Breztri Aerosphere is a prescription-strength, triple-combination therapy inhaler designed for the long-term maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. Because it contains a combination of three active ingredients—budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate—it is highly effective but can also be quite expensive. A clear understanding of the factors that influence its price is essential for anyone needing this vital medication. Here, we break down the cost with and without insurance, and explore various ways to save.
The High Cost of Breztri Without Insurance
For individuals without health insurance or whose insurance does not cover Breztri, the cost is substantial. The average retail price for a 30-day supply of a 10.7-gram Breztri Aerosphere inhaler can range from approximately $717 to over $870, depending on the pharmacy. At this retail price, the annual cost of the medication could reach nearly $10,000, presenting a significant financial burden for patients managing a chronic condition. The price is high, in part, because there is currently no generic version of Breztri available, as it is a branded, triple-combination drug.
Breztri Cost with Insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid
Having health insurance, including commercial plans, Medicare, or Medicaid, can dramatically reduce the out-of-pocket cost for a Breztri inhaler. However, the final price depends on specific plan details.
Commercial/Private Insurance
For people with commercial insurance, the average monthly out-of-pocket cost can be around $54, though this can vary widely based on the plan's specific formulary, deductible, and copay requirements. Some plans may require prior authorization or step therapy, meaning you may need to try a different medication first.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D drug plans and Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MAPD) plans often cover Breztri, but coverage and cost depend on the individual plan's formulary and drug tier. Higher tiers typically mean higher out-of-pocket costs. As of 2025, Medicare beneficiaries have an annual out-of-pocket spending cap of $2,000 for prescription drugs, providing a measure of financial protection.
Medicaid
For those enrolled in Medicaid, the out-of-pocket costs for Breztri are often very low. The manufacturer reports monthly costs for most Medicaid beneficiaries ranging from under $1 to less than $2, with some states offering even lower or waived copays. Prior authorization may still be required depending on the state and specific plan.
Programs to Lower Your Breztri Costs
Fortunately, several programs and strategies can help make Breztri more affordable.
Manufacturer Savings Programs
AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Breztri, offers multiple programs to help with cost.
- Breztri Zero Pay Card: This program is available for eligible patients with commercial insurance. It can reduce the monthly out-of-pocket expense to as low as $0, but those with government-funded insurance like Medicare or Medicaid are ineligible.
- AZ&Me Patient Assistance Program: This program is specifically designed to help uninsured or underinsured individuals, including eligible Medicare beneficiaries, obtain Breztri at no cost or a reduced rate.
Prescription Discount Cards and Coupons
- Discount cards from services like SingleCare and GoodRx can significantly lower the cash price of Breztri for both insured and uninsured patients. It is important to note that these coupons cannot be combined with insurance benefits, so you should compare the discount price with your insurance copay.
Other Cost-Saving Strategies
- Compare Pharmacy Prices: Since drug prices are not regulated, they can vary between different pharmacies, sometimes by hundreds of dollars. Calling different pharmacies can help you find the best cash price.
- Request a 90-Day Supply: Many pharmacies and insurance plans offer discounts for purchasing a larger, 90-day supply of medication at once, potentially reducing the overall per-month cost.
- Use Mail-Order Pharmacies: Using a mail-order service can also help lower costs and offers the convenience of receiving medication at home. Some Medicare plans cover mail-order costs.
Breztri vs. Alternative COPD Medications
Breztri is not the only triple-therapy inhaler on the market. A comparable alternative is Trelegy Ellipta, which also provides three medications in one device. While their costs are similar, specific insurance coverage and formulary placement can influence which is more affordable for an individual. Your doctor may also recommend alternatives that combine just two of the necessary drug classes, potentially with a lower cost.
| Feature | Breztri Aerosphere | Trelegy Ellipta |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Type | Triple-therapy inhaler | Triple-therapy inhaler |
| Active Ingredients | Budesonide, Glycopyrrolate, Formoterol | Fluticasone, Umeclidinium, Vilanterol |
| Dosage | 2 puffs twice per day | 1 inhalation once per day |
| Inhaler Type | Metered-dose inhaler | Dry powder inhaler |
| Generic Available | No generic version available | No generic version available |
| Savings Programs | Breztri Zero Pay, AZ&Me | GSK copay assistance |
| Indications | Maintenance treatment for COPD | Maintenance treatment for COPD and asthma |
| Typical Cost | Varies by insurance and pharmacy | Varies by insurance and pharmacy |
Conclusion
The cost of a Breztri inhaler is not fixed and varies significantly based on an individual's insurance coverage and eligibility for various assistance programs. While the retail cash price can be high, multiple avenues exist to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Patients with commercial insurance may qualify for the Breztri Zero Pay card, while uninsured or underinsured individuals can seek help through the AZ&Me program or third-party discount cards like SingleCare. Exploring all available options, including comparing pharmacy prices and checking alternatives with your doctor, is crucial to managing the financial aspect of long-term COPD treatment.
For more information on the manufacturer's savings programs, visit the official Breztri cost and affordability page.
