Simbrinza (Brinzolamide/Brimonidine) Medicare Coverage

Simbrinza
Chemical name: Brinzolamide, Brimonidine Brand name: Simbrinza Typical dosage: 8ml of 1%/0.2% Typical type: Eye drop¹ Simbrinza is a medication used to treat increased eye pressure. Simbrinza is available as a brand-name drug and comes as an eye drop.

Simbrinza is a medication that contains the active ingredients Brinzolamide and Brimonidine. It is used to reduce intraocular pressure, or pressure in the eye.

Simbrinza decreases the amount of fluid secreted into the eye, which helps reduce eye pressure. It is typically used in the affected eyes 3 times daily.

Common side effects include blurred eyesight, eye irritation, dry mouth, changes in taste, burning, stinging, headache and feeling like something is in your eye.

Does Medicare cover Simbrinza?

Some Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans may cover Simbrinza.

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 Simbrinza.

Find Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage

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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 Simbrinza 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

Simbrinza is only meant to be used in the eye.

Shake the bottle before use and take out your contact lenses before using. Contact lenses can be put back in 15 minutes after you use Simbrinza.

Tilt your head backwards and use the dropper to drop Simbrinza into the eye. Keep your eyes closed and put pressure on the inside corner of the eye for 1-2 minutes.

Tell your doctor right away if you experience changes in vision, eye pain, eye infections or if bright lights bother your eyes.

Follow your doctor’s instructions on follow-up and monitoring of your eyes and intraocular pressure.

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.