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How much is Modafinil without insurance?

Modafinil can be costly without insurance. Learn how to get Modafinil at a lower price, or find cheaper alternatives.
By | Updated on Dec. 10, 2024
Rx pill bottle representing Modafinil without insurance

Key takeaways

  • Modafinil is a prescription drug belonging to the stimulant class that is used for treating sleepiness related to narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder.

  • Provigil is the brand-name form of modafinil, but although insurance plans vary in their drug coverage, generic modafinil is more likely to be covered than Provigil.

  • Without insurance coverage, retail prices for Provigil and generic modafinil can be expensive.

  • SingleCare coupons and discount cards are reliable ways to save on out-of-pocket expenses on modafinil.

  • Alternative prescription drugs for narcolepsy treatment provide options worth discussing with your healthcare provider; some may present a savings opportunity.

In this article:

Modafinil is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant prescribed for the treatment of narcolepsy and excessive sleepiness related to obstructive sleep apnea and shift work sleep disorder. You may know it by the brand-name Provigil. Like many brand-name drugs, Provigil can be quite expensive, but fortunately, there are a number of ways to save on this treatment. Using the generic version is just one option that will be covered in-depth here.

Related: Modafinil dosage |  Modafinil side effects |  Modafinil coupon | Modafinil details

Is Modafinil covered by insurance?

Determining whether your insurance company covers modafinil requires a look at the plan’s drug formulary. There, you can see if modafinil is listed on the formulary and whether the insurance provider considers it a preferred agent with a lower copay. Since generics are usually preferred, modafinil is often covered. For example, Aetna’s Standard Plan and Humana’s Medicare plan include coverage for it but not brand Provigil. The active ingredients are the same in generic and brand-name products.

How much does Modafinil cost without insurance?

Without health insurance, modafinil costs will still depend on a number of factors, even if a formulary and copay are not part of the equation. Brand-name Provigil can cost $2700 for 30, 200 mg tablets. The retail price of generic modafinil can hit $780 for 30, 200 mg tablets. However, the price will vary between different pharmacies.

If we use that cost estimate for modafinil, it breaks down to $26 per pill. That would add up to almost $9,500 over the course of a year. No wonder everyone wants to know how to save on modafinil and what alternative drug options are out there.

RELATED: Modafinil alternatives: What can I take instead of Modafinil

Compare Modafinil prices to related drugs
Drug name Price without insurance of brand-name drug  SingleCare price Savings options
Modafinil $2700 per 30, 200 mg tablets of brand-name Provigil $24 per 30, 200 mg tablets of generic modafinil See updated prices
Nuvigil 

(armodafinil)

 $1200 per 30, 250 mg tablets of brand-name Nuvigil $26 per 30, 250 mg tablets of generic armodafinil See updated prices
Ritalin (methylphenidate) $200 per 90, 20 mg tablets of brand-name Ritalin $9 per 60, 10 mg tablets of generic methylphenidate See updated prices
Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine) $410 per 30, 20 mg tablets of brand-name Adderall $27 per 60, 20 mg tablets of generic amphetamine-dextroamphetamine  See updated prices
Sunosi (solriamfetol) $1100 per 30, 150 mg tablets of brand-name Sunosi $800 per 30, 150 mg tablets of brand-name Sunosi See updated prices

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs. The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see updated drug prices.

How to get Modafinil without insurance

As you can see from the table above, brand-name products can have a substantial cost, none more so than Provigil in this comparison. Manufacturer discount programs can help reduce the price of brand-name drugs. Unfortunately, they come with restrictions that can result in patients not qualifying for their programs. Our focus here is to provide more widely useful options.

  1. Use a SingleCare discount card

SingleCare discount cards are free. Using one is easy by simply showing it, along with your prescription, to your pharmacist. As a result, you may end up spending less than $1 per 200 mg tablet of modafinil, compared to the retail price of about $90 per 200 mg tablet of brand-name Provigil. A modafinil coupon from SingleCare could get you 30, 200 mg tablets for $24. That can save people over $2600 each month compared to the brand-name option.

  1. Compare prices at different pharmacies

SingleCare coupons are accepted at over 35,000 pharmacies in the United States, and drug prices can be very different among them. The discounted cost of modafinil can vary from $24 for 30, 200 mg tablets to $230 for the same amount. You got that right; shopping around at pharmacies for the best price could save you over $200 for the month’s supply.

  1. Ask your healthcare provider about alternatives

Modafinil is not the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating narcolepsy. Nuvigil, Adderall, Ritalin, Sunosi, Xyrem (sodium oxybate), and Wakix (pitolisant) are other CNS stimulants with FDA indications for treating this condition. If you are looking for a lower discounted price than modafinil, methylphenidate may cost only $9 for 60, 10 mg tablets, which could amount to a one-month supply. 

Check with your healthcare provider about what treatment options could be right for you. All of the options mentioned are stimulants, and they can cause high blood pressure. None of them may be recommended for those with pre-existing heart or blood pressure problems. Comparing these alternatives in regard to safety and effectiveness requires a healthcare team, including your doctor and pharmacist.

  1. Don’t forget about non-pharmacologic methods of treatment

Although medications can be an effective way to combat the symptoms of narcolepsy, including sleepiness, healthy sleep habits, and taking a nap in the middle of the day are often recommended too. Using a CPAP device while sleeping is a way to increase energy by improving sleep quality in the care of obstructive sleep apnea. 

Avoiding drugs that cause drowsiness is another frequent recommendation. This may mean steering clear of opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol. Together, you and your doctor can help review your list of prescription meds and over-the-counter drugs to avoid drug interactions and see if any changes need to be made.