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Key takeaways
Adderall XR without insurance is expensive, but generic versions offer a more affordable alternative.
Many insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover generic Adderall XR, but brand-name coverage may require step therapy.
Uninsured patients can significantly reduce costs by using a SingleCare discount card, switching to generic versions, or considering other less expensive generic stimulants.
Prices for Adderall XR and its alternatives vary by pharmacy, so comparing prices and exploring options like mail-order programs can lead to savings.
Is Adderall XR covered by insurance? | How much does Adderall XR cost without insurance? | How to get Adderall XR without insurance
Adderall XR is a brand-name prescription drug prescribed to children and adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall XR is a combination drug containing four amphetamine salts: dextroamphetamine sulfate, amphetamine sulfate, amphetamine saccharate, and amphetamine aspartate. It is also known as an amphetamine salt combo.
Adderall XR without insurance can be expensive. Fortunately, it can be purchased as generic amphetamine-dextroamphetamine ER, which is less expensive.
Is Adderall XR covered by insurance?
Generic Adderall XR is covered by many insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare prescription drug plans. Healthcare plans that do not cover brand-name Adderall XR may cover the generic version. Some health insurance plans may enforce step therapy, requiring patients to try cheaper alternatives before approving coverage of Adderall XR.
How much does Adderall XR cost without insurance?
Uninsured patients should expect to pay an average of $347 for a 30-day supply of 30 mg Adderall XR capsules or $12 per day, though prices will vary by pharmacy and the dosage prescribed. Since ADHD treatment is long-term, uninsured patients or their caregivers can expect to pay more than $4,000 per year for Adderall XR.
People with health insurance coverage can expect to pay less, but copay costs vary based on an individual’s insurance plan, formulary, and the strength of the dosage prescribed.
You can save money by switching to a generic version of Adderall XR or an immediate-release Adderall. Generic Adderall XR is still pricey compared to other common generics. Immediate-release Adderall is less expensive than Adderall XR and its generic version, but it will require more doses to be given each day.
RELATED: How much does Adderall cost without insurance?
Adderall XR is FDA approved to treat ADHD. The first-line treatment of ADHD is stimulants, such as Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin. It is normal for patients with ADHD to switch from one stimulant to another over several years of treatment, possibly due to side effects. These powerful stimulants tend to have side effects that involve the nervous system, including dizziness, headaches, and anxiety. Loss of appetite, weight loss, dry mouth, and increase in blood pressure are other possible side effects that may occur. Fortunately, there are effective non-stimulant ADHD treatments. The most widely prescribed one is Strattera (atomoxetine), which is available as a generic.
Another reason to switch to an Adderall alternative is cost, especially without insurance. It makes sense to ask the prescribing healthcare provider about less expensive treatment alternatives when insurance is lacking. Unfortunately, there are no over-the-counter substitutes for ADHD prescription medications.
Compare Adderall XR prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Adderall XR (extended-release amphetamine-dextroamphetamine) | $347 per 30, 30 mg capsules | $25 per 30, 30 mg capsules | See updated prices |
| Generic Adderall XR (extended-release amphetamine-dextroamphetamine) | $205 per 30, 30 mg capsules | $25 per 30, 30 mg capsules | See updated prices |
| Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine) | $117 per 60, 20 mg tablets | $20 per 60, 20 mg tablets | See updated prices |
| Dexedrine (extended-release dextroamphetamine sulfate) | $190 per 30, 15 mg capsules | $32 per 30, 15 mg capsules | See updated prices |
| Zenzedi (dextroamphetamine sulfate) | $190 per 60, 10 mg tablets | $31 per 60, 10 mg tablets | See updated prices |
| Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate) | $195 per 30, 10 mg tablets | $46 per 30, 10 mg tablets | See updated prices |
| Ritalin (methylphenidate hydrochloride) | $65 per 60, 10 mg tablets | $13 per 60, 10 mg tablets | See updated prices |
| Focalin (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) | $90 per 60, 10 mg tablets | $17 per 60, 10 mg tablets | See updated prices |
| Concerta (extended-release methylphenidate hydrochloride) | $224 per 30, 20 mg tablets | $31 per 30, 20 mg tablets | See updated prices |
| Focalin XR (extended-release dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) | $281 per 30, 10 mg tablets | $51 per 30, 10 mg tablets | See updated prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. Click the link under “Savings options” to see updated drug prices.
How to get Adderall XR without insurance
As a brand-name drug, Adderall XR is not easy to pay for without the help of health insurance. Some pharmaceutical companies offer manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs. There are, however, more ways to save money, starting with a SingleCare savings card.
1. Use a SingleCare discount card
SingleCare gives people access to incredible savings on thousands of prescription medications including Adderall XR. Visit the Adderall XR discount coupon page and select an Adderall XR coupon based on either price or local pharmacy. The free coupon can be printed, emailed, or sent to a smartphone. Take your coupon and prescription to the chosen pharmacy to get an instant discount on Adderall XR without insurance.
2. Switch to generic Adderall XR
Generic Adderall XR can be readily substituted for its more expensive namesake, dropping the cash price to $205 for 30, 30 mg capsules compared to $347. With a SingleCare discount card, you could pay as little as $27 for 30, 30 mg capsules. Some discount pharmacies sell generic Adderall XR at a steep discount, so both switching to a generic and shopping for the best price could save $200 or more.
3. Switch to generic immediate-release Adderall
Generic Adderall has the same four amphetamines as Adderall XR. They work the same way, but because they are in immediate-release format, they lose effectiveness faster. If you’re willing to take more than one dose a day, switching to generic immediate-release Adderall could reduce the price of your prescription to $117 per 100, 20 mg tablets or as little as $20 with a SingleCare savings card.
RELATED: Adderall XR dosage guide | Adderall dosage guide
4. Switch to other generic stimulants
Patients with ADHD can choose from a wide spectrum of amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other generic drugs. Some will be more effective than others at controlling the symptoms of ADHD, but most are less expensive than brand-name Adderall XR. Ask your prescribing healthcare professional for medical advice about balancing treatment objectives with affordability when considering other stimulants.
RELATED: List of stimulants
5. Compare pharmacy prices
Pharmacies do charge different prices for prescription medications. These price differences can be surprising, especially for brand-name medications like Adderall XR. Search singlecare.com to compare prices at different pharmacies near you before you buy. Filling a larger quantity at a time or enrolling in a mail-order program could also save you some money. However, mail-order pharmacies have some restrictions when it comes to controlled substances like Adderall.