How Much Is Lithium Without Insurance

Bipolar disorder affects more than 4% of adults in the U.S. at some point in their lives. The condition can cause people to cycle between extremes of depression, mania, and hypomania. One notable treatment for bipolar disorder is lithium, a mood stabilizer that can be used for long-term symptom management.

Generic lithium is available as immediate-release (IR) capsules or tablets, extended-release (ER) tablets, and an oral solution (liquid). The brand-name medication Lithobid also comes as ER tablets.

Lithium basics

Lithium is an older mood stabilizer that is a first-choice treatment for bipolar disorder. The IR tablets, capsules, and liquid solution are FDA approved for the maintenance (long-term) treatment of bipolar disorder in people age 7 and up. These forms are also approved to treat acute (sudden) manic or mixed episodes in this age group. Lithium ER tablets are approved for the maintenance treatment of manic episodes in people age 12 and older.

Lithium can be an effective treatment, but it also may cause side effects, some of which can be serious. Common side effects include shaky hands, frequent urination, and nausea. People who take lithium need regular blood tests to monitor for lithium toxicity, a serious side effect that can happen when there is too much lithium in the body.

The chart below provides a summary of basic information about lithium.

Lithium Basics

Is lithium typically covered by insurance?

Health insurance plans typically cover mental health treatments, including some medications. For example, all Medicare plans cover the generic forms of lithium. But they don't cover brand-name Lithobid.

If you have insurance, check your plan's summary of benefits and coverage and formulary to determine whether generic lithium or brand-name Lithobid is covered.

Tips if your medication isn't covered by insurance

Here are a few options to try if your insurance does not cover lithium:

• Talk to your prescriber about alternatives.

• Ask for an exception from your prescription medication plan. Keep in mind you may be required to do step therapy or get a prior authorization to be covered.

• File an appeal with your plan.

• Use a GoodRx coupon for potential savings.

• Consider changing your prescription medication coverage during your next open enrollment period.

How much does lithium cost without insurance?

If you don't have health insurance, what you'll pay for lithium will depend on the following factors:

• Dosage

• Dosage form (tablets, capsules, or liquid solution)

• Brand-name or a generic version

• Fill amount (90-day supply versus 30-day supply)

• Geographic location

• Specific pharmacy

Lithium oral liquid solution

The chart below contains current retail prices for different amounts of lithium oral liquid solution.

Lithium tablets and capsules

Generic medications typically cost less than their brand-name counterparts. All versions of lithium are available as generic medications. But the ER tablets are also available as the brand-name medication Lithobid.

The chart below contains current retail prices for different forms and dosages of Lithobid and lithium.

How to afford generic lithium without insurance

Here are five ways to save on generic lithium without insurance.

1. Use a GoodRx coupon

With a GoodRx coupon, you may be able to pay a lower price for your lithium prescription.

Here's how to get a coupon:

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

• Type "Lithium" in the search field. From the drop-down menu, select: "Lithium" for the liquid medication; "Lithium ER (generic)" or "Lithobid (brand)" for the ER tablets; or "lithium carbonate" for the IR tablets or capsules.

• Choose the correct dose, quantity, and location.

• Click or tap on "Search prices" to find prices at pharmacies near you.

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

• Show the coupon at the pharmacy when you pick up your medication. Or present the coupon to your pharmacy staff early on in the filling process, such as when you first receive your prescription, to 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 lithium instead of a 30-day supply to compare costs. Filling a 3-month supply may lower your overall costs and reduce your trips to the pharmacy.

If your insurance covers lithium, you can also ask about potential discounts for using your plan's mail-order pharmacy.

3. Compare prices at various pharmacies

GoodRx can easily compare costs at different pharmacies to help you find the best lithium price in your area.

4. Talk to your prescriber about alternatives

If you are concerned about the cost of lithium, talk to your prescriber. There may be another medication that adequately treats your condition and fits your budget.

5. Use your HSA or FSA funds

If you have a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA), paying for your medication with these funds reduces your out-of-pocket costs through tax savings.