Suboxone is a medication used to reduce cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms in those recovering from opioid use disorder. Suboxone combines two highly effective addiction recovery medications: buprenorphine and naloxone. So, how much does Suboxone cost?
The total cost of Suboxone treatment will vary depending on a number of factors. Thankfully, there are ways to decrease the cost of the medication so you can get treatment for opioid use disorder.
Key Facts
- Suboxone is the brand name for a drug compound of buprenorphine and naloxone.
- The price can range from $ 30 to $500+, depending on various factors.
- There is a generic version of Suboxone that is typically cheaper.
- The dose and pharmacy will also affect the drug’s cost.
- Most commercial and government funded insurance plans will cover some or all of the cost of Suboxone.
Suboxone Cost
Suboxone cost varies depending on insurance, form, frequency, dose and where you get your medication.
Typical Monthly Suboxone Prices (With and Without Insurance)
Typically, Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) is sold in film or tablet form and typically costs from $30 to $500+ per month, depending on dose, generic vs brand name and pharmacy.
If you have insurance, you will most likely be charged a copay that is specific to your plan. This means that insurance is covering some portion of the costs for you.
You also have the option to pay out of pocket, meaning you pay the full amount your pharmacy charges for the drug.
This range in “per month” cost is based on a dose of 8 mg/day as ongoing maintenance for opioid addiction. Medication cost is only one part of the Suboxone treatment cost. Comprehensive treatment will likely include clinic visit fees and therapy costs.
What Affects How Much Suboxone Costs?
Several factors influence the final cost of your Suboxone subscription, including the dosage, the formulation and your pharmacy.
Medication Dose
Dosage and frequency will impact the cost of the medicine. Higher doses and how often you are taking the medication will drive up the cost.
Formulation
Using the brand named medication will cost you more than the generic version. There is typically a difference in price based on whether you get the film (“Suboxone strips”) or the tablet form.
Pharmacy Choice
Pharmacy and location can also cause price variation. Choosing between “big box” pharmacies, independent stores or mail order options can significantly impact costs.
Doctor Visits, Telehealth, Labs and Program Fees
There are also non medication costs associated with Suboxone treatment, including:
- New patient/suboxone induction visit
- Follow up appointments
- Required counseling
- Urine drug screens
Many clinics offer sliding scale fees to help uninsured patients afford treatment. The level of care you need (weekly vs monthly visits) will also impact the total treatment cost.
How to Make Suboxone Treatment More Affordable
There are a few options available to help you cover the cost of Suboxone treatment.
Insurance
There are commercial insurance plans as well as Medicaid and Medicare that can help cover some of the costs of Suboxone. Most insurance plans have set copay amounts that you will pay for your prescription medications.
Other plans may require you to pay out of pocket for your prescriptions until you meet your deductible; then some or all of the cost is covered by insurance.
Contact your insurance carrier directly to discuss details about your plan and to confirm whether you need prior authorization for buprenorphine/naloxone.
Discounts and Other Ways to Save on Suboxone
Some other things to consider when you are trying to save money include:
- Switching to the generic version
- Asking for the most cost effective strength
- Requesting 90 day refills when appropriate
- Staying in the network for both the prescriber and the pharmacy
- Pharmacy discount cards or coupons
Ask your prescriber or clinic staff for help comparing prices and applying for financial assistance or Medicaid if eligible.
Suboxone Cost FAQs
Most commercial plans, Medicare Part D plans and state Medicaid programs cover buprenorphine/naloxone for opioid use disorder, though coverage details vary.
Common rules include that you use generics, get prior authorization and meet requirements for counseling or urine drug screens.
Common reasons for high out of pocket costs include a high deductible insurance plan, using brand name instead of generic, using an out of network pharmacy, obtaining early refills or being prescribed higher dose regimens.
Try switching to generic, moving the script to a lower cost pharmacy or using a discount card instead of insurance when it’s cheaper.
You should bring up concerns about cost to your prescriber. Work with them to see if adjusting the dose schedule or where the prescription is sent will reduce monthly expenses without compromising your safety.
Many people start Suboxone while uninsured. Low cost options like FQHCs/community health centers, county clinics and nonprofit or state funded MAT programs are available without insurance.
It is always best to seek help now rather than waiting for “perfect” coverage. Clinics can often help patients apply for Medicaid or patient assistance programs, so that the cost doesn’t keep them from choosing life saving treatment.
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