Is albuterol covered by insurance?

Asked by: Monte Simonis  |  Last update: October 17, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (33 votes)

Albuterol sulfate HFA is typically covered by health insurance, Medicare drug insurance plans, and Medicaid. However, insurance coverage will vary by plan. Copay costs will also vary by plan. The insurance company may impose restrictions such as quantity limits or prior authorization.

How much is albuterol out of pocket?

Without insurance, the cost of generic albuterol inhalers varies: generic Proventil HFA costs about $36.78, generic ProAir HFA runs about $44.41, and generic Ventolin HFA typically costs $47.70.

Are inhalers covered by insurance?

Your health insurance may cover some, or all, of the cost of your inhaler. But GoodRx discounts are available for many of them too. Several inhalers, especially brand-name inhalers, also have manufacturer copay cards and patient assistant programs you can apply for.

Why is albuterol so expensive?

Today, the average retail price of an albuterol inhaler is $98. Unlike CFC inhalers, which have generic versions, HFA inhalers are covered by patents. While the drug itself hasn't changed, the switch to a different device allowed companies to increase their prices.

How can I get albuterol for free?

Organizations that help uninsured people include NeedyMeds, RX Assist, RX Hope, Accessia Health, and Partnership for Prescription Assistance. Organizations that help the under-insured include the Healthwell Foundation and Patient Advocate Foundation.

Drug companies cap prices of asthma inhalers

20 related questions found

Is albuterol free with insurance?

Albuterol sulfate HFA is typically covered by health insurance, Medicare drug insurance plans, and Medicaid. However, insurance coverage will vary by plan. Copay costs will also vary by plan. The insurance company may impose restrictions such as quantity limits or prior authorization.

Is it OK to use albuterol every day?

Albuterol overuse is associated with more frequent symptoms, exacerbations, and health care utilization as well as lower mental and physical functioning. Physiological and psychological dependence to albuterol is possible and can be challenging to distinguish from difficult-to-treat asthma.

Who is eligible for $35 Symbicort?

TERMS OF USE:Eligible commercially insured/ covered patients with no restrictions (step-edit, prior authorization, or NDC block) and a valid prescription for SYMBICORT® (budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate) Inhalation Aerosol who present this savings card at participating pharmacies will pay as low as $35 for ...

Is there a generic for albuterol?

Article Highlights: Albuterol's generic name is albuterol sulfate, which is the same as its brand name. Knowing the generic name can help in making informed decisions and discussing treatment options. Albuterol is primarily used for the treatment of asthma and exercise-induced bronchospasm.

What to do if you can't afford an inhaler?

Blog
  1. Patient assistance and drug discounts – Patient assistance programs are resources that offer free or reduced-cost asthma medicines. ...
  2. Compare pharmacy prices – Call around to different pharmacies. ...
  3. Talk with your doctor – Your doctor may be able to prescribe a lower-cost asthma medicine that treats your condition.

What inhalers are capped at $35?

Starting June 1, 2024, eligible patients will pay no more than $35 a month at retail pharmacies for all Boehringer Ingelheim inhalers.

Why doesn't insurance cover fluticasone?

Check drug coverage with your health insurer

Most insurers aren't covering the cost of the generic fluticasone because it is expensive, Gaffin says, so that leaves only a handful of other drugs as replacements.

How much does a nebulizer cost without insurance?

Without insurance coverage, the average cost of Nebulizer is around $146.79 for 1, 1 Miscellaneous Box. SingleCare can help you to save on this total with our Nebulizer savings cards. Pay only $99.79 for 1, 1 miscellaneous Box at participating pharmacies such as Target, Longs Drugs, Walmart, Kroger, and related stores.

Is albuterol a steroid?

No, albuterol isn't a steroid. Albuterol is a beta-agonist. The drug works by attaching to beta-receptors (docking stations) in your airways. This helps relax the muscles in your airways, making it easier for you to breathe.

How much is albuterol without insurance?

The standard out-of-pocket cost of Albuterol Sulfate Hfa without health insurance is $102.32 per 1, 8.5GM of 108 (90 Base)MCG/ACT Inhaler though you can save using a SingleCare Albuterol Sulfate Hfa coupon to pay only $20.11 for 1, 8.5gm of 90 mcg/act, 200 inhalations Inhaler Hfa of Albuterol Sulfate Hfa.

What if I can't afford Symbicort?

As of June 1, 2024, AstraZeneca has capped inhaler prices at $35 for people who are commercially insured or uninsured. This includes AIRSUPRA® and SYMBICORT®. Uninsured? Use savings cards or the AZ&Me program for additional assistance.

What should you avoid with albuterol?

What may interact with this medication?
  • Caffeine.
  • Chloroquine.
  • Cisapride.
  • Diuretics.
  • Medications for colds.
  • Medications for depression or for emotional or psychotic conditions.
  • Medications for weight loss including some herbal products.
  • Methadone.

What happens if you don't rinse your mouth after an inhaler?

Not rinsing your mouth after using a steroid inhaler

It's important to rinse your mouth out after using a steroid inhaler, such as your preventer inhaler. This is so that any medicine that is stuck in your mouth or throat is cleaned away. This will prevent side effects such as oral thrush.

Does albuterol cause weight gain?

Experiment 3 yielded some interesting and unexpected changes in body composition. The saline/albuterol and caffeine/albuterol treatment groups actually gained more weight than the saline control group.

How to get albuterol for free?

Simplefill connects Americans who can't afford the prescription medications they depend on to manage chronic diseases like COPD. To learn more about Albuterol and how Simplefill can help you get Albuterol patient assistance, read below and become a Simplefill member today.

Can I use GoodRx with insurance?

However, GoodRx cannot be combined with your insurance or any federal or state-funded program such as Medicare or Medicaid. GoodRx is not insurance. If you choose to use a GoodRx coupon or your GoodRx Gold membership, it's important to ask the pharmacist not to run your prescription through your insurance or Medicare.

What is the 4 dollar program?

When Wal-Mart initiated the $4 generic drug program ($4 per 30-day supply for selected generic prescription drugs) in October 2006, it created an important low-cost alternative for individuals who use these medications. In November 2006, Target followed Wal-Mart's lead and offered a similar program in several states.