7 Ways to Save Money on Dry Eye Treatment

Millions of people experience dry eyes every year, and the treatments can cost anywhere from $30 to $600 or more for a month’s supply. Over-the-counter (OTC) products like artificial tears provide affordable relief for mild to moderate dry eye symptoms. But they’re not always the best options. If a prescription eye drop medication like Restasis (cyclosporine) is needed to treat your chronic eye condition, it’s important to review your insurance coverage and consider ways to save money.  

7 ways to save money on dry eye medication

Below, we discuss seven ways you can save on dry eye medication, whether you have insurance or not. 

1. Check your health insurance coverage 

If you have health coverage, your insurance provider may help you pay for the cost of your dry eye medication. For example, nearly 70% of individuals who have Medicare prescription coverage can get help paying for the dry eye medication Xiidra (lifitegrast) through their plan. 

If you find out that your preferred dry eye treatment isn’t covered when you review your plan’s details, you can ask your healthcare provider about writing an appeal letter. This letter should typically include: 

• Your policy and plan reference number 

• An explanation of your condition and symptoms 

• Why you believe an error has been made 

With dry eye treatments, many commercial insurance plans require you to go through step therapy or get a prior authorization — meaning, you may need to get approval from your insurer before certain medications or procedures are covered. And depending on your insurance plan, you may still have to pay a copay or deductible even if your treatment is covered. If you have questions, call your insurance company to help you better understand your costs and coverage.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• What works best for dry eye: No matter the cause of your dry eye, there are several treatments to consider. Learn more about OTC and prescription treatment options and effective home remedies. 

• Thriving with dry eye: Read first-hand tips for managing chronic dry eye from someone living with the condition.

• FSA eligible: You can use your FSA or HSA to cover many types of eye care expenses. Read on to see what’s eligible — and what’s not.

2. Use a manufacturer coupon

Manufacturer coupons, also known as savings cards and copay savings programs, can help make prescription medications more affordable for eligible, commercially insured patients. You can use these cards at the pharmacy when filling your prescription. And you may be able to pay as little as $0 for a 90-day supply of your dry eye medication. 

Examples of these programs are the My Tears, My Rewards savings program, from the maker of Restasis, and the Xiidra savings card. 

3. Apply for patient assistance programs 

Pharmaceutical companies, like AbbVie, typically offer patient assistance programs that give eligible individuals access to free or low-cost medications. 

You may be eligible to receive medication through one of these programs if you are: 

• Uninsured or receiving coverage through Medicare 

• Not receiving medication coverage through your health insurance

4. Use a coupon from GoodRx 

Whether you have a high copay or your insurance doesn’t cover your preferred treatment, GoodRx offers free coupons that can help you save money on dry eye medication.  

For example, a bottle of artificial tears may cost as little as $5.90 with a GoodRx coupon. And generic Restasis may cost between $60 and $200 for a package of 30 vials, or between $100 and $400 for a package of 60, with a GoodRx coupon. 

The price you’ll pay with a GoodRx coupon will depend on your geographic location and the pharmacy you choose. To check for the best local prices for your medication and download a GoodRx coupon, you can: 

• Search for your dry eye medication on www.goodrx.com or in the mobile app. 

• Click "set your location" to search for discounts and compare prices at pharmacies near you.

• Select your coupon and show it to your pharmacist when you pick up your medication. 

5. Fill a 90-day supply 

If your insurance covers a 90-day supply of your medication and your healthcare provider writes you a prescription for that amount, you could save money on your dry eye treatment. Below are some of the benefits of filling a 90-day supply, compared to a 30-day supply:  

• Receiving discounts for bulk purchases: Your pharmacy may offer discounts if you order larger quantities of your medication.

• Making less visits to the pharmacy: You won’t need to visit the pharmacy as often as you would if you had a 30-day prescription. 

• Reducing dispensing fees: Pharmacies may charge a dispensing fee every time you fill a prescription. So a 90-day supply of your dry eye medication may help you save on monthly costs.

6. Ask about alternative medications

If you don’t have coverage for a certain prescription medication, you can see if your insurance plan covers alternative medications. Then, talk to your healthcare provider about the best alternative for you based on your condition, symptoms, and medical history. 

Restasis and Xiidra are prescription-only eye drops that are approved by the FDA to treat dry eyes. But, depending on your eye condition, you may be able to look into different types of eye drops, including: 

• OTC eye drops, like artificial tears 

• Preservative-free OTC eye drops 

• OTC antihistamine eye drops, like olopatadine (Pataday) and ketotifen (Alaway, Zaditor)

• OTC decongestant eye drops, like naphazoline / glycerin (Clear Eyes)

7. Pay for your dry eye medications with your FSA or HSA 

If you have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), you can use your funds to pay for qualified medical expenses like dry eye treatments. These accounts allow you to buy these items with tax-free dollars, as long as you meet the account requirements. 

You’ll have to purchase qualified products by the end of the year if you have an FSA, unless your employer offers a grace period or carryover option. The funds in your HSA don’t expire, so you can use the funds to buy dry eye treatments at any time, even if you are no longer enrolled in a qualified high-deductible health plan.  

How much does dry eye medication cost? 

The retail price for dry eye medication can range anywhere from $30 to $600 or more for a monthly supply. The cost for a medication can vary depending on numerous factors, including the: 

• Pharmacy you visit 

• Generic options on the market 

• Insurance coverage you have

• Type of dry eye medication (ointment, gel, eye drops, oral supplement) 

• Brand name and manufacturer associated with the medication  

OTC products don’t require a prescription, and the prices are typically lower. If your provider recommends you try a prescription dry eye medication, how much you pay will depend on your copay, deductible, and other factors. 

At-home, DIY remedies for dry eyes for added savings

Depending on your condition, you may be able to benefit from do-it-yourself (DIY) dry eye remedies. But it’s important to discuss these options with your doctor before getting started. 

In addition to washing your eyelids and wearing sunglasses outdoors, some simple home remedies for dry eyes you might consider are: 

• Adding omega-3 to your diet: Some studies have shown that taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements may improve dry eye symptoms for people with certain conditions. 

• Changing your environment: Making small changes, such as taking breaks away from your computer screen or minimizing your exposure to air conditioning, may help with dry eyes. 

• Blinking more: The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends blinking more to renew tear film and help with dry eyes, especially if you’re in front of a computer screen often. 

Are generic eye drops as good as the brand-name medications?

Generic eye drops can be just as effective as brand-name medications. The active ingredients in generic and brand-name eye drops are required to be the same by law. And generic medications go through a rigorous approval process to ensure their safety, quality, and effectiveness, just like brand-name medications. 

The main difference between generic and brand-name eye drops is the price. Brand-name medications tend to cost more because the manufacturers spend money on:

• Research

• Development

• Marketing

• Regulatory requirements 

Generic brands can offer lower prices, as they don’t have to spend the additional money required to be first to market. 

Does my insurance cover treatments for dry eyes?

It is important to review your insurance policy or contact your insurance provider directly to understand the specifics of your coverage. Health insurance plans may cover the diagnosis and treatment of dry eyes if the problem is considered a medical condition and not simply a cosmetic or self-care issue. For example, If dry eyes are a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as an autoimmune disorder or a certain eye disease, insurance is more likely to cover the treatment. 

Your insurance provider can give you detailed information about what treatments are covered, any required authorizations or referrals, and potential out-of-pocket costs like copays or deductibles.

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Written by:

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA

Charlene Rhinehart, CPA, is a personal finance editor at GoodRx. She has been a certified public accountant for over a decade.

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References

Boyd, K. (2020). Computers, digital devices and eye strain. American Academy of Ophthalmology.