Key takeaways
Amoxicillin is a widely used, generic prescription antibiotic that costs about $17 for 21 capsules without insurance. It is effective against various bacterial infections but not viral ones.
Most health insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, VA, and Tricare, cover amoxicillin, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs to between $0 and $10.
SingleCare discount coupons can significantly reduce amoxicillin’s price, making it accessible for those seeking a more affordable option.
Alternative cost-saving strategies include comparing pharmacy prices, visiting 340B clinics or hospitals, and community health clinics.
Is amoxicillin covered by insurance | How much does amoxicillin cost without insurance? | How to get amoxicillin without insurance
Amoxicillin is a generic prescription antibiotic used to eliminate many types of bacterial infections. It is one of the most commonly-prescribed antibiotics. Patients with sinus infections, lower respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, or ear, nose, throat, skin, stomach, and urinary tract infections may be given amoxicillin for their illness. Like other antibiotics, amoxicillin is useless against viral infections such as the common cold or flu.
Amoxicillin is usually taken two to three times a day as a capsule, tablet, chewable tablet, or oral suspension. There is also an extended release tablet option available that can be taken once daily. Currently, there are no expensive brand-name versions of amoxicillin, though it can still be prescribed under the brand-name Amoxil.
RELATED: Amoxicillin side effects
Is amoxicillin covered by insurance?
Amoxicillin is covered by most commercial health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, VA, and Tricare plans.
How much does amoxicillin cost without insurance?
Generic amoxicillin is an inexpensive prescription drug. Even without insurance, the average cost of amoxicillin is $17 for 21 capsules, about 60 cents for each amoxicillin 500 mg capsule. Health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid can reduce that prescription cost to between $0 and $10, but the actual out-of-pocket expense will depend on the insurance plan’s formulary, deductible, copay cost, and pharmacy.
Amoxicillin belongs to a class of drugs called penicillins which include penicillin, ampicillin, piperacillin, and others. Amoxicillin is the lowest-priced oral penicillin, and it is FDA approved to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. Ampicillin is a comparably-priced oral antibiotic that treats a wide spectrum of bacterial infections. All other penicillin drugs are higher-priced, given as injections, or not sold to consumers in drug stores. Both amoxicillin and ampicillin are frequently combined with other drugs called beta-lactamase inhibitors to increase their effectiveness against penicillin-resistant drugs. These are sometimes prescribed under the brand names Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate) or Unasyn (ampicillin-sulbactam).
Other types of antibiotics work like penicillins by preventing bacteria from forming cell walls. These include cephalosporins and carbapenems. They, too, are sometimes combined with beta-lactamase inhibitors. However, they are typically more expensive than low-priced penicillin antibiotics. However, if the price of amoxicillin is a problem, ask a healthcare provider for medical advice about alternative antibiotics. Keep in mind that healthcare professionals follow rigorous guidelines in prescribing antibiotics. Their goal is to prescribe the most effective treatment, not the cheapest.
For bacterial infections that require prescription antibiotics, do not substitute over-the-counter antibacterial agents or dietary supplements.
Compare amoxicillin prices to related penicillin antibiotics |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Drug name | Price without insurance for brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
Amoxicillin | $17 per 21, 500 mg capsules | $0.15 per 21, 500 mg capsules for generic amoxicillin | See updated prices |
Ampicillin | $40 per 28, 500 mg capsules | $13 per 28, 500 mg capsules for generic ampicillin | See updated prices |
Penicillin V Potassium | $36 per 28, 500 mg tablets | $2 per 28, 500 mg tablets for generic penicillin v potassium | See updated prices |
Augmentin (amoxicillin-potassium clavulanate) | $432 per 20, 875 mg/125 mg tablets | $8 per 20, 875 mg/125 mg tablets for generic Augmentin | See updated prices |
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 amoxicillin without insurance
Amoxicillin is a widely-prescribed and inexpensive drug. Most people will take it for only a few days, so it should fit most people’s budget. Still, there are ways to reduce the cost even lower. As an inexpensive generic drug, it may be hard to find manufacturer patient assistance programs, rebates, or manufacturer coupons. However, people with or without insurance coverage can rely on a SingleCare discount coupons to save on the cost of amoxicillin or other antibiotic prescription.
1. Get a free coupon from SingleCare
With a free discount card from SingleCare, the cash price for 21 amoxicillin 500 mg capsules can be as low as 15 cents, less than a penny a pill. Visit SingleCare’s amoxicillin discount coupon page and choose either the best prescription discount or the most convenient participating local pharmacy. Got questions? Read SingleCare’s How It Works page to find the most common frequently asked questions (FAQs) about prescription coupons.
2. Compare pharmacy prices
Many people believe that prescription drugs cost the same no matter where they are purchased. However, the retail price for 21 amoxicillin 500 mg capsules could cost $10 at one pharmacy and over $25 at another. Hunting for lower prices could net big savings. Research prices at participating pharmacies found on SingleCare’s pharmacy finder page.
3. Visit a local 340B clinic or hospital
Some hospitals and clinics are federally approved as providers for low-income patients. They can purchase prescription medications like amoxicillin for next to nothing and provide them to patients at a very low price or for free. Called 340B providers, the easiest way to find them is through your local or state health department.
4. Visit a community health clinic
Community health and some walk-in clinics might also be able to supply common antibiotics like amoxicillin for a very low price.