket cost. Each state has its own rules, so visit your state’s Medicaid website for eligibility requirements, enrollment forms, and additional information.

7. Fill the prescription at a 340B provider

340B providers are another resource for low-income patients. These are hospitals, clinics, and community clinics that can purchase drugs like chlorthalidone at a steep discount. Like Medicaid, there are often eligibility criteria and an enrollment process. Talk to your local health department to get a list of local 340B providers.