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Affordability Check

How to afford Choletec

Generic name: Mebrofenin

Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get Choletec — your insurance copay, manufacturer savings, charity grants, or cash price. It takes 30 seconds and we never ask for your personal information.

How are you covered for prescriptions?

Pick the one that fits you. We'll show you the cheapest way to get this drug.

Pick an option above to see your specific path.

Different insurance means different laws and different savings. For example, Medicare patients cannot use manufacturer copay cards (federal law) — but the manufacturer almost always has a Patient Assistance Program that gives the drug free.

About Choletec and its cost

What is this medication? Choletec is a prescription radiopharmaceutical agent containing the active ingredient technetium Tc 99m mebrofenin. It is primarily used as a diagnostic tool in medical imaging procedures known as hepatobiliary scans, or HIDA scans. After being injected into the bloodstream, the medication is quickly absorbed by the liver and then secreted into the bile, allowing healthcare providers to visualize the function of the liver, gallbladder, and the surrounding bile duct system using a gamma camera.

This medication is specifically indicated for the diagnosis of several gallbladder and liver conditions, such as acute cholecystitis, which is the sudden inflammation of the gallbladder. It can also help detect blockages in the bile ducts, identify bile leaks after surgery, or assess the overall flow of bile from the liver into the small intestine. Because it contains a small amount of radioactive material, it is only administered by trained professionals in clinical or hospital settings for diagnostic purposes rather than for treating a specific disease.

Choletec is made by Bracco. Like most brand-name drugs, it's priced at a high list price — but patients rarely pay that list price. The options above are the real paths most people use to get it affordably.

Common questions

What's the cheapest way to afford Choletec?

It depends on your insurance. On Medicare, apply for the manufacturer's Patient Assistance Program (PAP) — it gives the drug free if you meet income requirements. With private insurance, the manufacturer copay card usually drops your copay to $0-$25. Uninsured patients should compare the PAP with Cost Plus Drugs cash price.

Can I use a copay card with Medicare for Choletec?

No — federal law (the Anti-Kickback Statute) prohibits manufacturer copay cards on Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, and VA prescriptions. But Bracco has a separate Patient Assistance Program for Medicare beneficiaries. Check the options above.

Does my Medicare Part D plan cover Choletec?

Part D coverage varies by plan. We query the CMS Prescription Drug Plan file to show you what percentage of plans cover it and at what tier. For your exact copay, pick "Medicare" above and check your plan's Summary of Benefits, or log in to Medicare.gov.

How long does a Patient Assistance Program take?

Most PAPs take 2-6 weeks from application to first fill. Ask the manufacturer about a "bridge supply" — many will ship 30 days free while your application is being reviewed so you don't go without the drug.

What if I have a high-deductible plan?

For generics, Cost Plus Drugs cash price is often cheaper than your deductible-phase copay. For brand names, the manufacturer copay card almost always wins. A GoodRx coupon can be a last resort for uncovered drugs, but it doesn't count toward your deductible.

Are there charity grants for Acute Gallbladder Inflammation?

Charities like HealthWell Foundation, PAN Foundation, Good Days, and the National Organization for Rare Disorders provide copay help for specific conditions. Funds often run out mid-year — apply early. We list the specific grants for your condition in the options above.

More about Choletec