How to save money on statins: A guide

Key takeaways

• The cost of statins can vary widely depending on various factors, including insurance, copays, and whether you’re using generic or branded medication.
• There are many ways you can save on statin medications, including opting for generics and using discount programs, such as the Optum Perks discount card.

Overview

Statins are a class of medications doctors prescribe to lower cholesterol levels. They work by slowing or stopping the enzyme responsible for cholesterol production in the liver. They’re crucial in managing cardiovascular health, especially for people with a history of heart disease.

If you find it difficult to afford your medication, it makes it harder to take it regularly. This can directly affect how well your medication works for you.

Statins have been around for a very long time, so generic and branded versions are available. This is one of the reasons the price of statins varies so widely.

To cover the cost of statins, you may be able to take advantage of patient assistance programs, mail-order pharmacies, or prescription discounts like those offered by Optum Perks.

Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes. For $29, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.

How much do statins cost?

The cost of statins varies depending on the specific drug, dosage, and whether it’s a brand-name or generic version. Whether or not you have insurance coverage for a particular medication can also affect its cost.

Without discounts, brand-name statin pricing may cost up to several hundred dollars for a month’s supply. Generic versions, which are equally effective, typically cost significantly less, ranging from $10 to $50 per month.

Some manufacturers offer their own savings programs for the brand-name drugs. Lipitor, for example, offers a savings card where you can get a 30-day supply of the drug for $4.

What are the most affordable statins?

Generic statins are generally the most affordable option. These include:

• atorvastatin (Lipitor)
• simvastatin (Zocor)
• rosuvastatin (Crestor)

A healthcare professional can help determine the right statin option for your needs and budget.

Need a refill for atorvastatin (Lipitor)? You may be able to get an online prescription through Optum Perks in as little as 15 minutes. Learn more here.

How much do statins cost without insurance?

Without insurance or discounts, the cost of statins can be quite high, especially for brand-name versions.

Many pharmacies and drugstores offer discount programs or membership cards that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket medication costs, even if you don’t have insurance.

How can I save money on statins?

Your doctor or healthcare professional can discuss options to save on statin prescription costs. These may include the following:

• Opt for a generic version: Generic drugs are just as effective and safe as their brand-name counterparts but typically less expensive.
• Inquire about patient assistance programs: Some pharmaceutical companies and charities offer patient assistance programs that provide medications at a reduced cost or even for free to eligible individuals. Check with the manufacturer of your prescribed statin to see if they offer this kind of program.
• Shop around: Prices can vary significantly between pharmacies. Optum Perks offers a mobile app that compares drug prices at various pharmacies in your area and provides valuable coupons to decrease the cost of your medications further.
• Try a mail-order pharmacy: Some health insurance plans offer mail-order pharmacy services that can be cheaper than your local pharmacy, especially for a 90-day supply. Optum Perks also offers home delivery on many medications with the drug coupons already applied.
• Talk with a healthcare professional: Doctors may be able to provide free samples, recommend more affordable alternatives, or suggest a different, more cost-effective dosage.
• Use a prescription savings card: Prescription savings cards like the free Optum Perks Discount Card can provide significant discounts. These cards are especially helpful if you don’t have insurance. Even with coverage, the discount card price may be lower than your plan’s copay.
• Check for rebates: Some manufacturers offer rebates for certain medications. Check the drug manufacturer’s website or contact them directly to find out whether rebates are available for your prescription statin.

Avoid pill splitting without consulting a healthcare professional. Higher-strength statin pills are often similar in price to lower-strength pills. It may be possible to save money by buying higher-strength pills and using a pill cutter to split them in half.

A doctor or pharmacist will advise you on whether it’s safe to split the tablets you’re taking. It’s important not to split pills before talking with your doctor. Not all pills are safe to split, especially sustained-release tablets.

It’s important to ensure you’re getting the right medication and dosage for your health needs. Always talk with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication.

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

Summary

Statin costs can vary widely. Consider taking advantage of strategies such as patient assistance programs, mail-order pharmacies, and prescription discount cards to help bring down your medication prices.

By being proactive and exploring your options, you can work to receive the treatment you need in an affordable way.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.