Arimidex (Anastrozole) Medicare Coverage

Arimidex
Chemical name: Anastrozole Brand name: Arimidex Typical dosage: 1mg Typical type: Tablet¹ Arimidex is a medication used to treat breast cancer. It is available as a brand name drug or as a generic and comes as an oral tablet.

Arimidex is a medication that contains the active ingredient Anastrozole.

Arimidex is used to as a first-line medication to treat breast cancer that is locally advanced or metastatic in post-menopausal women. It may also be used with other agents to treat other types of breast cancer.

Arimidex works by stopping the production of necessary steroids needed by tumor cells so the tumor can no longer replicate and grow. Arimidex is typically taken one time daily.

Common side effects of Arimidex include hot flashes, fatigue, headache, upset stomach, joint or muscle pain, insomnia, cough, sore throat, constipation, diarrhea, weight gain, dizziness, anxiety, flu-like symptoms and pelvic pain.

Does Medicare cover Arimidex or Anastrozole?

While some Medicare plans may not cover Arimidex, some Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans may cover generic Anastrozole.

Medicare Advantage plans that offer prescription drug coverage are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD). Most Medicare Advantage beneficiaries (88 percent) are enrolled in MA-PDs.¹
Medicare prescription drugs plans each have their own formulary, or drug list, that details what prescription drugs are covered by the plan and how they are covered.

Drug coverage may vary based on plan availability. You may be able to find Medicare Advantage plan options in your area that cover Anastrozole.

Find Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage

Compare Plans

Or call 1-800-557-6059 1-800-557-6059 TTY Users: 711 24/7 to speak with a licensed insurance agent.

You can also compare Part D prescription drug plans available where you live and enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan online when you visit MyRxPlans.com.

Average costs for Arimidex with Medicare drug coverage

Your copay and deductible costs for any prescription drug can vary depending on what coverage stage you’re in and the Medicare drug plan you have.

Deductible stage	Typical copay stage
Your deductible is the amount of money you must spend on covered drugs before your Medicare drug coverage starts paying its share of costs. In the deductible stage, you’re responsible for the full cost of your prescription drugs. Some Medicare prescription drug plans have a $0 deductible. Medicare drug plans cannot have a deductible more than $415 in 2019.	After you meet your Part D deductible, you enter the initial coverage period. During this phase (the typical copay stage), you pay a copayment (flat fee) or coinsurance (percentage) for your covered medications.

Additional information

It is important to take Arimidex daily in order to receive the full anti-cancer benefits of the medication.

Arimidex lowers the estrogen in your body, which can cause bones to weaken. This can increase your risk for broken bones. Bone density tests are important while taking this medication.

Talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms of liver problems (problems urinating, blood in the urine, upset stomach, yellow eyes or skin), urinary tract infection (pain when urinating, frequent urination, fever, stomach pain) or high blood pressure (headache, dizziness, fainting or changes in eyesight).

You may have problems with blood flow to the heart if you have previously had a blockage in their heart.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not healthcare advice, treatment, or diagnosis. It is not an endorsement of or recommendation for this medication. Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about your specific healthcare needs, including your prescription medications. Only take medication as directed by your doctor.

Coverage and costs of prescription medications will vary by Medicare plan. Not all plans are available in all areas.

Written by Hayden Gharibyar, Pharm.D.