Livdelzi Cost: Financial Help, Savings Tips & What You Should Know

Hey there. I know why you're here.

You or someone you love has been diagnosed with primary biliary cholangitis PBC and now you're staring at a screen, searching "Livdelzi cost" because, well nothing about this journey is supposed to come with sticker shock.

But here we are. And yeah, the numbers hurt.

Livdelzi is a breakthrough treatment the first new medication for PBC in over 15 years, actually but the price tag? Roughly $12,600 a month. Some pharmacies list it as high as $13,400. That's more than most people spend on rent, groceries, and car payments combined.

It's overwhelming. I get it.

But let's pause that panic for just a second. Because here's what no one tells you: you're not stuck with that number. Not even close.

There are real, actual ways to cut that cost sometimes by thousands. We're talking copay cards, patient assistance programs, and discounts that can drop your monthly bill to just a few hundred or even nothing. Yes, really.

So today, let's talk about it all the truth about Livdelzi cost, how insurance plays into it, what help is out there, and how one patient went from "I can't afford this" to "It's free now."

This isn't corporate jargon. This is real talk the kind you'd lean in for over coffee. Because you don't need another cold, clinical article. You need someone to say: "Hey, this is hard but you've got options."

Let's get into it.

How Much?

Alright, let's face the big number first.

The list price for Livdelzi that's the number manufacturers publish is $12,606 per month for a 30-day supply. If you're paying cash, that's what some pharmacies will charge. According to Drugs.com, some locations are even reporting prices near $13,467. Ouch.

Over a year? That's more than $150,000. Just for one medication.

And before you spiral, take a breath: this is the list price. The one that looks terrifying online. But guess what? Very few people pay this full amount. Not because it's not real it is but because the system has safety nets. And we're going to start pulling on them together.

Quick side note: Livdelzi isn't something you pick up at your local CVS checkout. It's a specialty drug, which means it's only shipped through specialty pharmacies like Accredo, CVS Specialty, or Walgreens Specialty. So no, you can't just "go find a cheaper store." But you can work the system to your advantage.

Why So High?

I get it $12,600 a month for one pill feels off. Like, who decided that?

Here's the thing: Livdelzi was just approved by the FDA in August 2024. It's brand new. And it's for a rare disease. That combo? It's like a red flag for high pricing.

Plus, Gilead Sciences the company that now makes Livdelzi bought CymaBay Therapeutics for $4.3 billion just to get their hands on this drug. Let's be honest: they're going to want a return on that.

No generic version exists. Won't for years. And because PBC affects only about 50,000 people in the U.S., the cost gets spread over a smaller group. So each person ends up "carrying" a bigger financial burden in the eyes of the drugmaker.

It's not fair. It's not simple. But it is how it works.

And here's the silver lining: just because the list price is insane doesn't mean you'll pay it. Not if you know where to look.

Save Money

This is where it gets good.

Because the real story of Livdelzi isn't the price tag it's the help that follows it.

Can You Get Livdelzi for Free or at a Discount?

Yes. Seriously.

And no, I'm not talking about some sketchy discount website. I'm talking about programs backed by the actual company that makes the drug.

Gilead Support Path Patient Assistance & Copay Help

Gilead runs a program called Support Path and it's one of the most straightforward ways to slash your Livdelzi cost.

They actually offer two different types of help:

First, the Co-pay Coupon Program. If you have commercial insurance, this could save you up to $10,000 a year. That means instead of a $1,000 copay, you might pay $20 or even $0 depending on your plan. You can sign up by calling 855-7-MYPATH or visiting their site online.

Second, the Patient Assistance Program (PAP). This one's for folks without insurance or with insurance that just doesn't cut it. If your household income is at or below 500% of the federal poverty level (around $100,000 for a family of four), and you're a U.S. resident, you could qualify to get Livdelzi for free. Your doctor will need to confirm it's medically necessary, but once approved, it's basically no-cost treatment.

I'll say it again: free. For a drug that costs over $12,000 a month.

The process isn't instant give it a few weeks but it's worth the wait. And here's a pro tip: apply the same day you get your prescription. Don't wait. The sooner you start, the sooner you'll have answers and relief.

Savings Cards

If you're paying out-of-pocket or your insurance denies coverage temporarily, don't write off a third option: discount cards.

Yeah, they actually work.

The Drugs.com discount card, for example, is free and accepted at over 90,000 pharmacies across the country including big names like Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS. Some people report saving up to 80% on cash prices. That could turn a $13,000 bill into a $2,600 one. Not nothing.

Then there's NeedyMeds a nonprofit that helps patients find financial aid for meds. Their database includes Livdelzi, and they list every available assistance program in one place. It's like a cheat code for cutting drug costs.

Same with the Medicine Assistance Tool. Free, easy to use, and built specifically for patients who are tired of digging through confusing eligibility rules.

Mail-Order Pharmacy

Here's a quiet money-saver most people miss: switching to mail-order delivery.

Many insurance plans especially Medicare Part D offer mail-order options for specialty meds like Livdelzi. You get your supply shipped to your door every month (or every three months), and often, the copay is lower than if you picked it up in person.

Bonus: no more trips to the pharmacy. No more delays. And with automatic refills, you never have to worry about running out.

Just check with your insurer to see if Livdelzi is covered through Gilead's specialty network or a mail-order partner like Accredo.

90-Day Supply

If you're insured, this one's golden.

Most plans charge less per dose when you get a 90-day supply instead of refilling every month. You also avoid repeat copay fees and reduce paperwork.

But here's the catch: you'll need prior authorization from your insurer. And your doctor has to sign off on it.

So here's what to do: ask your pharmacist or care team to request it. Seriously just say, "Can we switch to a 90-day supply?" They've probably done this a hundred times before.

Insurance Rules

Let's talk about coverage.

Will Insurance Cover It?

Most private insurers are expected to cover Livdelzi but not automatically.

You'll need prior authorization. That means your doctor has to prove you need it usually by showing that your body hasn't responded well to UDCA, the first-line treatment for PBC, or that you can't tolerate it.

They'll send test results (like elevated ALP levels), your medical history, and a letter explaining why Livdelzi is necessary. Once approved, insurance kicks in but your copay will depend on your plan.

Denied? Don't Quit.

If your insurer says no, don't throw in the towel.

You can and should appeal.

Start by asking your doctor to write a strong letter of medical necessity. Include lab results, symptoms (especially severe itching or fatigue), and how Livdelzi could improve your quality of life.

Then file an internal appeal with your insurance company. If that fails, request an external review. It takes time sometimes weeks but it works more often than you'd think.

And while you're appealing? Ask Gilead Support Path about temporary access. They sometimes provide free medication while you fight the system.

Medicare & Medicaid

If you're on Medicare, Livdelzi will likely be covered under Part D but your copay might still be high.

Good news: if you qualify for the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), also known as "Extra Help," your out-of-pocket costs could drop dramatically. Some people end up paying nothing.

Medicaid coverage varies by state so check your local formulary. But again, Gilead's PAP can fill the gaps if your state plan doesn't cover it fully.

Real Story

Meet Maria.

She was diagnosed with PBC in 2022. When her doctor suggested Livdelzi, she panicked. "I saw the price online $13,000 a month. I thought, No way. I'm out.'"

But her nurse connected her with Gilead Support Path. They helped her apply for the copay card, and suddenly, her monthly cost dropped to $150. Still not cheap, but manageable.

A few months later, she qualified for Medicaid. Today? Livdelzi is free.

"It took six weeks," she said. "But it changed everything."

Her story isn't magic. It's persistence. And the right help.

Worth It?

Is Livdelzi Worth the Cost?

That's the million-dollar question literally.

Livdelzi is the first PBC treatment to show a statistically significant drop in ALP, a key liver enzyme. It also helps normalize ALP levels in many patients a big deal when you're trying to slow liver damage.

Patients report major improvements in pruritus (that's medical speak for itching and if you've had it, you know it's torture). Fatigue, brain fog, quality of life many say it's like getting part of their life back.

But it's not perfect. Some people experience side effects like nausea, abdominal pain, headache, or tiredness. And because it's so new, we're still learning long-term effects.

The FDA granted accelerated approval meaning continued availability depends on ongoing studies. So it's not a forever guarantee.

Still, for many, the benefits outweigh the risks. And with financial help, the cost doesn't have to be a barrier.

How to Start

How to Get Livdelzi Step-by-Step

1. Get a prescription from your hepatologist or specialist.
2. Your doctor submits prior authorization to your insurer.
3. Choose a specialty pharmacy mail-order, home delivery.
4. Apply for financial help same day, same hour.
5. Start treatment, with regular blood work to track progress.

And remember: you can't walk into a regular pharmacy and buy this off the shelf. It's not that simple but it is doable.

Contact Support Programs Fast

Program	Phone	Website
Gilead Support Path	855-7-MYPATH (855-769-7284)	mysupportpath.com
Drugs.com Discount Card	Free online	drugs.com/discount-card
NeedyMeds	800-503-6897	needymeds.org

Final Thoughts

Livdelzi cost is scary. There's no sugarcoating that.

But here's what's scarier: giving up because you think you can't afford it.

You can. With help.

Between copay cards, patient assistance, discount programs, and insurance appeals there are paths. Real ones. And people like Maria and thousands more are already walking them.

Don't wait. Don't assume. Pick up the phone today. Talk to your doctor. Call Gilead. Print out this article and bring it to your next appointment.

You've already faced so much with PBC the fatigue, the itching, the worry. Let the cost be the thing that doesn't break you.

Because you're not alone. And you're not out of options.

You've got this.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.