Healthcare can be quite costly, especially if you don’t have insurance. If you have ADHD, but you don’t have insurance, you’re likely worried about the cost of medication.
Fortunately, there are solutions. You can obtain ADHD medication without insurance. There are various assistance options available, as well as ways to obtain insurance to cover the cost of your prescription.
We’ll give you all the details below.
What Is ADHD?
Before jumping in to solutions for how to get ADHD medication without insurance, it’s helpful to develop an understanding of what ADHD is.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, often diagnosed during childhood. People with ADHD have difficulty with things like attending to tasks, remaining organized, and waiting their turn to talk.
There are several different types of ADHD. A person can be primarily inattentive, primarily hyperactive/impulsive, or have a combination of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
People with the primarily inattentive type of ADHD have difficulty with remaining attentive, completing mentally challenging tasks, staying organized, and remembering obligations like chores and appointments.
Those with the primarily hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD tend to run or climb when it’s not appropriate to do so, interrupt others in conversation, remain in constant motion, and talk excessively.
A person with the combined type of ADHD shows symptoms of inattention in addition to symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity.
It’s important to understand that people with ADHD do not show behavioral symptoms out of defiance. They have legitimate deficits in functioning in areas of the brain that manage attention, self-control, planning, and organization. This is why treatment is so important.
Treatment Options for ADHD
ADHD cannot be cured, but there are effective treatment options available. The most common form of treatment is medication, which may be combined with therapy.
Medications
There are various different medications that can treat ADHD symptoms. Medications can reduce impulsive behaviors and regulate attention so that ADHD symptoms are not as severe.
Stimulant medications are often used to treat ADHD. These medications stimulate the brain by increasing levels of two chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine, which are important for thinking and attention.
Sometimes, the side effects of stimulant medications can be too significant to continue with the medication. In this case, non-stimulant drugs are available. These medications can also improve focus and attention.
Therapy
Therapy is often beneficial when used alongside medications. In therapy sessions, you can learn healthy coping skills and strategies for regulating emotions and impulses.
Family therapy is usually the best therapy modality for children with ADHD. In family sessions, parents can learn strategies for supporting their child and managing undesirable behaviors.
Online therapy is a convenient option for people living with ADHD symptoms. With this treatment modality, you can connect with a professional from the comfort and privacy of home. Sign up with BetterHelp today to get started with online ADHD treatment.
The Cost of ADHD Treatment
The cost of ADHD treatment can vary widely, depending upon the type of treatment you’re seeking and whether you have insurance. Insurance is likely to cover the cost of ADHD medications. You may have a small out-of-pocket copay.
You must also consider the cost of doctor’s visits and appointments with a therapist. You’ll need to see a doctor regularly to monitor your response to ADHD medication. If you decide to seek therapy, there will also be a cost associated with this.
Again, costs vary depending upon whether you have insurance and where you seek treatment. Copays can vary among different insurance plans.
Cost also varies if you don’t have insurance. Some treatment providers offer sliding fee scales based on your income. In some cases, your treatment may be free, if you demonstrate a need.
You can determine the exact cost of ADHD medication at your chosen pharmacy by visiting the GoodRx webpage. As of the writing of this article, the common ADHD medication Adderall is available for $18.20 at CVS. You can use this webpage to compare costs of various medications at the pharmacies in your area.
How to Get ADHD Medication Without Insurance?
If you don’t have insurance, do not panic. There are still ways to assess ADHD treatment without breaking the bank.
Hospital-Based and Behavioral Clinics
Hospital and community-based behavioral health clinics often offer treatment for ADHD and other mental health conditions. These types of clinics usually have a sliding fee scale for people who do not have insurance and must pay out-of-pocket.
With a sliding fee scale, your fee for services will depend upon your income. This can make it easier to afford the cost of treatment. Hospitals may even offer payment plans for appointments, if you cannot pay for the cost of a visit all at once.
Assistance Programs
If you do not have insurance, consider government and private assistance programs to help with the cost of medication. For example, if you are a member of a low-income family, you might qualify for Medicaid insurance to cover the cost of treatment.
You can also explore private assistance programs, such as Catholic Charities. This organization provides assistance with medical bills, if you meet income eligibility criteria. Your community may also have a low-income health care clinic that offers behavioral health services to those in need.
Find the Best Deals on Medications and Doctors
When you’re paying out-of-pocket for ADHD medications, it’s also helpful to shop around. You can find ADHD doctors online and compare the cost of appointments. Some doctors will see patients online for a flat fee.
GoodRX is an excellent resource if you’re seeking low-cost medications. This website allows you to compare the costs of specific prescriptions across various pharmacies in your area.
GoodRX also offers a Gold membership program, which gives you access to prescriptions for under $10 a month and doctor’s visits for just $19. The program comes with a small monthly fee, but it can save you thousands of dollars in health care expenses.
FAQs
If you’re looking for affordable ADHD treatment, the answers to the commonly-asked questions below will likely be helpful.
What Should I Do if I Can’t Afford Any ADHD Medication?
If you’re unable to afford ADHD medication, there are assistance options available. You might qualify for health insurance through Medicaid, which lowers the out-of-pocket cost of ADHD treatment.
You can also consider seeking assistance through an organization like Catholic Charities or a local clinic for those unable to afford care. Many behavioral health clinics offer a sliding fee scale to those without insurance. You can also browse GoodRX to find discounts on ADHD prescriptions.
Can You Get ADHD Meds Without a Diagnosis?
No, you cannot obtain ADHD medication without a diagnosis. You will need to be evaluated by a physician or psychiatrist before you can receive medication for ADHD.
What Is the Easiest Way to Get ADHD Medication?
There really isn’t an “easy” solution for obtaining ADHD medication. You will need to see a professional, such as a physician or psychiatrist, who can prescribe medication. Some people find that it’s easiest to see a doctor online.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Get Diagnosed With ADHD?
The cheapest method for you will depend upon your needs and unique circumstances. You might find that it’s cheapest to see an online provider who charges a flat fee for ADHD appointments. In some cases, it may be cheaper to see a professional at a behavioral health clinic that uses a sliding fee scale.
Conclusion
ADHD can be effectively treated with medication, often in combination with therapy. Treatment doesn’t cure ADHD symptoms, but it reduces their severity.
While treatment can be quite effective, it can be difficult to access ADHD medication without insurance. The good news is that there are various resources available to make treatment more accessible.
If you’re without insurance, you can seek treatment at a behavioral health clinic offering low-cost services. You can also see if you qualify for Medicaid insurance or assistance through a charity organization. Prescription discount programs like GoodRX Gold can also significantly reduce the cost of medication.
In my experience, most people without insurance can find solutions so they can access ADHD medication. There are plenty of assistance programs available. Reach out to a local behavioral health clinic or charity organization if you have additional questions.
Sources:
1)https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
2)https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00702-016-1593-7
3)https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility/index.html
4)https://www.catholichealthservices.org/community-impact/financial-assistance/
5)https://www.goodrx.com/
7https://www.goodrx.com/adderall
