How is it possible to get free buprenorphine?

While you can get this addiction treatment medication at no cost now, we need better access to free buprenorphine. The current programs are too limited, but help is coming soon. A new law passed this year, 2018, will make funding available for new programs.

How much does it cost if I pay for it?

GoodRx is an excellent resource to give you an idea of what the medicine should cost at your local pharmacies. If you fill a prescription for the brand name version, Suboxone, it could easily cost you as much as $600 for a monthly prescription. However, the same prescription can be obtained for under $100 for a generic version. As you can see, dramatic savings are possible.

What if I have insurance? Will they pay for it?

If your health insurance covers medications for any other condition, buprenorphine should also be covered. This is because of a law passed in 2008 that says addiction meds must be covered in the same way that other meds are covered. The Parity Act guarantees that your insurance should cover buprenorphine if it covers other medications. When your insurance pays for your medicine, it can be nearly free for you. However, you may still have to pay a copay at the pharmacy. Copays will vary, depending on coverage and the medication. You will surprised to hear that Sublocade, a brand new version of buprenorphine in the form of a monthly shot, has a copay as low as $5.

What is the easiest way to get free buprenorphine?

If your doctor is willing to help, you can get up to 30 buprenorphine tablets for free. Orexo is a company that makes ZubSolv which contains buprenorphine. The company offers a voucher that patients can use to get free ZubSolv. You can use these vouchers to start treatment while you explore other options.

What about patient assistance programs?

You can use these programs to get up to a year of free buprenorphine. All you have to do is fill out a one page application. If you are eligible, you will get a card to pay for your medicine or they may even ship it to your door.

Completely free programs

What if you could see your doctor, therapist and get meds, all for free? There are just a few programs out there now. Yet, more are coming soon. We plan to keep you informed here as more information becomes available.