Navigating the costs of prescription medications can be tricky. There are several medications involved in gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), and the cost estimates vary based on your dosing and formulation. Did you know that the price of the same medicine can vary a lot depending on which pharmacy you go to? And even if you have insurance, you might still end up paying a lot. For transgender folks looking for gender-affirming treatments, it’s even tougher. They often face discrimination and struggle to get insurance coverage for their meds, which can be expensive.
But there’s good news! Services like Plume make it easier to access gender-affirming care from your phone by connecting you with specialists who help plan your treatment and prescriptions. Whether you have insurance or not, discount programs can help you save money and get the care you need without breaking the bank. Check out the tips below to help lower the cost of your medication.
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Manufacturer coupons & prescription assistance programs
Some drug manufacturers offer coupons or patient assistance programs to help lower the cost of your medication. Before filling your prescription, check the manufacturer’s website or ask your doctor or pharmacist about any available discount programs. For example, testosterone enanthate auto-injectors (sold under the brand name Xyosted) offer a co-pay assistance program that can reduce the price as low as $15.
Every little bit of savings adds up so it’s worth exploring prescription assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical companies. These programs provide free or discounted drugs to eligible individuals but requirements vary per program, so check the criteria to see if you qualify. Need My Meds offers a simple search tool to identify any prescription assistance programs that may be available.
Explore your dose options
If your doctor agrees, consider splitting doses as a cost-effective option. Getting a higher-dose prescription and splitting it in half can save you money, especially for medications that come in higher doses. Just make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure you’re still getting the right amount of medication.
Consider asking your doctor for a 90-day supply of your medication instead of the standard 30-day supply. In the long run, you’ll pay fewer co-pays or dispensing fees, saving you money. Plus, you’ll have the convenience of fewer trips to the pharmacy to refill your prescription. It’s a win-win!
Generics & price comparison
Don’t settle for the first price you see! Prices for the same medication can fluctuate significantly between pharmacies. To compare prices easily, take advantage of websites or apps from discount programs like the ones cited below. By shopping around, you can find the lowest price available in your area and save some serious cash.
Generic versions of medications are often much cheaper than brand-name ones –and they’re just as effective! Estradiol is available as a generic, whereas estradiol cypionate is only available as a brand medication (Depo-Estradiol). So, estradiol valerate will typically be a lot cheaper. If you have an allergy to estradiol valerate and need Depo-Estradiol, you can see if you qualify for a patient assistance program through the manufacturer, Pfizer.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about switching to a generic version of your prescription if it’s available. You’ll be amazed at how much you can save without sacrificing quality.
Discount prescription programs
The best part about being trans-centered is we learn so much from our own patients. The following prescription discount programs are highly favored and frequently used by Plume members to lower the cost of their GAHT prescriptions:
By taking advantage of manufacturer coupons, exploring dose adjustments with your provider, opting for generics, and utilizing discount programs, you can navigate the financial landscape of medication with greater ease. These strategies can help you access your medications without compromising quality, ensuring that your gender-affirming journey remains feasible and dignified. For more information on how to interact with the pharmacy with ease, check out our article How to navigate your local pharmacy for advice!
