Dovato Is Effective — But It's Not Cheap

Dovato (Dolutegravir/Lamivudine) is a highly effective, once-daily HIV treatment. But with a cash price of approximately $2,000 to $2,800 per month, affording it without help can feel impossible.

The good news is that very few people actually pay the full retail price. Between manufacturer savings programs, patient assistance, insurance coverage, and discount cards, there are real ways to reduce what you pay — sometimes to $0.

In this guide, we'll break down every option available to help you save money on Dovato in 2026.

How Much Does Dovato Cost Without Insurance?

Let's start with the numbers. Without any insurance or discount programs, Dovato costs:

• Retail cash price: $2,000–$2,800 for 30 tablets (one month's supply)
• Annual cost: Approximately $24,000–$33,600 per year

This is the price you'd pay if you walked into a pharmacy with no insurance and no discount card. Obviously, this is out of reach for most people — which is why the savings programs below are so important.

There is currently no generic version of Dovato available in the United States, so generic pricing is not an option as of 2026.

ViiV Healthcare Copay Savings Card

The single best way to save on Dovato if you have commercial insurance is the ViiV Healthcare copay savings card.

Here's how it works:

• Eligible patients: Those with commercial (private) health insurance
• Savings: Reduces your monthly copay to as low as $0
• Annual maximum: Up to a specified dollar amount per year (varies; check current terms at viivconnect.com)
• Not eligible: Patients with government-funded insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA)

To enroll, visit viivconnect.com or call 1-844-588-3288. Your pharmacy can process the savings card like a secondary insurance card.

This is a no-brainer for any commercially insured patient taking Dovato. If you're paying a copay and haven't signed up, you're likely overpaying.

ViiV Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

If you're uninsured or underinsured, ViiV Healthcare's Patient Assistance Program may provide Dovato at no cost.

Eligibility typically requires:

• U.S. residency
• No insurance coverage for Dovato (or inadequate coverage)
• Income below a specified threshold (often based on Federal Poverty Level guidelines)

How to apply:

1. Call ViiV Connect at 1-844-588-3288
2. Or visit viivconnect.com and complete the application online
3. Your prescriber will need to sign the application
4. Once approved, medication is typically shipped directly to you or your provider's office

Processing usually takes 1-2 weeks. If you're in urgent need, ViiV may offer a bridge supply while your application is being reviewed.

Prescription Discount Cards and Coupons

If you don't have insurance or your insurance doesn't cover Dovato well, prescription discount cards can help — though the savings on a specialty brand medication may be more modest than for generics.

Popular discount card options include:

• GoodRx: Shows prices at pharmacies near you and offers coupons. Dovato prices through GoodRx typically range from $2,100–$2,500 depending on the pharmacy.
• SingleCare: Another discount card option with negotiated prices at participating pharmacies.
• RxSaver: Compares prices across pharmacies in your area.
• BuzzRx: Free discount card accepted at most pharmacies.

While these cards won't bring the price down to an affordable level on their own for most people, they can shave a few hundred dollars off the retail price. They're most useful as a backup if other programs aren't available.

Important: You generally cannot use a discount card and insurance at the same time. However, you can use a manufacturer copay card (like ViiV's) alongside your insurance.

AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP)

Every U.S. state operates an AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) as part of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. ADAP provides HIV medications — including Dovato — to eligible individuals who:

• Are living with HIV
• Are low-income (eligibility thresholds vary by state but typically range from 200%–500% of the Federal Poverty Level)
• Are uninsured, underinsured, or have gaps in coverage

ADAP can cover the full cost of Dovato with no out-of-pocket expense to the patient. Contact your local Ryan White clinic or state ADAP office to apply. You can find your state's program at hab.hrsa.gov.

Medicare and Medicaid Coverage

Medicare Part D

Dovato is covered by most Medicare Part D plans. However, as a brand-name specialty medication, it's typically placed on a higher formulary tier (Tier 4 or 5), which means higher copays.

Strategies to reduce Medicare costs:

• Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy): If you qualify, this federal program significantly reduces your Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays
• State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Some states offer additional help for Medicare beneficiaries
• ADAP Medicare wrap-around: In some states, ADAP can help cover Medicare Part D copays for HIV medications

Medicaid

Medicaid programs in all states cover HIV antiretroviral medications, including Dovato. Copays under Medicaid are minimal — typically $0–$3 per prescription.

Other Ways to Save

Specialty Pharmacy Programs

Some specialty pharmacies offer their own savings programs or can help coordinate benefits to minimize your out-of-pocket cost. Ask your specialty pharmacy if they have a financial counselor who can review your options.

Charitable Organizations

Several organizations help people with HIV afford their medications:

• Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation: Provides copay assistance for specific medications
• HealthWell Foundation: Offers grants to cover copays and premiums
• NeedyMeds: A database of patient assistance programs at needymeds.org
• RxAssist: A comprehensive directory of assistance programs at rxassist.org

Ask About 340B Pricing

If you receive care at a federally qualified health center (FQHC), Ryan White clinic, or other 340B-eligible entity, your provider may be able to access Dovato at significantly reduced prices through the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Ask your clinic's pharmacy or case manager if this applies to you.

Comparison: Ways to Save on Dovato

Here's a quick summary of your options:

• ViiV copay savings card: Best for commercially insured patients. Can reduce copay to $0/month.
• ViiV Patient Assistance Program: Best for uninsured/underinsured. Provides Dovato free of charge.
• ADAP: Best for low-income, uninsured, or underinsured patients. Covers full cost in most states.
• Medicare Extra Help: Best for Medicare beneficiaries with limited income. Reduces Part D costs significantly.
• Discount cards (GoodRx, SingleCare): Modest savings off retail price. Best as a backup option.
• Charitable foundations: Copay assistance for patients who fall through the gaps.

Final Thoughts

No one should go without their HIV medication because of cost. While Dovato's retail price is steep, the reality is that most patients can get it for significantly less — and many can get it for free.

Start with the ViiV copay savings card if you have commercial insurance. If you're uninsured or underinsured, contact ViiV Connect (1-844-588-3288) or your local ADAP program. And if you're struggling to find Dovato at your pharmacy, use Medfinder to locate it near you.

Your health is worth it — and help is available.