Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb) is a prescription drug used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Leqembi’s cost may depend on factors such as your dosage, whether you have health insurance, and the pharmacy you use.

The price you pay for Leqembi can vary. It may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if you have it), and the pharmacy you use. It will also depend on how much you have to pay for an office visit with your doctor to receive Leqembi infusions.*

To find out how much you’ll pay for Leqembi, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. Or check out the section below to learn how much you can save by using an Optum Perks coupon.

* Leqembi comes as a liquid solution in single-dose vials. It’s given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time) by a healthcare professional.

To save money on your Leqembi prescription, explore these Optum Perks coupons.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Leqembi and cost.

Is Leqembi covered by Medicare?

It’s possible. To find out whether your Medicare plan covers the cost of Leqembi, call your plan provider. Many types of Medicare plans are available. Your cost and coverage depend on your particular plan’s benefits.

Your final cost may also depend on the price to receive Leqembi infusions at a doctor’s office or clinic.

Keep in mind that your plan may have prior authorization requirements before it will cover Leqembi. (See the “Prior authorization” section below for more information.)

You can also ask your doctor about the cost of Leqembi if you have Medicare.

How does the cost of Leqembi compare with that of similar drugs, such as Aduhelm?

The price of Leqembi compared with the price of Aduhelm can depend on several factors.

These include:

  • whether there are any savings programs available for the drug you’re prescribed
  • whether you have insurance or are paying out of pocket
  • how long your treatment lasts

Note: Biogen, the maker of Aduhlem, made the decision in early 2024 to discontinue Aduhelm. After November 1, 2024, Aduhelm will no longer be available.

If you have questions about the cost of Leqembi compared with the cost of similar drugs, talk with your doctor or pharmacist and your insurance provider (if you have one). They can share more details on treatment costs based on your specific situation.

You may be able to lower your Leqembi cost per year if you use this medication long term.

Talk with your doctor about financial assistance options if you don’t have health insurance.

Leqembi is a biologic drug, which means it’s made from parts of living organisms. It doesn’t come in a biosimilar form. Biosimilars are like generic drugs. But unlike generics, which are made for nonbiologic drugs, biosimilars are made for biologics.

Why is there such a cost difference between biologic drugs and biosimilar drugs?

Biologic drugs can be expensive because of the research and testing needed to ensure their safety and effectiveness. The manufacturer of a biologic drug can sell it exclusively for up to 12 years. When the biologic drug’s patent expires, other drugmakers can create biosimilar versions. This competition in the market may lead to lower costs for biosimilars. And because biosimilars are very similar to biologic drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This can also lead to lower costs for biosimilars.

If you need help covering the cost of Leqembi or understanding your insurance, check out these resources:

On these pages, you can find insurance information, details on drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover Leqembi. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss Leqembi in regard to your treatment. Then the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If Leqembi requires prior authorization and you don’t receive it before you start treatment, you could pay the full cost of the drug.

Be sure to ask your insurance company whether Leqembi requires prior authorization.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.