Affordability Check
How to afford Memantine
Generic name: memantine hydrochloride and donepezil hydrochloride
Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get Memantine — your insurance copay, manufacturer savings, charity grants, or cash price. It takes 30 seconds and we never ask for your personal information.
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 Memantine and its cost
What is this medication? Memantine is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe confusion or dementia related to Alzheimers disease. It falls under the category of NMDA receptor antagonists and is designed to help manage the behavioral and cognitive symptoms that develop as the disease progresses. While this drug does not provide a cure for Alzheimers or stop the underlying neurodegeneration, it can improve a patients ability to think more clearly and perform daily tasks.
The drug functions by regulating the activity of glutamate, a chemical in the brain that sends signals between nerve cells. When someone has Alzheimers, excessive levels of glutamate can overstimulate and damage brain cells. Memantine works by blocking certain receptors to prevent this overstimulation, which helps protect the nerve cells and may maintain brain function for a longer duration. It is frequently prescribed alone or in combination with other dementia treatments.
Memantine is made by AbbVie. 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 Memantine?
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 Memantine?
No — federal law (the Anti-Kickback Statute) prohibits manufacturer copay cards on Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, and VA prescriptions. But AbbVie has a separate Patient Assistance Program for Medicare beneficiaries. Check the options above.
Does my Medicare Part D plan cover Memantine?
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 Dementia?
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 Memantine
Full Memantine drug page
FDA label, prior authorization rules, full indications list
More options for Dementia
Drugs, grants, and assistance for this condition
Guide to Patient Assistance Programs
How PAPs work, who qualifies, typical wait times
If your insurance denied coverage
5-level appeal playbook — Medicare has a 60% win rate at Level 3