Advair (Fluticasone/Salmeterol) Medicare Coverage

Advair
Chemical name: Fluticasone/Salmeterol

Brand name: Advair

Typical dosage: 250mcg/50mcg

Typical type: Inhaler1

Advair is a medication used to treat asthma and COPD. Advair comes as an aerosol inhaler which is brand name only.

Advair is a medication used to treat asthma. Advair is also used to treat chronic obstructive coronary disease (COPD) and prevent exacerbations.

Advair HFA is a typical aerosol inhaler. Advair Diskus and AirDuo RespiClick are dry powder inhalers. Your doctor will decide which inhaler type is best for you.

Advair contains two active medications: Fluticasone and Salmeterol. These medications help relax the muscles that allow you to breathe and reduces inflammation in the lungs.

Common side effects of Advair include headache, upset stomach, throat irritation and signs of a common cold.

Does Medicare cover Advair?

Yes! 94% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans cover Advair.1

  • 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.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 Advair.

Find Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage

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Or call TTY Users: 711 24/7 to speak with a licensed insurance agent.

Average costs for Advair with Medicare drug coverage1

Your copay and deductible costs for any prescription drug can vary depending on what coverage stage you’re in.

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.
$42– $678 $19 – $455

Additional information

If you are using any Advair product, rinse your mouth out after each inhalation. Swish water around your mouth and spit it out, do not swallow.

Advair helps control your asthma or COPD with continued use. Keep using your inhaler as instructed by your doctor, even if you feel better. Talk to your doctor before stopping Advair.

If you are using the Advair HFA aerosol inhaler, shake the inhaler well. Before you first use the inhaler, prepare it by spraying 4 test sprays into the air away from the face.

If the inhaler hasn’t been used for more than 4 weeks or if it is dropped, spray 2 times into the air to prepare it again.

If you have diabetes, Advair can increase your blood sugar. Let your doctor know if your breathing becomes worse or if you experience continued coughing after using Advair.

 

 

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.