How Much Is Xanax Without Insurance

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Xanax (alprazolam) is a brand-name medication that is FDA approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder.

How much you'll pay for Xanax depends on the type of insurance you have, if any, as well as your pharmacy and location. There are also ways to save on the medication, including opting for the lower-cost generic version, signing up for a manufacturer savings card or patient assistance program, or using a GodRx coupon.

How much does Xanax cost, and what affects the price?

Without insurance, the average retail price for a 30-day supply of 1 mg Xanax is around $328.81. The tablets come in four doses: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg. Xanax prices depend on several factors, including:

• Geographic location: Where you live can affect the cost of your prescription medications. According to GoodRx research on nationwide pricing, prescription medications cost the most in Little Rock, Arkansas, and are the least expensive in Denver, Colorado.

• Specific pharmacy: Pharmacies negotiate their own pricing for prescription medications with the manufacturer. So the cost of Xanax can vary depending on where you have the prescription filled.

• Insurance coverage: If you have insurance, you'll likely pay less than the average retail price for Xanax. However, your insurance will likely cover generic alprazolam, not brand-name Xanax. And depending on your specific coverage, you may still have to pay a copay or coinsurance. The type of insurance plan - including whether it's a commercial plan, Medicare, or Medicaid - will determine exactly how much you will have to pay for Xanax.

• Prescription medication discounts: You may qualify for a manufacturer savings card that could reduce how much you pay for Xanax.

• Dosage: The initial dosage of Xanax for anxiety is typically 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg by mouth a few times per day. However, your specific dosage will depend on your individual needs. For panic attacks, the initial dosage is 0.5 mg three times per day. A higher dosage could increase your monthly cost for Xanax.

Does insurance cover Xanax?

Many insurance plans do cover Xanax, though coverage details vary by plan.

Does employer-sponsored health insurance cover Xanax?

Many employer-sponsored health insurance plans cover Xanax. If you have this type of coverage, you can check your plan's formulary - a list of covered medications - to see what, if any, out-of-pocket costs you will pay for Xanax.

Some plans do require a prior authorization before covering Xanax. For example, CVS Caremark requires a prior authorization for standard-option, high-option, and high-deductible health plan members.

Does Medicare cover Xanax?

In 2013, Medicare Part D expanded coverage to include Xanax and other benzodiazepines. Today, most Medicare plans cover Xanax. To confirm your medication is covered, review your Part D plan and formulary.

Does Medicaid cover Xanax?

Medicaid coverage for Xanax varies by state. In many states, such as Illinois, Rhode Island, and Georgia, only the generic version is covered. So it's important to consult your plan's coverage details and formulary to see how Xanax is covered.

How can you get insurance to cover Xanax?

If you have insurance, there are several steps you can take to improve the likelihood of your plan covering Xanax:

• Review your insurance plan's formulary. Check your insurance plan's formulary to see if Xanax is covered.

• Talk to your prescriber. Your prescriber can review your insurance plan with you to see if Xanax is covered. If not, they may be able to explain to your insurance company why the medication is medically necessary for you. They also may be able to prescribe you an alternative medication that is covered by your plan.

• Obtain a prior authorization if required. Before covering your Xanax prescription, your insurance plan may require you to get a prior authorization. This will involve your prescriber providing information about why Xanax is medically necessary.

• Request an appeal if necessary. If your insurance company denies you coverage for Xanax, you can file an appeal asking them to reconsider.

Ways to save money on Xanax

Whether you have insurance or not, here are three ways you can save money on your Xanax prescription.

1. Get a free GoodRx coupon

You can compare prices for Xanax at various pharmacies through the GoodRx website or app. And you can also download a GoodRx coupon. With a GoodRx coupon, you could pay as low as $275.96for 30 tables of 1 mg Xanax at certain pharmacies.

To get your free GoodRx coupon:

• Visit www.goodrx.com, or download the GoodRx app on your smartphone or tablet.

• Enter "Xanax" in the search field. Make sure you choose "Xanax (brand-name)" in the drop-down menu. If you don't, the page will automatically display prices for generic alprazolam.

• Indicate if you want to receive your coupon by text or email. Or you can print it out.

• Present your coupon to your pharmacist when picking up your Xanax prescription.

2. Apply for a manufacturer savings card

If you qualify for the Xanax Savings Card, you may be able to get your medication for as little as $4 per 30-day supply. This savings offer is capped at $125 per month off your copay or out-of-pocket costs. So if your out-of-pocket costs are $160, you will pay $35 ($160 minus $125) for the month. If your costs are less than $125, you will only pay $4. The maximum annual savings are $1,500.

3. Opt for the generic

As mentioned, there is a generic version of Xanax, alprazolam, available. And generic medications typically cost significantly less than their brand-name counterparts.

Compared to the average retail price of brand-name Xanax, a 30-day supply of 1 mg alprazolam tablets costs an average of around $9.02. Many insurance plans cover alprazolam, so it's definitely an option worth considering to save money.

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