How Much Is Keppra Without Insurance

Keppra (levetiracetam) is a brand-name antiepileptic medication that's also widely available as a generic. It's FDA approved to treat several types of seizures, such as partial onset, myoclonic, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Keppra is available as an immediate-release (IR) tablet, an extended-release (ER) tablet, an oral liquid, and an injectable solution (typically used in hospitals). The liquid and IR tablets are usually prescribed twice a day. The ER tablet is prescribed once a day. The recommended dosage depends on various factors such as your age, your body weight, and the type of seizure you experience.

How much does Keppra cost?

Without insurance, a 30-day supply of brand-name Keppra - often sixty 500 mg tablets - costs around $731.02. But the price you pay will depend on factors such as the pharmacy, your location, the dosage, the form (tablets or liquid), and your insurance.

Factors that can affect the price of Keppra include:

• Location: Cost of living, demand for medications, and competition among pharmacies can influence the cost of medication. For instance, GoodRx research shows that Little Rock, Arkansas, is the costliest city for prescription medication, while Denver is the most affordable.

• Pharmacy: Pricing policies, negotiated discounts, and membership perks influence the cost of medications.

• Dosage: Your prescribed dose and form of Keppra can affect the price. For instance, 60 tablets of 500 mg Keppra costs around $731.02, while 210 mL of the oral liquid (100 mg/mL) is priced at about $485.01. If you get 60 tablets of 500 mg Keppra XR, it could cost around $652.60.

• Insurance: Even if your insurance covers Keppra, you might have out-of-pocket expenses, such as copays or coinsurance. These costs can vary based on your health plan's formulary.

• Brand versus generic: Keppra and Keppra XR also are available in lower-cost generic forms - levetiracetam and levetiracetam ER, respectively.

Does insurance cover Keppra?

Whether insurance covers Keppra depends on your plan. For example, Medicare typically does not cover brand-name Keppra. But Medicare and most other health insurance plans do cover the generic version of the medication, levetiracetam.

Check your insurance policy for details, or contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage.

Before you try to fill a Keppra prescription, take these steps to help ensure coverage:

• Review your health insurance plan documents. Check your summary of benefits and coverage, as well as the formulary, to see if Keppra is covered and if there are specific requirements or coverage exceptions.

• Talk to your medical team. Your coverage may depend on the specific condition being treated and whether the generic levetiracetam is an option.

• Find out if you need prior authorization or step therapy. Your insurer may require prior authorization for Keppra or step therapy, where you must try a preferred lower-cost or generic medication first.

If Keppra is not included in your plan's formulary, take these additional steps to seek coverage:

• Have your prescriber submit a letter of medical necessity to your insurance provider that explains why Keppra is essential for your treatment.

• Request a formulary exception from your insurance provider.

• If your request is denied, submit an appeal to your insurer.

Ways to save on Keppra

Want to pay less for your prescription? Here are six ways to save money on Keppra.

1. Use a GoodRx coupon

With a GoodRx coupon, you may be able to pay a lower price for the generic version of Keppra and Keppra XR. For example, you could pay as low as $9.00 for the IR tablets and $10.49 for the oral solution with a GoodRx discount.

Here's how to get a coupon:

• Visit www.goodrx.com, or install the GoodRx app on your mobile device.

• Type "Keppra" in the search field. Select "Keppra (brand name)" or "Keppra (generic)" from the drop-down menu. Hit return, or click on "Find the lowest prices."

• Choose the correct dosage, quantity, location, and pharmacy.

• Choose to receive your coupon via text or email, or print it out.

• Show the coupon at the pharmacy when you pick up your Keppra prescription. However, showing the coupon to your pharmacy staff earlier on in the filling process, such as when they first receive your prescription, will help prevent delays at the pick-up counter.

2. Request a 90-day supply

Ask your prescriber to write you a prescription for a 90-day supply of Keppra instead of a 30-day supply. This may lower your costs and reduce your trips to the pharmacy.

If your insurance covers Keppra, ask about discounts for using your plan's mail-order pharmacy.

3. Compare prices at various pharmacies

GoodRx can help you easily compare costs to find the best Keppra price in your area.

4. Make the most of your HSA or FSA funds

Use your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for your Keppra prescription. Paying for medication with HSA or FSA funds can lower your out-of-pocket costs through tax savings.

5. Try a lower-cost alternative

Ask your provider about generic Keppra or lower-cost, but equally effective, medications in the same class.