Two common questions we get all the time is: how much does BHRT cost? And will my insurance cover it?
If I had a dollar for every time, I have been asked this question I might have a pair of those fancy Christian Louboutin heels. It’s okay because I can’t stand heels anyway, but the cost of Bioidentical Hormones is undoubtedly a significant concern.
People have budgets, so they need to know if their BHRT is going to cost them a car payment, nothing or something in between. Considering BHRT can be an ongoing monthly prescription, these are valid questions.
I have been prescribing BHRT since 2004. In that time, the cost of BHRT and insurance coverage has changed a lot. Since BHRT has increased in popularity, some compounding pharmacies have started charging more and more.
Injectable growth hormone is a perfect example. Per month growth hormone has gone from the price of a fancy dinner to more than a round-trip airline ticket to Hawaii. Also, we are well aware of the breakdown and many changes to our healthcare system. This change made what used to be almost 100% coverage of BHRT to pretty much 0%.
I work with a few compounding pharmacies, and I am very particular which pharmacies those are. Price is an essential factor, but quality and safety is the main priority. BHRT is not a supplement or vitamin. BHRT are prescription medications. That means you do not want to take something that you might be questioning quality over price.
Compounded thyroid medication is a good example. If the T3 (Liothyronine) dosage is altered by the smallest of micrograms, a patient can end up in the emergency room with a heart arrhythmia.
So what are you going to pay for BHRT? Unfortunately, this is a loaded question without a definite answer. It depends on how many BHRT prescriptions you are taking. As well as what dosage and the type you need for your specific health goals.
To be incredibly broad (sorry) each prescription is going to cost between $30 to $70. With the average cost of a prescription being right around $50.
Sorry to break this to you, but insurance is most likely not going to cover any of it. Some insurances might cover a portion of the prescription, but usually not the full cost.
Conventional hormone replacement can be covered by insurance, but these hormones cannot be tailored to the individual and have some unwanted side effects. This is why patients do well on custom BHRT, but unfortunately, there is going to be an out of pocket pricing. I understand this episode may seem vague and might leave you frustrated. But honestly, this is the best I can tell you. And I am sure the cost and insurance coverage will continue to change.
If you have concerns, questions or even your personal story, please post in the comment box below or email us at [email protected]
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