Mannitol Costs: What You're Actually Paying

Mannitol is a bit unusual when it comes to medication costs. Unlike most drugs where you go to a pharmacy and pay a copay, Mannitol is primarily administered in hospitals as an IV infusion. That means the cost is usually wrapped into your hospital bill — not something you pay for separately at a pharmacy counter.

But that doesn't mean cost isn't a concern. Hospital bills can be enormous, and understanding what Mannitol costs can help you make sense of your charges. And if you use Bronchitol (the inhaled form for cystic fibrosis), the out-of-pocket cost can be very significant.

Here's a breakdown of Mannitol costs in 2026 and every way to save.

How Much Does Mannitol Cost Without Insurance?

The cost of Mannitol varies depending on the form and how it's used:

IV Mannitol (Hospital Use)

• Mannitol 20% IV, 250 mL bag: $12–$30
• Mannitol 20% IV, 500 mL bag: $25–$60
• Mannitol 25% IV, 1,250 mL: approximately $135

These are the wholesale acquisition costs — what the hospital pays. On your hospital bill, the charges may be significantly higher due to facility markup, administration fees, and other line items. A single Mannitol infusion might appear on your bill at $200–$500+ when you factor in nursing administration, IV supplies, and monitoring.

Bronchitol (Inhaled Mannitol for Cystic Fibrosis)

• Bronchitol 40 mg inhalation capsules (560-count, 28-day supply): approximately $3,826 without insurance

This is where cost becomes a real barrier. Without insurance or financial assistance, Bronchitol can cost over $45,000 per year.

Does Insurance Cover Mannitol?

IV Mannitol: Yes, in virtually all cases. When Mannitol is administered in a hospital or outpatient facility, it's covered as part of your facility charges under your medical benefit (not pharmacy benefit). Your out-of-pocket responsibility depends on your plan's deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum.

Bronchitol: Coverage varies. Most insurance plans cover Bronchitol for FDA-approved use in cystic fibrosis, but it often requires:

• Prior authorization — Your doctor must submit documentation showing medical necessity
• Specialty pharmacy dispensing — Bronchitol must typically be filled through a designated specialty pharmacy
• Step therapy — Some plans require you to try other CF treatments first

Even with insurance, copays for Bronchitol can be $100–$500+ per month depending on your plan's specialty tier.

Coupons and Discount Cards for Mannitol

Because IV Mannitol is a hospital-administered medication, traditional pharmacy discount cards (like GoodRx or SingleCare) don't apply in the same way they do for retail prescriptions. However, there are some options:

For IV Mannitol

• Hospital financial assistance programs: Most hospitals are required to offer financial assistance or charity care programs for patients who can't afford their bills. Ask the hospital billing department about eligibility.
• Negotiate your bill: If you're uninsured or facing high out-of-pocket costs, contact the hospital billing department to negotiate. Many hospitals will offer significant discounts (30–60%) for self-pay patients.
• Payment plans: Most facilities offer interest-free payment plans that can make large bills more manageable.

For Bronchitol

Discount cards may offer some savings on Bronchitol, though the discounts on specialty medications are typically modest compared to the total cost:

• SingleCare — May offer discounts at participating specialty pharmacies
• RxSaver — Compare prices across specialty pharmacies
• Manufacturer copay card — See the Chiesi CareConnect section below

Patient Assistance Programs for Mannitol

Chiesi CareConnect (for Bronchitol)

Chiesi, the manufacturer of Bronchitol, offers the CareConnect patient support program. This program can help with:

• Copay assistance — Eligible commercially insured patients may receive help covering their out-of-pocket costs
• Patient assistance — Uninsured or underinsured patients who meet income criteria may qualify for free or reduced-cost Bronchitol
• Access support — Help navigating insurance coverage, prior authorization, and specialty pharmacy coordination

To learn more or enroll, ask your doctor's office to contact Chiesi CareConnect or visit the Chiesi website.

Foundation and Nonprofit Programs

Several organizations may help CF patients with medication costs:

• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation — Offers resources and may connect patients with financial assistance
• NeedyMeds (needymeds.org) — Database of patient assistance programs; search for Mannitol or Bronchitol
• RxAssist (rxassist.org) — Comprehensive directory of pharmaceutical assistance programs
• Patient Advocate Foundation — Provides case management and financial aid for patients with chronic conditions

Other Ways to Save on Mannitol

1. Review Your Hospital Bill Carefully

Hospital billing errors are common. If you see Mannitol charges on your bill, make sure:

• The quantity and dosage match what you actually received
• You weren't charged for Mannitol if your treatment was switched to an alternative like Hypertonic Saline
• You request an itemized bill so you can see exactly what you're being charged for

2. Ask About Generic vs. Brand

IV Mannitol is available as a generic — there's no reason to pay brand-name (Osmitrol) prices. The generic is the same medication at a fraction of the cost. Make sure your hospital is using generic Mannitol whenever possible.

3. Understand Your Insurance Benefits

If you're facing a hospital stay that may involve Mannitol, call your insurance company in advance to understand:

• Your deductible — How much you pay before insurance kicks in
• Your coinsurance — What percentage you pay after the deductible
• Your out-of-pocket maximum — The most you'll pay in a plan year

If you've already met your out-of-pocket maximum for the year, your Mannitol charges may be fully covered.

4. Look Into Hospital Financial Assistance

Under the Affordable Care Act, nonprofit hospitals are required to have financial assistance policies. If you're uninsured or have a low income, you may qualify for:

• Free care (charity care)
• Discounted rates
• Extended payment plans

Ask for the hospital's financial counselor before or during your stay.

5. Consider Clinical Trials

If you have cystic fibrosis and are using Bronchitol, participating in a clinical trial for CF treatments may provide access to medications at no cost. Ask your pulmonologist about current trials.

Final Thoughts

Saving money on Mannitol depends largely on which form you use. For IV Mannitol, the costs are usually bundled into hospital charges, and your best strategies are reviewing your bill carefully, using hospital financial assistance programs, and understanding your insurance benefits.

For Bronchitol, the costs are much higher, but programs like Chiesi CareConnect, foundation support, and specialty pharmacy discounts can make a real difference.

No matter your situation, don't assume you have to pay the sticker price. There's almost always a way to reduce your costs — you just have to ask.

For more help finding Mannitol at an affordable price, visit Medfinder.

Related articles:

• Mannitol Shortage Update for 2026
• What Is Mannitol? Uses, Dosage, and More
• Alternatives to Mannitol