Kayexalate (Kionex/Kalexate) Medicare Coverage

Kayexalate
Chemical name: Kionex, Kalexate, Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate

Brand name: Kayexalate

Typical dosage: 15g/60ml

Typical type: Oral liquid1

Kayexalate is a medication used to treat high potassium levels. It is available as a brand name drug or a generic and comes as an oral powder or liquid.

Kayexalate is a medication used to treat high potassium levels. It removes potassium from cells in the body in order to reduce potassium levels back to a normal level.

The generic equivalents of Kayexalate include Kionex, Kalexate and Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate. Kayexalate is taken up to 4 times daily orally.

Kayexalate is normally well tolerated but can cause some diarrhea and upset stomach.

Does Medicare cover Kayexalate or Kionex?

While some Medicare plans may not cover Kayexalate, some Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans in your area may cover Kionex.

  • 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 Kionex.

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Average costs for Kayexalate 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

Kayexalate is typically given in a hospital setting or in the doctor’s office, but your doctor may teach you how to take it on your own at home.

If you use the oral powder form of the medication, mix the powder with water or syrup. Do not heat or microwave the mixture. Use the mixture within 24 hours.

Let your doctor know if you experience electrolyte imbalance problems such as mood changes, confusion, muscle problems or an abnormal heartbeat.

 

 

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.