The High Cost of Zoryve Without Insurance
For many patients managing chronic skin conditions like plaque psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, the cost of prescription medication is a major concern. Zoryve (roflumilast) is a brand-name topical medication, and due to its brand-only status, its retail price is significant. According to discount providers, the typical retail price for one 60-gram can of Zoryve 0.3% cream without any insurance coverage can be as high as $1,251.32. This cost can be prohibitive, leaving many to wonder if affordable access is possible. Fortunately, several resources exist to help reduce this financial burden.
Savings Programs and Resources for the Uninsured
For patients who are uninsured, several pathways can lead to more manageable costs. Unlike manufacturer savings cards which are often restricted to commercially insured patients, other programs specifically target those without coverage.
Arcutis Cares Patient Assistance Program This is the most impactful program for uninsured patients. The manufacturer, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, offers its products at no cost to financially qualified individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.
- Eligibility: To be eligible, patients must have a valid prescription and meet specific financial criteria, which typically involves providing proof of income for the household.
- Application Process: The program application can be started by phone or by having a healthcare provider fill out and submit the necessary forms via fax or mail.
- Benefits: Approved patients receive Zoryve at no cost for up to 12 months, with refills provided based on medical necessity and program verification.
Prescription Discount Cards For those who do not qualify for or are waiting for approval from a patient assistance program, discount cards offer a valuable alternative. These are not insurance but work by negotiating lower prices for prescription medications.
- SingleCare: A free coupon from SingleCare can reduce the price of a 60-gram can of Zoryve 0.3% cream significantly, with prices as low as $846.50.
- GoodRx: GoodRx offers coupons that can bring the price of a 60-gram tube of Zoryve 0.3% down to approximately $866.97, a substantial discount off the average retail price.
Comparison of Zoryve Cash Price vs. Discount Cards The following table illustrates the potential savings for a 60-gram tube of Zoryve 0.3% cream using different payment methods. Prices are approximate and subject to change.
| Payment Method | Approximate Price | Source | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Cash Price | ~$1,114 - $1,251 | GoodRx, SingleCare | None | The most expensive option. |
| SingleCare Coupon | ~$846 | SingleCare | Everyone | Free to use, requires a coupon. |
| GoodRx Coupon | ~$867 | GoodRx | Everyone | Free to use, requires a coupon. |
| Arcutis Cares PAP | $0 | Arcutis Biotherapeutics | Uninsured, financially qualified | Can take time for approval and requires an application. |
Zoryve Direct Savings Card Limitations
It is important for uninsured patients to understand the limitations of manufacturer co-pay programs. The Zoryve Direct Savings Card, which can reduce the co-pay for commercially insured patients, explicitly states that it is not valid for patients without commercial drug insurance or whose claims are reimbursed by government programs. Uninsured, cash-paying patients are therefore ineligible for this particular savings offer.
The Generic Availability Factor
Another key reason for Zoryve's high cost is the lack of a generic alternative. As a relatively new medication, Zoryve is a brand-name-only prescription. Generic versions, which are typically much cheaper, contain the same active ingredient but cannot be developed until the patent for the brand-name drug expires. Until a generic becomes available, patients without insurance must rely on assistance programs and discount cards to manage costs.
How to Maximize Your Savings
Here are the steps to follow to minimize your out-of-pocket costs for Zoryve:
- Talk to Your Healthcare Provider: Discuss your financial situation with your doctor or their office staff. They may have information about patient assistance programs or be able to offer samples to help with the initial cost.
- Apply for Patient Assistance: If you are uninsured, the Arcutis Cares Patient Assistance Program is your best option. Gather your financial documents and contact Arcutis Cares to begin the application process.
- Use Prescription Discount Cards: While waiting for patient assistance approval, or if you don't qualify, use discount cards from services like SingleCare or GoodRx. You can often find and apply these coupons instantly via their website or app.
- Compare Pharmacy Prices: Don't assume all pharmacies charge the same price. Use a discount card service to compare prices at different local and online pharmacies to find the best deal.
- Look for Alternative Treatments: In some cases, your doctor may suggest an alternative, less expensive treatment. For instance, less expensive topical corticosteroids are available, though they have different safety profiles and limitations compared to Zoryve. You can discuss the cost-benefit ratio of different options with your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
While the sticker price for Zoryve without insurance is high, patients are not without options. The Arcutis Cares Patient Assistance Program offers a path to receive the medication at no cost for eligible uninsured individuals. For those who do not qualify or need a faster solution, prescription discount cards from providers like SingleCare and GoodRx can provide hundreds of dollars in savings per prescription. By researching these resources and collaborating with healthcare providers, uninsured patients can find a more affordable path to accessing this important treatment.
Learn more about the comparative costs of topical psoriasis treatments at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK600015/
