Tobi (Tobramycin) Medicare Coverage

Tobi is a medication that contains the active ingredient Tobramycin. Tobi is used to treat certain bacterial lung infections and for management of cystic fibrosis in people with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.

This medication works in the lungs by preventing bacteria from forming correctly and thereby preventing infection.

Tobi is given twice daily for 28 days, followed by 28 days off the medication. Side effects of Tobi include headache, cough, increased sputum (phlegm), mouth or throat pain, changes in taste, change in voice, stuffy nose, upset stomach and vomiting.

How much does Tobramycin cost with Medicare?

Tobramycin 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 Tobramycin?

According to GoodRx, 94% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Tobramycin, the generic form of Tobi in 2023.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Tobramycin 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 2024 Medicare Advantage plans include 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 Tobramycin. 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

Tobi comes as an inhalation, often as a nebulization solution (liquid) for inhalation.

If you are using the capsule form for inhalation, do not swallow the capsule. It is intended to be used with your breathing device to breathe in. The nebulization liquid should be used with a nebulizer for proper inhalation. Do not mix other drugs into the nebulizer.

Use Tobi exactly as your doctor has instructed. Using Tobi for shorter than the recommended time may not heal the infection, while using Tobi for longer than the recommended amount of time may cause a second infection.

Talk to your doctor if you experience any kidney problems such as the inability to urinate, blood in your urine or a noticeable weight gain.

Hearing problems can also happen while taking Tobi. Talk to your doctor if you experience any ringing in the ears, hearing loss or any other changes in hearing.

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.