Atorvastatin (generic Lipitor) is one of the most prescribed medications in the United States and is covered at the lowest tier on virtually all insurance formularies. As a cheap, widely available generic, atorvastatin is accessible with or without insurance. Some plans even cover it at $0 as a preventive medication under ACA guidelines.

Key Facts

Atorvastatin is on Tier 1 (preferred generic) of all major formularies
Typical copay: $0 to $10 per month with insurance
ACA-compliant plans may cover atorvastatin at $0 as a preventive statin for qualifying patients
Available in 10mg, 20mg, 40mg, and 80mg strengths, all generically priced
No prior authorization required on any standard formulary
Without insurance, generic atorvastatin costs $4 to $15 per month at most pharmacies

Open Enrollment Reminder

ACA marketplace enrollment runs November 1 to January 15. Medicare Annual Enrollment is October 15 to December 7. Compare formularies for your medications before choosing a plan.

Can't Afford Your Medication?
Find Patient Assistance Programs
Search manufacturer PAPs and nonprofit programs on OmniRx
Compare Cash Prices
Find the Lowest Pharmacy Price
Compare prices at pharmacies near you on RxGrab

Check Your Specific Plan's Formulary

Coverage varies by plan. Use our formulary checker tool to look up your exact copay and restrictions.

Open Formulary Checker

Frequently Asked Questions

Is atorvastatin covered at $0?

Some ACA-compliant plans cover statins at $0 copay for patients meeting USPSTF statin therapy guidelines (adults ages 40 to 75 with cardiovascular risk factors). Check with your insurer about preventive drug coverage. Even if not $0, atorvastatin is among the cheapest generic medications available.

Is atorvastatin the same as Lipitor?

Yes. Atorvastatin is the generic version of brand-name Lipitor. They contain the same active ingredient at the same doses. Lipitor's patent expired in 2011, and generic atorvastatin is now widely available at a fraction of the brand-name cost. Insurance plans cover generic atorvastatin at the lowest tier.

Does my insurance prefer atorvastatin or rosuvastatin?

Both atorvastatin and rosuvastatin (generic Crestor) are generic and typically on Tier 1. Most plans do not express a preference between them. Your doctor chooses based on your clinical profile. Both are very affordable with insurance copays of $0 to $10 per month.

Related Resources

Get Formulary and Coverage Updates

Subscribe to receive alerts on formulary changes, new drug approvals, and insurance coverage updates.