How much is memantine without insurance?

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

Memantine and extended-release memantine are generic prescription drugs used to improve cognitive function in people with moderate to severe dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. It works by blocking a chemical in the brain that may be responsible for damaging the nerves in people with Alzheimer’s. People typically take memantine along with another Alzheimer’s drug, Aricept (donepezil), which helps to improve brain functioning. These drugs are not really substitutes for one another, but they complement each other in improving brain function overall. As a generic drug, memantine is cheaper than its brand-name counterpart, Namenda, but there are effective ways to reduce its cost for people without insurance.

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What is the brand name for memantine?

Namenda and Namenda XR are the brand-name versions of memantine HCl and memantine HCl ER. On average, a 30-day supply of brand-name Namenda will cost about $547, and a 30-day supply of Namenda XR will cost $492. A month’s worth of generic memantine averages $156. Extended-release memantine averages $84 per month.

Is memantine covered by insurance?

Memantine is usually covered by health insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Coverage may depend on the dosage form prescribed. Memantine tablets are the most likely to be covered, but extended-release memantine sprinkles or oral solution may not be covered. Restrictions usually apply, such as quantity limits or prior authorization. The out-of-pocket cost is hard to determine. Many factors are at work: how the drug is classified in the formulary, any coinsurance, and any coverage gaps. To know for sure, check with the insurance company before filling a prescription. Alternatively, claim rejections at the pharmacy can explain what may be covered or what limitations are present.

How much does memantine cost without insurance?

Without an insurance plan, memantine will cost about $156 for 60, 10 mg tablets. With twice-daily dosing, this is a 30-day supply. A year’s supply of memantine will average to be about $1,800. Generic Razadyne (galantamine) is a lower-cost alternative and works the same way as memantine. Adverse effects or drug interactions may be different. Generic Exelon (rivastigmine) is another drug like memantine, but it costs as much as brand-name Namenda or Namenda XR. Donepezil works differently in treating Alzheimer’s dementia. It is usually prescribed with a drug like memantine rather than in place of memantine. 

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 the latest drug prices.

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How to get memantine without insurance

Although generic memantine is a moderately-priced drug, the cost can quickly add up for people without insurance coverage or for older adults living on savings or a limited income. Unfortunately, pharmaceutical companies rarely offer patient assistance programs or manufacturer discount coupons for generic drugs like memantine. The good news is that patients and their caregivers have several effective options to bring down the cash price of memantine treatment. Start first by paying as little as $6 per month for memantine with a SingleCare prescription discount card.

1. Save up to $150 per month with a SingleCare savings card

The lowest price for memantine with SingleCare is $6 for 60, 10 mg tablets, a savings of $150 off of the normal retail price. A year’s worth of memantine tablets will cost $72. Total yearly savings could exceed $1,700. Of course, discount prices for memantine will vary by pharmacy. Visit SingleCare’s website or app to compare SingleCare discounts with a free memantine coupon, in addition to finding more drug information and memantine FAQs.

2. Compare pharmacy prices

Memantine prices vary by pharmacy. SingleCare’s Pharmacy Finder will help locate local pharmacies that accept SingleCare discount cards.

3. Consider health insurance

Considering all the expenses related to Alzheimer’s treatment, health insurance may be the most effective way to save money. Start by visiting your state’s health insurance marketplace or call an agent.

4. Consider Medicaid

If health insurance is too burdensome, Medicaid may be an option if the patient is younger than 65 years of age. Generic memantine is usually covered by Medicaid plans, and the plans can help pay for other medical services and drugs with low or no out-of-pocket costs. Visit your state’s Medicaid website or call local health department officials for information regarding eligibility, enrollment, and anything additional that may be needed.

5. Consider Medicare Extra Help

Alzheimer’s symptoms often appear in people in their mid-60s, which is the age of eligibility for Medicare. About 4% of Medicare beneficiaries had Alzheimer’s or a related dementia in 2019. For people with a Medicare prescription drug plan, consider enrolling in Medicare Extra Help. Eligibility and enrollment are similar to Medicaid. All of the drugs covered by Medicare Part D will be covered by Medicare Extra Help, but the out-of-pocket cost will be partly or completely subsidized by the government.

6. Ask the prescribing healthcare provider about alternatives

As a last resort, ask the prescriber for medical advice about other drugs that work like memantine. Generic galantamine is less expensive than memantine. There are trade-offs, however. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of switching to a less expensive drug with a healthcare professional before deciding.

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