Accessing Free Emgality Samples And Cost-Saving Options For Migraine Treatment

Oct. 20, 2025, 3:12 p.m.

Tags: emgality

Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is an FDA-approved monthly injectable treatment for migraines and cluster headaches. While effective for many patients, the medication comes with a significant financial burden, with a retail cost of approximately $970 per dose before insurance or discounts. For individuals managing chronic migraines, this translates to an annual expense of over $11,000 if paid entirely out-of-pocket. Fortunately, several programs and options exist to help patients access Emgality at reduced or no cost. This article explores the various ways patients can obtain free samples, manufacturer assistance programs, discount cards, and alternative treatments to make migraine prevention more affordable.

Manufacturer Assistance Programs

Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Emgality, offers several programs to help patients access the medication at reduced or no cost. These programs represent the most direct way for eligible patients to obtain Emgality without financial burden.

First Month Free Program

Eli Lilly provides the first 30-day supply (one dose) of Emgality at no cost for eligible commercially-insured patients whose insurance providers do not cover the medication. This temporary assistance can help bridge the gap while patients navigate insurance approval processes or complete applications for longer-term financial assistance. The program specifically targets commercially insured individuals who face coverage gaps for this preventive migraine treatment.

Lilly Cares Patient Assistance Program

For individuals without commercial drug insurance who have low household incomes, the Lilly Cares patient assistance program may provide free Emgality. Enrollment in this program requires documentation from both the patient and the prescribing healthcare professional. The specific eligibility requirements and application process are detailed on the Eli Lilly website, where interested parties can find comprehensive information about income thresholds, necessary documentation, and the application timeline. This program serves as a vital resource for uninsured and underinsured patients who require ongoing treatment for migraine prevention.

Prescriber-Distributed Samples

Many healthcare providers maintain samples of Emgality that they can offer to eligible patients. According to Dr. Lauren R. Natbony, MD, a headache specialist and medical director of Integrative Headache Medicine of New York, these samples typically consist of one or two injections and serve as a temporary solution while patients wait for insurance approval or the outcome of a financial assistance application.

The availability of prescriber samples depends on several factors: - The healthcare provider's participation in sample distribution programs - Inventory levels at the medical practice - The patient's specific medical needs and treatment plan

Patients interested in obtaining samples from their healthcare provider should discuss this option during their appointment. Providers may have specific criteria for sample eligibility, which could include factors such as: - New patients trying Emgality for the first time - Patients transitioning from another migraine medication - Individuals experiencing financial hardship - Those awaiting insurance coverage determination

Prescriber samples offer immediate access to treatment without the need for upfront payment or complex applications, making them a valuable option for patients experiencing acute migraine symptoms.

Manufacturer Savings Programs

In addition to free sample programs, Eli Lilly offers several savings initiatives designed to reduce the out-of-pocket cost of Emgality for eligible patients.

Emgality Savings Card

The manufacturer provides an Emgality Savings Card that offers significant discounts on the medication. While the exact terms and eligibility requirements vary, these programs typically target commercially insured patients who may face high copayments or coinsurance. The savings card can reduce monthly out-of-pocket costs to as little as $0 to $25 for most individuals with employer-provided or commercial insurance.

For Medicare Part D enrollees, the manufacturer estimates that most will pay between $0 to $150 monthly for Emgality, with those eligible for the Extra Help program paying only $4 to $9 monthly. Medicaid enrollees can expect to pay $4 to $9 per month for the medication through these programs.

These manufacturer-sponsored savings initiatives demonstrate Eli Lilly's commitment to making Emgality accessible to patients across different insurance situations and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Third-Party Discount Options

Several independent organizations offer discount programs that can significantly reduce the cost of Emgality for eligible patients. These programs complement manufacturer assistance and provide additional savings opportunities.

SingleCare Prescription Discount Program

SingleCare offers free coupons that can lower the cash price of an Emgality prescription. With a SingleCare prescription discount card or coupon, patients may pay as little as $605 for one 120 mg/mL prefilled pen of Emgality. This represents potential annual savings of over $4,000 compared to the retail price.

The process for obtaining and using SingleCare coupons is straightforward: 1. Visit the SingleCare website 2. Type in "Emgality" as the prescription name 3. Click "Get free coupon" 4. Find a pharmacy near you with the lowest price 5. Show the discount card or coupon to the pharmacy when refilling the prescription

Savings through SingleCare vary based on quantity, dosage form, and pharmacy location. Importantly, anyone can use SingleCare coupons or the discount card, though they cannot be combined with insurance benefits. This makes SingleCare particularly valuable for uninsured patients or those whose insurance does not cover Emgality.

Alternative Migraine Treatments and Cost Comparisons

For patients who cannot access Emgality affordably or who wish to explore other options, several alternative migraine prevention treatments are available. Comparing costs and coverage for these alternatives may reveal more accessible solutions.

CGRP Inhibitors

CGRP inhibitors represent a newer class of migraine prevention medications similar to Emgality. Several options are available, each with different pricing structures:

Ajovy - Average retail price: $1,022 for one 225 mg/1.5 mL prefilled pen - SingleCare discounted price: as low as $653 - Manufacturer offering: Two months of free samples, followed by a patient assistance program providing a year of coverage if commercial insurance does not provide cover

Aimovig - Average retail price: $1,040 for one 140 mg/mL prefilled pen - SingleCare discounted price: as low as $753

Qulipta (oral CGRP inhibitor) - Average retail price: $1,569 for thirty 60 mg tablets - SingleCare discounted price: as low as $953

Nurtec ODT (oral CGRP inhibitor) - Average retail price: $1,367 for one box of eight orally-disintegrating tablets - SingleCare discounted price: as low as $870

Many pharmaceutical companies offering these CGRP inhibitors provide free trial programs or copay assistance that may lower the out-of-pocket cost enough to make them cheaper than Emgality.

Traditional Migraine Prevention Medications

Several older, established medications for migraine prevention are widely available and often covered by insurance. These alternatives work differently from Emgality and may be more affordable:

Propranolol (generic beta blocker) - FDA-approved for migraine prevention - Average retail price: $36 for sixty 10 mg tablets - SingleCare discounted price: as low as $8

Other generic migraine prevention medications that may be more affordable include topiramate and amitriptyline, though specific pricing information was not provided in the source material.

Navigating Insurance Coverage

Understanding insurance coverage for migraine prevention medications can be complex, but several resources can help patients navigate the system:

Insurance Verification: Contact your insurance provider to determine coverage for Emgality and alternatives. Many commercial insurance plans cover these medications, though copays and coinsurance vary.
Prior Authorization: Some insurance plans require prior authorization for migraine prevention medications. Working with your healthcare provider to complete necessary paperwork can help expedite this process.
Appeals Process: If insurance denies coverage, many plans have an appeals process. Documentation from your healthcare provider about the medical necessity of the specific medication may support an appeal.
Coverage Exceptions: Some states have laws requiring insurance coverage for migraine treatment. Checking state-specific mandates may reveal additional coverage options.
Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) Programs: Some PBMs offer additional savings programs for specialty medications like Emgality. Contacting your PBM directly may reveal additional assistance opportunities.

Patient Resources and Support

Several organizations provide resources and support for patients seeking affordable migraine treatment:

American Migraine Foundation: Offers information on medication assistance programs and resources for navigating insurance coverage.
National Headache Foundation: Provides educational materials and may have information on financial assistance programs.
Patient Advocate Foundation: Offers case management services to help patients overcome barriers to healthcare access, including financial obstacles.
Neurology Support Organizations: Groups like the American Academy of Neurology may have resources specific to migraine treatment access.

Conclusion

Emgality represents an effective option for migraine prevention, but its high cost can create barriers to access. Fortunately, multiple pathways exist for obtaining the medication at reduced or no cost. Manufacturer programs offer the first month free for eligible commercially insured patients and longer-term assistance for those without insurance or with low incomes. Healthcare providers may have samples available for immediate use. Manufacturer savings cards can reduce out-of-pocket costs for insured patients, while third-party discount programs like SingleCare offer significant savings for cash-paying patients.

For those who cannot access Emgality affordably, several alternative treatments are available, including other CGRP inhibitors with their own assistance programs and traditional medications that may be more affordable. By exploring these options and understanding insurance coverage, patients can find an effective migraine prevention solution that fits their budget.

The key to accessing affordable migraine treatment involves exploring all available resources, communicating openly with healthcare providers, and being persistent in navigating the healthcare system. With these strategies, most patients can find a sustainable path to migraine prevention without financial hardship.