Buspirone (Buspar) Medicare Coverage

Buspirone is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. The brand name equivalent of Buspirone is called Buspar.

Buspirone is typically taken 2-3 times daily and works by increasing serotonin and dopamine in the brain to help relieve anxiety.

Common side effects of Buspirone include dizziness, sleepiness, nervousness, headache and upset stomach.

How much does Buspirone cost with Medicare?

Buspirone coverage and costs may vary based on the specific plan you have, as well as what coverage stage you're in.

Contact your plan carrier or consult your plan formulary for more cost information.

Does Medicare cover Buspirone?

According to GoodRx, 100% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans cover Buspirone in 2023.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Buspirone include copay amounts that can range widely from one plan to another. Plan members may also be responsible for meeting a deductible before the plan’s drug coverage kicks in.
  
  
• Medicare Advantage plans that offer prescription drug coverage are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD). 89% of 2023 Medicare Advantage plans included prescription drug coverage.²
  
  
• 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 Buspirone. We represent carriers such as Humana, UnitedHealthcare^®, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna Healthcare, Wellcare, or Kaiser Permanente.

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.

Additional information

It may take time to feel the effects of Buspirone. You may need to continually take Buspirone for a few weeks to begin feeling the effects.

Talk to your doctor if you experience trouble controlling body movements or if you experience changes in balance, abnormal heartbeat, seizures, shivering, shaking, sweating, diarrhea or extreme headaches.

The symptoms listed above could be indicative of a condition called serotonin syndrome, which can happen to people who are taking Buspirone.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Buspirone. Also avoid grapefruit juice or grapefruit products while taking Buspirone, as this may interfere with how well the medication works.

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.