How Much Is Levothyroxine Without Insurance?

If you have an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), you may have heard of a generic medication called levothyroxine. You may also be familiar with the brand-name versions of the medication: Levoxyl, Euthyrox, Levo-T, Unithroid, Synthroid, and Tirosint, among others.

Levothyroxine is a prescription-only medication that treats hypothyroidism by replacing the thyroid hormone that is normally produced in the body. It may also be prescribed to treat thyroid cancer and other thyroid-related health conditions.  

The cost of levothyroxine can vary depending on many factors, including your location, the pharmacy, and the quantity being filled. Whether you’re buying generic or brand-name levothyroxine, there are ways you can save money on your medication. 

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How much does levothyroxine cost, and what affects the price?

The cost of a 1-month supply of levothyroxine without insurance varies. The average price for 30 tablets of 50 mcg generic levothyroxine is about $13.95.

Factors that can affect how much you pay for levothyroxine include:

• Your location 

• Your insurance coverage

• The pharmacy you choose

• The quantity, dosage, and brand-name or generic version you’re prescribed

• Your eligibility for patient assistance programs (PAPs) and other savings opportunities

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Your reason for taking levothyroxine may also affect the cost. There are off-label uses for the medication that may not be covered by insurance. These uses include treating female infertility with elevated thyroid antibodies, obesity, and depression. 

In addition, manufacturers offering discounts to private insurers and federal programs may alter the price of levothyroxine.

Does insurance cover levothyroxine?

Levothyroxine was initially FDA approved for the treatment of hypothyroidism and related conditions in 2000. Most health insurance plans cover the medication for these uses. However, the exact cost of the medication depends on the specific insurance plan. 

Private and employer-sponsored health insurance

Private and employer-sponsored health insurance plans typically cover levothyroxine. However, coverage can vary depending on the provider and policy. Check your plan details, contact your insurer, or speak with your employer's human resources department for more information.

Medicare

Medicare usually covers prescription medications, including levothyroxine, when they are deemed medically necessary. Check your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan’s formulary for specific terms.

Medicaid 

​Medicaid generally includes levothyroxine in its list of covered medications. However, the availability of particular brand-name or generic versions can vary. Contact your state's Medicaid agency or visit their website for clarification. 

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Levothyroxine side effects: Common levothyroxine side effects include diarrhea and heat intolerance. Find out more about levothyroxine’s potential side effects. 

• What’s it like to take levothyroxine for hypothyroidism? Read about three people’s experiences with levothyroxine and what an expert pharmacist has to say. 

• Save money with a health savings account (HSA). Find out how to use an HSA to save on prescription medications like levothyroxine.

How can you get your insurance to cover levothyroxine?

If you need to take levothyroxine for hypothyroidism and you have insurance, the following steps can help ensure you have coverage for the medication:

• Take a look at your health insurance plan. Call your insurance provider to find out about the prescription medication coverage included in your health insurance plan. You can also check your plan’s formulary to see if a particular brand-name version of levothyroxine is covered.

• Request a prescription from your healthcare professional. You will need a prescription to get levothyroxine. Make an appointment with your healthcare professional to discuss your condition and whether levothyroxine may help.

• Get a prior authorization if necessary. Your insurance company may want confirmation that you have hypothyroidism before covering levothyroxine. If so, you may need a prior authorization, which involves your healthcare professional verifying your condition and the need for levothyroxine as a treatment. This is more common for brand-name versions of levothyroxine.

• Submit an appeal. If your insurance company says no to your first request for coverage, you can submit an appeal in writing. Review the details of your plan and the denial reason to ensure you build a strong case for coverage. 

Brand name vs. generic levothyroxine

In addition to the generic, levothyroxine is available as various brand-name medications, including Synthroid. The cost of Synthroid is generally higher than that of generic levothyroxine. Although both are used to treat hypothyroidism and are considered safe, switching between the two may not be recommended. There have been concerns about consistency in thyroid hormone levels when switching between different versions of levothyroxine. 

Some studies indicate that differences in formulations, such as differences in inactive ingredients, might affect how the body absorbs the medication and its overall effectiveness. This can lead to fluctuations in thyroid hormone levels. So it’s important to consult with your prescriber before switching medications, even if you’re switching between generic and brand-name versions of the same medication.   

8 ways to save money on levothyroxine

Whether you have insurance coverage or not, here are eight ways to spend less on levothyroxine.

1. Buy generic levothyroxine after consulting with your prescriber 

Generic medications usually cost about 80% to 85% less than brand-name medications. For example, the retail price for 30 tablets of 50 mcg Synthroid can cost around $73.58 on average, depending on the pharmacy you choose. Generic levothyroxine, on the other hand, costs around $13.95 on average. 

2. Use a GoodRx coupon 

Whether you have insurance or not, a free GoodRx coupon for generic levothyroxine may be able to help you save money on the medication. All you have to do is search for levothyroxine at www.goodrx.com, choose your coupon, and print it out or send it to your phone. Then, you can show the coupon to your pharmacist when you fill your prescription. 

With a GoodRx coupon, you may be able to get 30 tablets of 50 mcg generic levothyroxine for as low as $4.00 at certain pharmacies. 

3. Get a manufacturer copay savings card

Manufacturer copay savings cards may be able to help you save money on certain brand-name versions of levothyroxine. There are usually requirements and restrictions with these types of savings cards. So read the terms and conditions and contact specific manufacturers if you have questions.

The following manufacturers offer savings cards for brand-name levothyroxine, but you must have commercial insurance to be eligible. This list does not include all available savings offers. 

Unithroid also offers an eVoucherRx program. There are no cards or coupons involved, and eligible participants get an automatic copay reduction at participating pharmacies.

4. Apply for a patient assistance program

Patient assistance programs (PAPs) help uninsured and underinsured people afford medications. For example, there’s a Tirosint PAP, but it’s not currently available to new patients. But if you’re prescribed Tirosint-Sol, a liquid form of levothyroxine, you can apply for the PAP. 

5. Sign up for a prescription delivery program

Synthroid and Unithroid offer delivery programs to help eligible people save on levothyroxine. With the Synthroid Delivers Program, you may be able to pay $25 a month for a 90-day prescription. With the Unithroid At Your Door program, you may be able to pay $28 for a 30-day prescription or $24 a month for a 90-day prescription. You may not use insurance with these programs.

6. Ask your healthcare professional to prescribe you a 90-day supply

Some pharmacies may cut you a deal if you buy your medication in bulk. And purchasing a 90-day supply of levothyroxine could result in fewer insurance copays.

However, before you ask your prescriber to write you a 90-day prescription, make sure your insurance plan covers the supply (if applicable). You may also have to adhere to specific prescription refill rules, depending on where you live. 

7. Compare prices at different pharmacies 

Many people have no idea that the cost of their medications can vary by pharmacy. You can check prices for levothyroxine at pharmacies in your area at www.goodrx.com or on the app to find the best deal. A pharmacy switch could help you save on your levothyroxine prescription. 

8. Ask about alternative medications

Although levothyroxine is the primary medication used to treat hypothyroidism, there are alternative thyroid medications, such as liothyronine (Cytomel) and desiccated thyroid (Armour Thyroid). Check with your insurance provider and healthcare professional to see if these medications are covered by your plan, affordable, and suited for your condition.

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Written by:

Mitzi S. Morris

Mitzi S. Morris is a freelancer who writes long-form content such as blogs, e-books, and white papers. She has a certificate in digital communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Hanover College.

Edited 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.

Reviewed by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

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