Does health insurance cover Latisse?

Eyelashes have practical purposes — providing a physical barrier between the internal and external eye, protecting the eye from debris and dust, and acting as a sensor for objects nearing the eye, initiating a reflexive blink.

The beauty industry and the media often promote long lashes, with many people choosing eyelash extensions and false eyelashes to get their desired look. However, these options may not suit everyone.

Using adhesive false eyelashes and extensions can sometimes cause adverse reactions, particularly if you have skin or eye sensitivities. They also require regular care and upkeep, and some people prefer not to use them.

Latisse aims to provide a solution in these cases, as this product may create fuller and longer lashes.

About Latisse and insurance

Eyelashes have a growth cycle consisting of three phases:

• The growth phase, or the anagen phase, is when the hairs grow. This phase takes around 4–10 weeks.
• The transition phase, or the catagen phase, is when the hairs stop growing but aren’t ready to shed. This phase can last 2–3 weeks.
• The resting phase, or the telogen phase, is when the lash naturally sheds, and the cycle prepares to begin again. This phase can last 4–9 months.

Although experts are unsure of exactly how bimatoprost (Latisse) works, they believe it increases the number of hairs that grow during the anagen phase and increases the phase duration.

Latisse and insurance

Insurance may cover this prescription medication if it’s medically necessary and if you have outpatient prescription medication coverage. An insurer may request a medical report or doctor’s letter confirming you need the medication for a documented medical condition.

Health insurers won’t typically cover the costs of bimatoprost (Latisse) if it’s not medically necessary.

Medical conditions and Latisse

Doctors and other healthcare professionals may prescribe bimatoprost (Latisse) to treat conditions like:

• hypotrichosis, a congenital disorder resulting in diminished hair production
• trichotillomania, a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), when people compulsively pull out their hair
• hair loss due to other medications, like those people take in cancer treatment

Bimatoprost (Latisse) can help grow and thicken lashes, with a study showing that you can increase lash thickness, length, and darkness, with significant changes at weeks 8, 12, and 16.

What are the out-of-pocket costs you can expect to spend on Latisse?

Bimatoprost (Latisse) prices vary. If you have health insurance covering the costs, you may only have to pay a copayment of coinsurance.

With an Optum Perks Discount Card, prices run from around $30 for a 3-milliliter (mL) bottle to around $49 for a 5-mL bottle.

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.

Latisse vs. Lumigan

Bimatoprost (ophthalmic) is the active ingredient in Lumigan, which the FDA first approved in 2001 to treat glaucoma or elevated eye pressure. It belongs to a group of drugs called prostaglandin analogs.

Bimatoprost is also the active ingredient in Latisse, and the same manufacturer relaunched the drug under this name for the treatment of hypotrichosis, trichotillomania, chemotherapy-induced hair loss, and alopecia areata (autoimmune) lash loss.

Bimatoprost (ophthalmic) (Lumigan) is a 0.01% solution for treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Bimatoprost (Latisse) is a 0.03% solution for eyelash growth.

Is there a generic form of Latisse?

Various FDA-approved generic forms of bimatoprost are available for eyelash growth, and some are currently awaiting approval.

Manufacturers also offering bimatoprost include Sandoz and Lupin.

Need a prescription or refill for hair loss medication? You can get discreet and expert on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes through Optum Perks with no video or appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and get a treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional. Get started here.

Speaking with your doctor

Speak with your doctor before trying new medications, as there could be some product warnings and side effects.

Do not use bimatoprost (Latisse) if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or chestfeeding. If you wear contacts, always remove them before you use the medication, and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.

This medication can also change the color of your eyes, known as changes to iris pigmentation. The changes happen because of an increase in melanin, and although you may not notice these effects for months or even years, they can be permanent.

If you have any eye conditions like glaucoma, macular edema, or eye inflammation, check with your ophthalmologist before using bimatoprost (Latisse).

Always follow advice from your healthcare professional or the package insert. This can ensure your safety and help avoid any unwanted side effects.

Never use bimatoprost (Latisse) if you’re allergic to any of its ingredients.

Summary

If a medical condition or prescribed drug affects your eyelash growth, bimatoprost (Latisse) may help, and insurance may provide coverage with confirmation of its medical necessity.

Speak with your doctor or ophthalmologist for a prescription. They can advise whether the medication is appropriate for you.

If you need to pay out of pocket, online coupons may reduce the cost significantly.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.