*An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone.
Concerta coupons are one of several methods for saving money on ADHD medication. Without insurance or discounts, the cost of Concerta is about $380-$448 for a 30-day supply. To lower costs, consider using a generic alternative or exploring discounts from pharmacies, online platforms, and the drug manufacturer. Additionally, some health insurance providers will cover your Concerta costs. Knowing your options will help you save on your out-of-pocket costs.
If you’re considering Concerta, online psychiatry platforms can be a good place to start. Circle Medical works with many major insurance plans and Klarity ADHD takes cash payments. Both platforms can connect you with a provider quickly for psychiatric assessments and prescription consultation on stimulant medications, which are controlled substances.
Boxed Warning: Methylphenidate (Concerta) – Risk of medication misuse or abuse
Methylphenidate, the active ingredient in Concerta, has a black box warning. These are the most serious types of warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Concerta has a risk of misuse (abuse) which can lead to dependence on the medication.
Concerta is a controlled substance, which means that it’s more likely to be misused or cause dependence. There are federal and state laws that limit the amount of medication that can be prescribed or dispensed within a certain period of time.
See If You Have ADHD - Same Day Appointments
Affordable and accessible ADHD evaluations and treatment, including possible controlled substances medication if clinically appropriate. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. Same day appointments.
How Much Does Concerta Cost Without Insurance?
The price of Concerta can vary based on several factors, including the dosage, amount prescribed, and pharmacy you use. Using the generic form of Concerta with other discounts can save money as well.
Concerta Prices
The cost of Concerta currently ranges from $380-$448 for a 30-day supply of 18 milligrams without insurance. Your Concerta prescription may cost much less with insurance depending on your plan and coverage. A similar prescription of the generic form of Concerta, methylphenidate hydrochloride ER, costs $28-$219. The cost of Concerta will also vary based on the dosage and amount prescribed. Coupons for Concerta are often available and may reduce your out of pocket costs.
Note: Cash prices listed are derived from multiple sources. The prices listed are an estimate only and cannot be guaranteed. For exact prices, please contact the pharmacy.
Walmart
$448
Walgreens
$404
CVS / Target
$406
RiteAid
$386
Kroger
$400
Costco
$436
Hy-Vee
$380
Publix
$430
Albertsons
$411
How Much Does Concerta Cost With Health Insurance?
The cost of Concerta with health insurance can vary significantly based on your coverage. Many insurance plans include coverage for Concerta, but the out-of-pocket expenses differ depending on your specific plan, including copayments and deductibles. Contact your insurance company to learn the details of your coverage and better understand the potential costs of Concerta.
Commercial Insurance
The coverage of concerta by commercial insurance will vary based on the company and specific insurance plan. Some companies may cover all or part of the cost of the medication, while others may not cover Concerta at all. Contact your insurance company directly to determine what your policy will cover.
Medicare
Medicare may provide coverage for brand-name Concerta, but this is dependent on your specific plan.1 Most Medicare plans will cover the generic version of this medication.
Medicaid
Concerta is listed on the Medicaid list of covered drugs as preferred for most states. This means the medication is covered, and providers are encouraged to prescribe Concerta over others.
TRICARE
Tricare covers both Concerta and generic versions.2 Check your TRICARE pharmacy benefits to monitor for any changes in coverage.
Concerta Coupons & Discount Cards
Using Concerta discount cards and coupons is another effective way to lower its price. These cards and coupons work similarly to other discounts when used at participating pharmacies. Concerta coupons and discount cards can be found at your local pharmacy and online platforms, such as GoodRx and SingleCare. Janssen, the manufacturer of Concerta, also provides individuals with savings cards on their website.3
Get Personalized, Affordable ADHD Treatment
The providers on Klarity offer comprehensive, personalized ADHD treatment. From diagnosis to therapy to medication management, a Klarity provider will be there for you. And, if needed, they’re able to prescribe controlled substances, like Adderall and Concerta.
Concerta Cost Savings Programs
Concerta Savings Programs are available for eligible individuals, offering financial aid and reducing out-of-pocket costs. Eligibility for these programs may vary, often based on your income. These programs typically require individuals to have some form of insurance coverage.
SimpleFill
A patient assistance program for Concerta is available on the SimpleFill website. The service offered by this organization helps people qualify and maintain enrollment for savings programs covering medications such as Concerta. Patients who are underinsured or not insured can apply for the program on their website.4
NeedyMeds
NeedyMeds is a nonprofit organization providing information about savings for prescription medications, including Concerta. You can use a search tool on their website to find information about specific medications. At this time, NeedyMeds does not offer a savings program for Concerta. Patients are encouraged to check back because the information is updated regularly.5
The Rx Advocates
The Rx Advocates is a service that helps people applying for savings programs for prescription medications, including Concerta. These savings programs are only offered for brand name medications since generic medications are typically much less expensive. Patients who qualify can use Concerta coupons and savings programs available on the website.6
Concerta Savings Card
A Concerta savings card can be found on their company website.4 This program can lower out-of-pocket costs for eligible individuals to as low as $4. The full list of requirements and rules for this program are listed on the same page as the card. Once you check the box on the page that you are eligible, you can download the coupon immediately.
Here are the eligibility criteria for the Concerta savings card:3
- For individuals aged 6 to 65
- Individuals must have commercial or private health insurance
- Payment claims can not be from third-party payers, pharmaceutical patient assistance foundations, or flexible/health savings accounts.
Other Ways to Find Concerta Coupons & Discount Cards
Other options to explore for cost savings include coupons and discount cards. Talk with your pharmacy or healthcare provider to determine your options.
Pharmacy Discounts & Savings Cards
Some pharmacies may offer other ways to save on out-of-pocket costs, even if you don’t have an insurance policy. Contact your local pharmacy and your provider to learn what your options are.
Online Resources & Apps
Several websites and apps can help you discover coupons and discounts for Concerta. These online resources allow you to compare costs of generic vs brand-name medications, find cost-saving options, and view prices based on pharmacy and location. Examples of online platforms with Concerta coupons include GoodRx, Optum Perks, and RxSaver.
HSA Accounts
A health savings account (HSA) is a feature of high-deductible health insurance plans. With an HSA, you can set aside money from your paycheck before it is taxed to cover certain health expenses. The money you contribute to this account is not subject to federal taxes, leaving the full amount available for use. If you have a high-deductible insurance plan, contact your insurance company to understand how this may work with your Concerta prescription.7
Ask Your Prescriber for Samples
Your prescriber may have Concerta medication samples available, which would provide you with short-term supply of the medication. Requesting a sample gives you a chance to try the medication for a short time before filling a prescription.
Ask About Getting a 90-day Supply
If your provider decides to offer you a Concerta prescription, a 90-day supply can be less costly than monthly refills. This approach also reduces the number of refills needed per year. Mail-order pharmacies typically offer 90-day supplies, which reduces the costs of shipping packaging materials for the pharmacy and patient.
Fill Your Prescription by Mail-order
Using a mail-order pharmacy is another option for getting your medication at a reduced cost. Your provider will call in the prescription directly, then your medication will be delivered after a week or two. Mail-order prescriptions work well for medications with no temperature sensitivities and those used for treating chronic conditions.8
How to Get a Concerta Prescription
To get Concerta prescription, begin by getting a psychiatric evaluation for your ADHD symptoms. For an in-person evaluation, start with your primary provider, who may be physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. They will know your health history and current needs, and may be able to decide if Concerta is a suitable treatment for you. Or they may refer you to a psychiatrist or ADHD specialist instead.
To get an online evaluation, start by finding an online psychiatric platform that can and will prescribe controlled substances. This process can be a challenge due to the limitations placed on stimulant medications. We have used and thoroughly reviewed two such platforms, ADHD Online and Circle Medical, and found them to be helpful starting points for an ADHD evaluation.
Get Personalized, Affordable ADHD Treatment
The providers on Klarity offer comprehensive, personalized ADHD treatment. From diagnosis to therapy to medication management, a Klarity provider will be there for you. And, if needed, they’re able to prescribe controlled substances, like Adderall and Concerta.
Concerta Alternatives
Some individuals may need to consider Concerta alternatives. Stimulant medications for ADHD work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. For some, these medications may improve ADHD symptoms related to mood, energy, and attention.9
Nonstimulant medications work differently and it may be several weeks before you feel the full effects. Each person responds in a unique way to medication, and your age, health history, and previous experience with side effects can have an impact. Your doctor will help to decide which medication may work best for you.
Prescriber’s Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Concerta?
How Does Concerta Work?
Concerta works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.10 These chemicals are associated with attention and impulsivity, and increased levels lead to enhanced focus and decreased hyperactivity.
Is There a Generic of Concerta?
Generic versions of Concerta are available. These generic medications contain the same active ingredient, methylphenidate, and are considered equal to the brand-name medication.
Why Is Concerta So Expensive?
Brand name medications such as Concerta undergo costly research for safety and effectiveness under the patent. Generics have the same active ingredient and don’t require the same level of testing to sell it, making it a less expensive option.11 At this time, there is no generic version of Quillivant XR available.
Can Concerta Coupons Be Used With Insurance?
It depends, some Concerta savings programs may allow it while others may not. Check with the program you are applying to understand their restrictions on using insurance.
How Can I Lower Long-Term Concerta Costs?
Getting a 90-day supply, filling your prescription via mail order, and using generics are all ways to lower long-term drug costs. For those who qualify, patient assistance and discount programs can also reduce overall medication costs.
Can I Use Coupons for Concerta at My Pharmacy?
Because Concerta is a controlled substance, some pharmacies may not accept coupons.
Does the Cost of Concerta Vary Depending on the Strength?
It’s possible. Costs may also vary depending on your insurance and the pricing at various pharmacies. The dosage of your prescription may also be a factor. Do not divide the tablets to stretch out your supply or cut costs on your medication.10
Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
-
GoodRx – Concerta Medicare Coverage. (n.d.). GoodRx.com. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/concerta/medicare-coverage
-
Open Enrollment – Pharmacy Benefit Plans. (n.d.). Express-Scripts.com. Retrieved from https://www.express-scripts.com/frontend/open-enrollment/tricare
-
CONCERTA® Savings Program Eligible Patients can Pay $4. (n.d.). Concerta.net. Retrieved from https://www.concerta.net/coupon.html
-
Concerta Patient Assistance Programs. (n.d.). SimpleFill.com. Retrieved from https://simplefill.com/patient-assistance-program/concerta/
-
NeedyMeds Search Programs. (n.d.). NeedyMeds.org. Retrieved from https://www.needymeds.org/search-programs
-
Concerta Coupon & Patient Assistance Programs. (n.d.). TheRxAdvocates.com. Retrieved from https://therxadvocates.com/prescriptions/concerta/
-
What Are HSA-eligible Plans? (n.d.). Healthcare.gov. Retrieved from (https://www.healthcare.gov/high-deductible-health-plan/hdhp-hsa-information/
-
Getting a Prescription Filled. (July 8, 2023). MedlinePlus.gov. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001956.htm
-
Treating and Dealing with ADHD. (July 28, 2023). FDA.gov. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/treating-and-dealing-adhd
-
DailyMed – CONCERTA- methylphenidate hydrochloride tablet, extended release. (October 3, 2024). DailyMed.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
-
Generic Drugs: Questions & Answers. (March 16, 2021). FDA.gov. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/frequently-asked-questions-popular-topics/generic-drugs-questions-answers
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated cost information in intro paragraph and “Concerta Prices” section. Updated tablet strength in intro paragraph, Updated prescribing information resource in source list.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Added new sections titled “SimpleFill”, “NeedyMeds”, “The Rx Advocates”, “Concerta Savings Card”, “HSA Accounts”, “Ask Your Prescriber for Samples”, “Ask About Getting a 90-day Supply”, Fill Your Prescription by Mail-order”, “Concerta Alternatives”, “Prescriber’s Tips”, “FAQs”; Revised introduction and sections titled “How Much Does Concerta Cost Without Insurance?”, “How Much Does Concerta Cost With Insurance?”, “Concerta Cost Savings Programs”, “How to Get a Concerta Prescription”; Reviewed and added relevant sources. Edited for readability and clarity.
Your Voice Matters
Can't find what you're looking for?
Request an article! Tell ChoosingTherapy.com’s editorial team what questions you have about mental health, emotional wellness, relationships, and parenting. Our licensed therapists are just waiting to cover new topics you care about!
Leave your feedback for our editors.
Share your feedback on this article with our editors. If there’s something we missed or something we could improve on, we’d love to hear it.
Our writers and editors love compliments, too. :)
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
Online Psychiatry
Circle Medical – ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment. Affordable and accessible ADHD evaluations and treatment, including possible controlled substances medication if clinically appropriate. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. Same & next day appointments available. Visit Circle Medical
Personalized, Affordable ADHD Treatment
Klarity Health – The providers on Klarity offer comprehensive, personalized ADHD treatment. From diagnosis to therapy to medication management, a Klarity provider will be there for you. And, if needed, they’re able to prescribe controlled substances, like Adderall and Concerta. Visit Klarity Health
ADHD Medication Management + Therapy
Brightside Health – Different people experience ADHD in different ways. That’s why Brightside Health develops personalized plans that are unique to you and offers 1-on-1 support from start to finish. Brightside Health accepts United Healthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Aetna. No controlled substances. Appointments in as little as 24 hours. Start your free assessment.
ADHD Management Tools
Inflow App – Inflow is the #1 science-based app to help you manage your ADHD. Their support system helps you understand your neurodiverse brain, and build lifelong skills. Free Trial