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Concerta is a medication for children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If your child has recently gotten a prescription for Concerta, or if your insurance plan has changed recently, you might have questions about the price of Concerta and how to cover it. In this article, we'll talk about the cost of Concerta with and without insurance, whether or not insurance will cover Concerta, and how to cover the cost of Concerta without insurance if you need to. Then, we’ll talk about how apps like Joon can help your child with ADHD.
How Much Does Concerta Cost Without Insurance?
Concerta prices will vary depending on the dose your child takes, as well as other factors, such as the pharmacy you go to and how many pills you pick up at once. Currently, Concerta comes in four different strengths: 18, 27, 36, and 54 mg. Based on dosage, here is a table comparing the average retail price of Concerta without insurance.
The data above is based on estimates from drugs.com and is subject to change.
Using your health insurance plan is one way to help yourself cover the cost of prescription medication, but will insurance cover a Concerta prescription? Sometimes - let’s discuss the possible considerations.
Will Insurance Cover A Concerta Prescription?
Many insurance plans will cover a Concerta prescription. To determine if your insurance plan will cover Concerta, speak with them directly or talk with your child's doctor. Healthcare professionals may be able to submit documentation that helps raise your chances of getting your insurance company to cover a Concerta prescription if you're denied initially. This is especially true if other medications haven't worked or Concerta is the best option for your child for another reason.
How much does Concerta cost with insurance?
The cost of Concerta medication with insurance will vary substantially depending on your specific healthcare plan. Most insurance plans will pay a portion of the medication, leaving you with a copay. However, every insurance plan covers a different percentage of the cost. The exception is Medicaid, which may cover Concerta in full.
How To Get Concerta Without Insurance
First, you may want to call a few different pharmacies to compare Concerta prices. However, some people either have an insurance plan that refuses to cover a Concerta prescription or don't have health insurance. In those cases, additional help is likely needed. If you don't have a health insurance plan that'll help you cover the cost, there are still ways to lower the price of Concerta. Here’s what you can do.
Use Concerta coupons or a savings program
Using coupons is one of the fastest and easiest ways to reduce the cost of prescription medications like Concerta. If your child takes name-brand Concerta, you can use a manufacturer coupon or savings program on the manufacturer's website. Whether your child takes name-brand or generic Concerta, you should also be able to find coupon options on websites such as GoodRx.
The pharmacy you go to may even be able to help you find a Concerta coupon that helps you cover out-of-pocket costs most.
Note: If your child needs help completing daily tasks and managing ADHD symptoms, try Joon. Created exclusively for kids aged 6-12 with ADHD and their parents, Joon motivates children to follow through on daily tasks and routines, such as homework, making breakfast, or getting dressed. Click here to try Joon for free.
See if you qualify for prescription medication assistance
Patient assistance programs (PAPs) help individuals who are underinsured or have no insurance to afford their medication. Frequently, PAPs are sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, state programs, or non-profit organizations. To find a patient assistance program, search the web for "Concerta patient assistance program." Alternatively, you can use a website like State Rx Plans or PhRMA's Medicine Assistance Tool to find out what's available.
Change medications
Concerta is more expensive than Ritalin and some other medications used for ADHD. In some instances, a prescriber may change your child's medication to a similar option that is less costly. Make sure to talk with your child's doctor before they stop taking Concerta. Your child's prescribing physician will help them get off of Concerta and switch to other treatments if necessary. Make sure to express cost concerns to your child's doctor if you haven't already, too. They may point you toward a solution that helps you pay for your child's treatment.
If you haven’t already, consider switching to generic Concerta first.
How Joon Can Help Your Child With ADHD
Joon is a new video game designed for kids with ADHD and their parents. In the game, parents select or add tasks for a child to complete in real life. For example, washing the dishes, eating breakfast, or getting dressed in the morning. Once your child completes a task, you will approve it so that your child can get rewards in the game. These rewards allow your child to take care of a virtual pet, called a Doter, of their choice.
Since you can add tasks manually, you can customize your child's list of tasks, also called quests, as much as you want. That way, you can ensure that they are relevant, age-appropriate, and not too overwhelming for your child. Kids love taking care of their virtual pet, and many parents notice that their children's independence, self-esteem, and productivity increase due to Joon. In fact, 90% of children who use Joon complete all of the tasks their parents set for them.
If you're ready to get started, download Joon today.
Takeaway
Like many other prescription medications, Concerta can be costly. However, using health insurance, patient assistance programs, and coupons can help you make the cost of your child's Concerta prescription more affordable, as can switching to a generic version. Often, ADHD medication is used alongside other forms of medical treatment and support, such as behavioral therapy or therapeutic games. That's where Joon comes in.
About
Sarah Schulze MSN, APRN, CPNP
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