Key takeaways:
Linzess (linaclotide) treats certain types of chronic constipation in adults and children. A 30-day supply of Linzess costs an average of $675.69 without insurance.
Almost all Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurance plans cover Linzess. But you may need prior authorization or step therapy approval in some cases. Check the details of your specific plan to learn more.
A manufacturer copay card, patient assistance program, or GoodRx discount can help make your Linzess prescription more affordable.
Save on related medications
Linzess (linaclotide) treats certain types of chronic constipation in adults and children ages 6 and older. It works by increasing fluid levels in your intestines and reducing pain and cramping in your gut.
You need to take Linzess on a daily basis to manage chronic constipation. It isn’t an as-needed medication the way most laxatives are. But since Linzess is only available as a brand-name medication, cost may be an issue for some people.
Read on to learn how much Linzess costs without insurance, along with ways to save on the cost of your prescription.
How much does Linzess cost without insurance?
The list price for Linzess is about $568 per month, according to the manufacturer. But the average retail price is typically higher, due to wholesaler and pharmacy markups.
The table below shows the average retail price for the 3 available doses of Linzess.
What factors affect the cost of Linzess?
Several factors can make a difference in how much Linzess costs, including:
Location: Where you live can affect the cost of your medication. For example, according to GoodRx research, the same medications are typically more affordable in Denver than in New Orleans.
Pharmacy: Cash prices can vary from one pharmacy to another, even in the same neighborhood. It’s a good idea to check a few options before filling your prescription. GoodRx can help you compare prices at different pharmacies in your area.
Dosage: Prices can vary between different doses of Linzess. Your prescriber will determine your dosage based on your age, symptoms, and how you respond to the medication.
Insurance coverage: You’ll typically pay less for Linzess if your prescription insurance covers it. But your copay may vary based on your plan’s formulary (more on that next).
Does insurance cover Linzess?
Linzess is covered by nearly all Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance plans. It’s also covered by almost 90% of plans accessed through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace.
Prior authorization is required for about a quarter of ACA and commercial insurance plans and about 40% of Medicaid plans. This means your prescriber needs to submit information explaining why Linzess is medically necessary for you before your plan will cover it.
Step therapy isn’t common with Medicare and ACA plans, but it is required for about 17% of commercial plans and about 30% of Medicaid plans. This means you’re required to try other treatments (or explain why you aren’t able to take them) before they’ll cover Linzess.
The amount you’ll pay for Linzess if it’s covered by insurance depends on where it falls within your plan’s formulary (list of covered medications). Medications are often classified into different tiers within a formulary — with a lower tier typically meaning a lower copay.
How different insurance plans cover Linzess
The table below breaks down the percentage of enrollees who have coverage for Linzess by insurance type. It also shows the likelihood of having prior authorization and step therapy requirements.
Insurance type | Enrollees covered for Linzess 145 mcg | Enrollees required to get prior authorization | Enrollees required to do step therapy |
|---|---|---|---|
87.9% | 22.3% | 9.4% | |
Commercial plans (excluding ACA plans) | 97.8% | 26.2% | 17.4% |
Medicare (Medicare Advantage and Part D plans) | 100% | 0% | 1.8% |
Medicaid, including state-run and managed care plans | 99.9% | 41% | 30.7% |
Source: Managed Markets Insight & Technology, LLC™, as of December 6, 2025 (See methodology below.)
Curious about Linzess (linaclotide) side effects? Here’s what to expect, how to manage side effects, and when to contact a professional.
Linzess dosages: Learn about the recommended Linzess dosages for adults and children, along with how to take it correctly.
IBS flare-ups: Read more about what causes them and how to prevent them.
How does Linzess work? Understanding how Linzess works in the body and how it’s different from laxatives can help you get the most from your medication.
Tips if Linzess isn’t covered by insurance
If your insurance doesn’t cover Linzess, try these options:
Lower your cost with a manufacturer copay savings card, patient assistance program, or medication discount cards such as GoodRx. (See below for details.)
Ask your health plan to cover Linzess by submitting a formulary exception request. Your prescriber may need to provide documentation and a letter of medical necessity explaining why this medication is required for your condition.
If the formulary exception request is denied, file an appeal.
Ask your prescriber about switching to a Linzess alternative, such as Trulance (plecanatide) or Ibsrela (tenapanor), that your insurance may cover.
Compare insurance plans during the next open enrollment period to find one that offers better coverage for your medications.
Ways to save on Linzess
Here are five ways to save on Linzess, with or without insurance coverage.
1. Use a GoodRx coupon
GoodRx could help you save over 25% off the cost of Linzess without insurance. You may pay as little as $ for a 30-day supply at certain pharmacies with a free GoodRx discount.
To use this discount:
Visit www.goodrx.com or download the app.
Search for “Linzess” and then click or tap “Find the lowest prices.”
Select your prescribed dose and quantity.
Choose if you want to receive the discount information by text or email. You can also take a screenshot on your phone or save it to your phone’s digital wallet.
To avoid delays, provide the discount information to the pharmacy before you come in to pick up your prescription
2. See if you qualify for a copay savings card
If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $30 for a 1-, 2-, or 3-month supply of Linzess using a savings card from the manufacturer. There is an annual maximum benefit of $2,280 per calendar year.
To enroll, you can:
Call 1-855-859-5614.
Text “LINZESS” to 59257 (message and data rates apply).
Apply online.
To qualify for the Linzess copay savings card:
You must be age 6 or older with a valid Linzess prescription.
You must have private/commercial insurance.
You must not be enrolled in a government health insurance program, such as Medicare or Medicaid.
You must live in the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
3. Check if you’re eligible for a patient assistance program
If you’re uninsured or underinsured and meet certain income requirements, you may be eligible for the myAbbVie Assist program. It offers Linzess at no cost to those who qualify. Criteria include:
Being a U.S. resident
Having limited or no health insurance coverage
Demonstrating financial need and meeting income restrictions
You can apply for the my AbbVie Assist program online, or call 1-800-222-6885 for assistance. Keep in mind that your prescriber will also need to complete paperwork to confirm your eligibility for this program.
4. Ask about a 90-day supply
Filling a 90-day supply (instead of a 30-day supply) may reduce your overall prescription costs. If you have insurance, your plan may offer Linzess at a lower cost per month when you fill 3 months at a time. If you’re using the copay card, you’ll pay the same amount for a 90-day supply as for a 30-day supply in some cases. And you’ll make fewer trips to the pharmacy, which will help save you time and money.
5. Tap into your HSA, FSA, or HRA
If you have a health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), you can use it to help cover your out-of-pocket costs for Linzess. These tax-advantaged health accounts allow you to pay for eligible expenses with tax-free dollars.
Pay directly with your HSA or FSA card at the pharmacy, or cover the cost yourself and submit a request for reimbursement. The funds in an HSA or HRA typically roll over annually, but you’ll have to use your FSA dollars before the deadline or they’ll expire.
The bottom line
Linzess (linaclotide) treats certain types of chronic constipation in adults and children. A 30-day supply of Linzess costs an average of $675.69 without insurance. But a manufacturer copay card, patient assistance program, or GoodRx discount could help make your prescription more affordable.
Almost all Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurance plans cover Linzess. But you may need prior authorization or step therapy approval in some cases. Check with your specific plan to learn more.
Why trust our experts?
Methodology
We obtained national prescription coverage data for each medication from Managed Markets Insight & Technology (MMIT). The data reflects health insurance coverage as of December 2026.
We calculated the percentage of enrollees in plans that cover each medication by dividing the number of enrollees covered for the medication within a specific insurance channel (e.g., ACA, Medicare, Medicaid) by the total number of enrollees in all plans within that channel.
We determined the percentage of enrollees in plans with a prior authorization requirement by calculating the proportion of enrollees in plans that required prior authorization for the medication within each channel.
Finally, we measured the percentage of enrollees in plans with a step therapy requirement by calculating the proportion of enrollees in plans that imposed step therapy requirements for the medication in each channel.
These estimates, derived from national MMIT coverage data, provide insight into health insurance coverage for each medication. They take into account restrictions such as prior authorization, step therapy, and quantity limits. The percentages are expressed relative to the total number of enrollees covered by various insurance channels, including ACA plans, commercial (excluding ACA) plans, Medicare, and Medicaid (both state-run and managed care plans).
References
AbbVie. (n.d.) Available programs: myAbbVie Assist program.
Healthcare.gov. (n.d.) Appealing a health plan decision. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Linzess. (n.d.) Savings & Support: See if you’re eligible to save on Linzess. AbbVie.
Linzess. (n.d.) Sign up for the Linzess savings program. AbbVie.
Medicaid.gov. (n.d.) Managed care. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
