Prevacid (Lansoprazole) Medicare Coverage

Prevacid is a medication that contains the active ingredient Lansoprazole. Prevacid is used to treat increased stomach acid (or heartburn), including conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), conditions where too much acid is secreted in the stomach and peptic ulcer disease.

Prevacid works by preventing your stomach cells from producing too much acid. It is typically taken 1 time daily.

Common side effects of Prevacid include headache, constipation, upset stomach and diarrhea.

Does Medicare cover Prevacid or Lansoprazole?

While some Medicare plans may not cover Prevacid, some Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans in your area may cover generic Lansoprazole.

• 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 Lansoprazole.

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 Lansoprazole 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.

Additional information

Some stomach acid is necessary to break down foods and digest meals properly. However, too much stomach acid can lead to side effects like heartburn, nausea, ulcers and more.

Take your dose (or doses) of Prevacid 30-60 minutes before a meal (breakfast is preferred). You can sprinkle the contents of the Prevacid capsule onto apple sauce or into apple, orange or tomato juice. Swallow the medication without chewing the granules.

If you use the disintegrating tablet, place it on your tongue and allow it to dissolve. You do not need water to do this. Do now swallow whole, chew, break or crush the tablet. The oral disintegrating tablets can also be dissolved in water.

Taking Prevacid long term can increase the chances of developing or worsening osteoporosis. The chance of osteoporosis increases with higher doses, if you take it for longer than a year or if you are 50 years old or older.

Long term use of Prevacid can also – rarely – lead to a vitamin B-12 deficiency.

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.