The Optum Perks prescription discount card and coupons can help you save hundreds of dollars on EpiPens and epinephrine auto-injectors. Other saving strategies may include going for a generic epinephrine injector and using manufacturer discounts.
Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI
If you or any family members have a history of allergic reactions, it’s possible a healthcare professional has recommended an epinephrine auto-injector. The lifesaving medication — often referred to by the brand name EpiPen — typically comes in a pack of two injectors.
For safety reasons, your healthcare professional may ask you to always have two refills (4 doses) available at all times.
But EpiPens and similar products are costly and may run more than $600 for a pack of two injectors. Health insurance doesn’t always cover the expense, but it still may be possible to save on your prescription with strategies like discount cards and drug coupons.
Other brand names for epinephrine auto-injectors may be equally or more expensive and may include:
Each version contains the active ingredient epinephrine, which is used to treat anaphylaxis, but the injectors may work differently.
Here’s how to save on EpiPens or epinephrine auto-injectors in general:
Go generic
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EpiPen is a brand name for epinephrine auto-injectors. But it isn’t the only one, and you may not need to go with a brand at all.
Generic medications offer the same active ingredients as brand names but for a fraction of the cost. They’re equally safe and effective as their more expensive counterparts.
When getting a prescription from your healthcare professional, consider asking them about generic epinephrine injectors and whether they may provide a prescription for those instead of an EpiPen pack.
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. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
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Not all health insurance plans cover epinephrine auto-injectors, and those that do may come with a higher monthly premium.
If you know you’ll need to get Epipens or auto-injectors, consider shopping around for the plans that cover the drug and offer the most affordable premiums for you. If your injector is covered, it may offset the cost of higher premiums.
Open enrollment times of the year may be ideal for finding out which plans cover EpiPen and other medication costs. You may want to also ask about deductibles and how these costs apply to them.
Compare pharmacy prices
Did you know that your medications may come with a different price tag depending on the pharmacy? You may be surprised to find out that the same medication may cost more or less at the next pharmacy or online.
It may be a good idea to shop around before filling any doctor’s prescription. Driving an extra 3 miles could save you hundreds of dollars.
Use manufacturer discounts
Mylan, the manufacturer of EpiPen, offers a coupon you can use six times per year. It can help you save $300 on a 2-pack of EpiPens. The company also offers $25 in savings on its generic version of the auto-injector.
Auvi-Q, which is smaller and easier to carry than other epinephrine auto-injectors, costs over $5,000 for a 2-pack of injectors. Its manufacturer offers a patient assistance program for people without health insurance coverage. Discount amounts may vary, so consider calling the company directly.
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You may use the prescription discount card many times for many medications, while coupons can also be used many times but only for one medication at a time.
You can download the discount card directly to your phone. When you’re ready to get the medication, you just need to show your pharmacist the prescription and the discount card or coupon on your phone.
For epinephrine auto-injectors, Optum Perks offers the following coupons:
You can click on any of these links, and it’ll take you to the corresponding coupon.
Under “Dosage settings,” you can change the manufacturer, form, dosage, and quantity to fit your needs. Once you do that, you’ll find a list of pharmacies and the corresponding price for your prescription. Click on “Get Rx Coupon” to get to the coupon page you’ll show at the pharmacy.
You may also set your location by entering your zip code. This will list the pharmacies offering discounts nearest to you.
Using Optum Perks is 100% free, and you don’t have to offer your personal or credit card information. Neither the card nor the coupons expire, and you may use them for different members of the family.
Optum Perks negotiates directly with pharmacies and typically offers up to 80% off on all FDA-approved medications.
Discounts may change regularly, so consider checking yours periodically to get the most recent reductions in price.
You can use Optum Perks even if you have health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, but not at the same time. For the best possible price, show both your insurance card and Optum Perks card or coupon to the pharmacist and ask them which helps you save the most.
Remember that pharmacies may charge different prices for the same drug, so it’s always a good idea to check with a few, even if you’re using a discount method.
If you have more questions about how to use Optum Perks discounts, this article may help.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
Summary
EpiPens may be costly and hard to access. You may be able to save on your prescription by checking other brands, asking your healthcare professional about generic epinephrine auto-injectors, getting manufacturer discounts, or using Optum Perks discount cards and coupons.
