Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Meloxicam Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Meloxicam 7.5mg (generic) | $4 – $10 | $0 – $4 |
| Meloxicam 15mg (generic) | $4 – $12 | $0 – $5 |
| Meloxicam 15mg Capsule (generic) | $6 – $15 | $1 – $6 |
What Affects the Cost
- Brand-name vs. generic availability
- Insurance formulary tier placement
- Pharmacy choice (retail vs. mail-order vs. Costco)
- Manufacturer savings cards and coupons
- Dosage and quantity prescribed
- Geographic location
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Tier 1 generic — once-daily NSAID preferred for chronic inflammatory pain
Most insurance plans use a tiered formulary: Tier 1 (generic) $0-$15 copay, Tier 2 (preferred brand) $25-$75, Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) $50-$150, Tier 4 (specialty) $100-$500+. Prior authorization may be required for certain medications. Step therapy may require trying cheaper alternatives first.
How to Save Money
- Always ask for generic when available — saves 50-90%
- Use GoodRx, RxSaver, or similar discount cards
- Costco pharmacy is open to non-members and often has lowest prices
- Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs offers transparent low pricing
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs provide free medication to qualifying patients
- HSA/FSA funds can cover medication costs tax-free
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Generic meloxicam costs $4 to $15 per month without insurance. It is one of the most affordable prescription NSAIDs and is available on $4 generic programs.
Meloxicam offers once-daily dosing versus ibuprofen's every 6-8 hours. It may have slightly lower GI bleeding risk at low doses due to mild COX-2 selectivity, but both are effective anti-inflammatory medications.
Long-term NSAID use increases risks of gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage, cardiovascular events, and high blood pressure. The lowest effective dose for the shortest time is recommended.