How much is simvastatin without insurance?

In this article:

• What is the brand name for simvastatin?
• Is simvastatin covered by insurance?
• How much does simvastatin cost without insurance?
• How to get simvastatin without insurance

In this article

• What is the brand name for simvastatin?
• Is simvastatin covered by insurance?
• How much does simvastatin cost without insurance?
• How to get simvastatin without insurance

Simvastatin is a common prescription drug used to help reduce the risk of heart attacks, stroke, death, or other complications in people with heart disease. It’s also approved to reduce LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and certain fats called triglycerides in people with high levels. As a statin drug, it works by blocking a substance the body uses to make cholesterol.

Some people who need simvastatin might worry about the cost if they don’t have insurance. Without insurance, the price of simvastatin can vary, but it could be around $229 for a 90-day supply of 20 mg tablets. Those without insurance can explore discount cards and coupons to potentially reduce this cost, so it’s worth checking different options to find the best price.

Related: Simvastatin side effects

What is the brand name for simvastatin?

Simvastatin is a generic medication that is produced by various pharmaceutical companies. It was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1991 as the brand-name medication Zocor. It wasn’t until 2006 that the generic version was released. Other brand-name medications that contain simvastatin include FloLipid and Vytorin. 

Simvastatin offers the same benefits as the brand-name version for improving cholesterol levels. That’s because generic medications like simvastatin contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts. Generics often cost less because they don’t include the same development costs. These savings make medications more accessible to people without insurance while offering a safe and effective alternative.

Is simvastatin covered by insurance?

Most private insurance plans typically cover generic prescription medication like simvastatin. However, the specific coverage can vary from one plan to another. If you have private insurance, check with your insurance provider to confirm the details of your plan and any specific requirements you need to meet.

Medicare also generally covers simvastatin, especially if beneficiaries have a Medicare prescription drug plan. Since Medicare plans differ, looking into the plan’s specific benefits is a good idea. Simvastatin will often be part of the covered medications list.

Several factors can affect insurance coverage. The type of insurance plan, such as whether it’s basic or comprehensive, can determine if simvastatin is included. Because copays can vary, many people might pay different amounts at the pharmacy. Prior authorization might sometimes be required before insurance agrees to cover the medication fully, especially for certain doses or dosage forms.

How much does simvastatin cost without insurance?

The retail price for simvastatin can change based on several factors, including the dosage prescribed and the pharmacy’s location. The lowest price options depend on the quantity or strength and regional pharmacy policies. As a result, some pharmacies might offer the medication at a lower price point than others.

Generally, a 30-day supply of 20 mg tablets may cost around $75 or more at certain pharmacies. Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs:

• Per pill: At about $75 for 30 pills of 20 mg, each pill costs around $2.50.
• Per year: At a monthly cost of $75, the yearly cost without insurance could be close to $900.

Higher doses, such as 40 or 80 mg, may have higher retail prices than the 20 mg option. In addition, purchasing larger quantities, like a 90-day supply instead of a 30-day supply, can also affect the overall cost. Some pharmacies might offer bulk discounts, which can make it more economical to buy in larger amounts.

RELATED: Simvastatin alternatives: What can I take instead of simvastatin? 

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 (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs, if available. Click the “Savings options” link to see the latest drug prices.

How to get simvastatin without insurance

Finding affordable medication without insurance can be challenging for some. It may be difficult when you need a medication like simvastatin but face high costs that can strain your budget. Many people experience anxiety about managing their health while worrying about finances. Fortunately, there may be options available to help families and individuals obtain simvastatin.

1. Use a SingleCare discount card

A SingleCare discount card may help reduce medication costs. For simvastatin, prices drop to as low as $4 for 30 tablets, depending on the pharmacy. Taking advantage of these savings may make simvastatin a more cost-effective drug than other options for many people. Plus, many pharmacies accept this card, making it easy to find lower prescription prices.

2. Compare prices at different pharmacies

Simvastatin prices can vary between pharmacies. Some pharmacies might offer 30 tablets for around $75, while others might charge less or more. Therefore, shopping around to find the best deal can be helpful. Using price look-up tools like SingleCare’s prescription price search engine may help you find the lowest-priced local pharmacy for your prescriptions. Comparing prices and finding coupons can save you up to 80% of your drug costs.

3. Seek medical advice for potential alternatives

Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about alternatives to simvastatin for lowering cholesterol. They might suggest other statin medications, which can work similarly but might have fewer side effects for some people. There are also non-statin medications, such as ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors, that can help lower cholesterol. Besides medication, making changes to your lifestyle, like improving your diet and increasing physical activity, may help manage your cholesterol levels effectively.

4. Try a generic alternative of another medication

Consider trying a generic alternative of other medications. Simvastatin is the generic version of Zocor and is often available at a lower cost. If simvastatin is still too expensive, you might explore other generic options like atorvastatin or pravastatin, which can also effectively lower cholesterol. Many pharmacies offer different prices for these medications, so it’s worth checking for the best deal. Generics can help you save money while managing your cholesterol levels effectively.

Consider using discount programs and consulting healthcare providers to get the best deal on simvastatin without insurance. In addition, you can explore various pharmacies to find the best pricing.