A Closer Look at Spravato (Esketamine)
Topic: What will the drug cost and will insurance cover it?
As the P.R. machine kicks into gear to support the launch of Spravato/Esketamine, the first FDA approved Ketamine-derived treatment, Kevin Nicholson (President, CEO of Ketamine Wellness Centers) digs into the details that tend to receive less attention.
Wholesale estimates are between $580 – $885 per treatment (depending on dose). At a recommended schedule of two treatments over four weeks, we’re looking at a monthly range of $4700 – $7080 towards the first month of treatment. This episode focuses on the cost of Spravato to the provide, end user, and insurer.
- What are the preliminary cost estimates for Spravato (wholesale)?
- Can we estimate the cost to the patient?
- Will insurance cover the drug?
- How will the treatment schedule effect the cost?
Our experienced team of physicians, nurse practitioners, and research staff break down each topic in short, to-the-point podcasts, which you may listen to on your own time by subscribing to Ketamine Wellness Centers on iTunes or tune in by following the KWC blog.
Any word on whether Medicaid will cover Esketamine/Spravato? I know every state has its own list of covered meds, but just curious whether any Medicaid plans are going to be on board right away. This shouldn’t be for the extremely wealthy only. My psych doc knows I’m on Medicaid & asked if I’d heard of this medication almost as if there was a chance I could try it.
How much are ketamine troches, lozenges or other take-home forms made at compounding pharmacies? I wonder if they’d be affordable for someone like me on SSI. Anything beyond about $60/month would be too much.
All good questions. Unfortunately, we’re not entirely sure what insurance and/or medicaid reimbursement is going to look like with Spravato. Good luck with your research!