How Much is Lithium With & Without Insurance?

Lithium, the generic form of Lithobid, is FDA-approved to treat symptoms of bipolar disorder, mania, and depression. The cost of Lithium medication without insurance vs. with it can vary depending on things like the dosage, form, strength, and where you fill your prescription medicine. Generally speaking, a 30-day supply of generic Lithium can cost around $20 for 300 mg tablets or capsules, while brand-name Lithobid might be as much as $1,300 for 100 tablets that are 300 mg each.   

It’s clear the price wildly varies, so knowing how much you should expect to pay and how to keep your cost down is essential. How much does Lithium cost without insurance vs. with it? Read on to learn more.

Is Lithium Covered With Insurance?

The short answer is yes. Most insurance plans offer coverage for Lithium, though prior authorization may be necessary, and certain limits could apply. For example, some insurance plan policies have restrictions on how much they’ll reimburse per month or year. This is why it’s important to check with your healthcare provider before filling any prescriptions for Lithium online or in person.

Medicaid and Medicare both cover many medications used in mental health treatment, including Lithium. However, the extent of Medicaid coverage for certain drugs — including Lithium — varies from state to state, so be sure you check your cost before filling your first prescription medicine.

Cost of Lithium Without Insurance

Lithium cost without insurance can vary greatly depending on where you purchase it and the type of medication you choose. On average, a Lithium prescription without insurance for a month’s supply could cost between $50 and $200. However, prices might be higher if you use extended-release formulations or brand-name versions. The good news, though, is that several resources are designed to help bring down the cost of medications like Lithium, including coupon cards and manufacturers’ discounts. 

“Our resources have increased in the past year with multiple sites that may be able to decrease the costs of medications. These sites can be researched on the Internet, and the information can be brought to the pharmacist. Some sites may tell you which pharmacy has the lowest price for the same medication. This was unheard of just a few years ago.”

– Talkspace therapist Dr. Karmen Smith LCSW DD

Factors that impact the cost of Lithium

Various factors can affect Lithium’s cost. The price of the drug, what (if any) insurance coverage you have, and where you get it can all affect the total price.

Type & strength

The type and strength of a Lithium prescription can impact its price. Lithium comes in various forms, from tablets to capsules, and has strengths spanning 300 mg up to 600 mg per dose all of which can impact Lithium’s side effects. Higher doses can cost more, so if your doctor prescribes a more potent dose, this could add to your financial burden.

Where you purchase it from

Where you purchase Lithium from can also affect its cost significantly. Prices vary between pharmacies even when factoring in insurance coverage, incentives like loyalty programs, or coupons and rebates for generic drugs. Keep in mind that online retailers might be cheaper than brick-and-mortar pharmacy locations. 

You’ll also need to factor in the cost of a psychiatrist, who is responsible for prescribing you Lithium.

Cost of Lithium With Insurance

The cost of Lithium with insurance depends on the type and amount of coverage you have. With insurance and a coupon card, you can bet a 100-capsule prescription of 30 mg Lithium for as little as $15. 

Generally, most health plans provide some or all the cost for medications like Lithium. However, keep in mind not all plans are created equal, and coverage differs depending on your provider. Some plans may have a lower copay or coinsurance rate. If you have a high-deductible plan, your out-of-pocket costs may remain high until you meet your deductible. 

Check with your healthcare provider to see what they offer before purchasing Lithium. If your insurance plan does cover it, you may get discounts depending on which pharmacy you use.

How to Get Lithium Without Insurance

Fortunately, there are ways to get Lithium without insurance, so the drug is more affordable and accessible. If you’re hoping to get Lithium cost without insurance down, use these tips.  

1. Check with local pharmacies: Once you have a valid prescription from a doctor, contact local pharmacies in your area that may carry Lithium — most will. If cost is a concern, it’s important to compare prices at different pharmacies. Some may offer discounts or other incentives that help make the cost more manageable.
   
2. Look into discount programs: Many pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs (PAPs) to reduce the cost of medications like Lithium. They might provide discounts on out-of-pocket expenses and help people access their medications at lower costs than retail prices. Some PAPs also cover co-pays and deductibles, so it’s worth looking into these options before purchasing any medication without insurance coverage.
   
3. Use mail-order services: Mail-order pharmacy services have become popular for those seeking cost-effective access to medications with or without insurance coverage. By cutting out the overhead associated with stocking products in physical stores nationwide, mail-order pharmacies can offer lower prices than traditional brick-and-mortar stores. If you get your prescription for Lithium online, you may also see cost savings.

“After you have researched and are still debating about filling the prescription, remind yourself how important your mental health is to you. Some suffering from depression, for example, may not want to spend money on themselves. They may justify the cost of not following through with the medication. Someone may need to remind you that you are more than worth the cost.”

– Talkspace therapist Dr. Karmen Smith LCSW DD

Affordable Online Mental Health Treatment

Ensuring access to affordable mental health care is paramount for our collective well-being. Talkspace provides a simple and cost-efficient way to get mental health services from the convenience of your own home.

The cost of Lithium medication without insurance can be high, but options are available to make it more affordable. Understanding what affects the cost and how you can afford Lithium is critical, especially if insurance isn’t an option. Accessing mental healthcare online is a convenient, affordable, and accessible way to get the care you need.