How Much Does Trulicity Cost? With and Without Insurance

Trulicity is the brand name of dulaglutide, a medication that is prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. It may not always be covered by insurance and can be expensive since no generic versions are available. In this article, we’ll explore Trulicity costs with and without insurance and ways to save on a Trulicity prescription.

How Much Does Trulicity Cost?

Trulicity is a brand-name medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It may  reduce the risk of heart attack or other cardiovascular problems in patients with diabetes.

Because no generic is available for Trulicity, it is expensive. Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical company that makes the drug, reports the monthly list price at $886.56, or $10,638.72 per year. Without insurance coverage, this is inaccessible for most people.

Does Insurance Cover Trulicity?

Insurance plans do not always cover Trulicity. It is fully or partially covered by many types of commercial health insurance, Medicaid and Medicare. Patient out-of-pocket costs and copays also vary. Patients should check with their insurance company to determine if Trulicity is covered.

Price with Insurance

Trulicity copays and costs for people with insurance depend on plan specifics but can have a wide range:

• Employer-provided or private insurance providers: Trulicity costs between $0-$30 per month for 92% of patients. Others on the same type of plan may spend an average of $239 per month. These costs may be more for high-deductible plans. People with insurance who meet certain qualifications may be eligible for a manufacturer savings card that can reduce the cost to around $25 per month, although maximum savings apply, and the cost may be more.

• Medicare Part D: Costs can change throughout the year depending on the phase of Medicare Part D coverage. Around 70% of patients who are covered by Medicare Part D will spend between $0-$100 per month. The other 30% of patients will spend an average of $207 out of pocket. The manufacturer offers an Extra Help assistance program to patients who meet certain eligibility requirements. This can reduce the monthly cost to $4-$9 per prescription.

• Medicaid: Most patients who Medicaid covers will pay an average of $4-$9 per month. Some states have lower copays for Medicaid or entirely remove the copay requirement.

Cost of Trulicity Without Insurance

Patients who do not have insurance coverage or have an insurance plan that does not cover Trulicity can expect to pay significantly more. The cost of Trulicity in these cases is usually the starting list price of $886.56 per month plus additional pharmacy-related costs, which can vary widely based on location.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Trulicity

Trulicity is prescribed as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Dosages start at 0.75 mg, but can increase to 4.5 mg per week.

The main factors that can affect the monthly cost of Trulicity include:

• Location
• State laws for Medicaid copays
• Dosage

Patients with or without insurance coverage can still face higher costs associated with Trulicity prescriptions if they do not qualify for manufacturer assistance.

How to Get Trulicity at a Discount

If you have been prescribed Trulicity, there are some ways to save on prescription costs.

Savings Card

Online savings cards vary, but many are available to people with and without insurance. Unlike the savings programs from the manufacturer, most Trulicity coupons do not have eligibility requirements based on insurance coverage or income. Savings cards are accepted at thousands of pharmacies, and can save up to $500 per month on Trulicity prescriptions and refills. For questions about how to use a savings card, speak to a pharmacist.

Drug Assistance Programs

Patients who qualify based on certain eligibility criteria can save with Eli Lilly patient assistance programs. The assistance program also requires healthcare providers to be involved with savings enrollment and may not be accessible for many patients.

90-Day Supply

Some pharmacies offer additional savings when you fill a prescription in larger quantities, such as a 90-day supply versus a 30-day supply. The price difference will vary based on location and pharmacy, but it could increase savings by $100 or more per month.

Compare Prices

Because individual pharmacies participate in different savings programs and have different relationships with drug manufacturers, patients can find significant savings by price comparing Trulicity at many pharmacies. Mail-order or online pharmacies may also offer better savings.

Additionally, patients may qualify for Medicare Part D coverage or Medicaid without being aware. Healthcare providers can often direct patients to more information or resources to determine eligibility for improved coverage or savings. If you have questions about potential savings, ask your medical provider.

Bottom Line

Because Trulicity does not have a generic alternative, it can be an expensive medication, even for people who have insurance coverage. Savings cards, manufacturer programs, and price comparisons can help.

If Trulicity is not affordable, speak to a healthcare provider about alternative treatment options.

Manage Diabetes Online

With K Health, you can access virtual primary care and manage your health from home. With board-certified doctors available 24/7, you can schedule appointments when it’s convenient for you, and get the medications you need.