Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Medicare Coverage

Atorvastatin
Chemical name: Atorvastatin

Brand name: Lipitor

Typical dosage: 40mg

Typical type: Tablet1

Atorvastatin is a medication commonly used to treat high cholesterol. It is available as a brand name (Lipitor) or as a generic oral tablet.

Atorvastatin is a medication commonly used to treat high cholesterol and to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. It is usually given as a generic medication, but the brand name (Lipitor) is also available.

Atorvastatin is typically taken once daily, and the dose may depend on the extent of your high cholesterol.

The most common side effects of this drug include muscle pain, joint pain, upset stomach and trouble sleeping.

Does Medicare cover Atorvastatin or Lipitor?

Yes! 100% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans cover Atorvastatin.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 Atorvastatin.

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Average costs for Atorvastatin 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.
Free – $16 Free – $16

Additional information

You may not be able to feel the effects of Atorvastatin working. Do not stop taking Atorvastatin without first talking to your doctor about it.

Muscle and joint pain can be a common side effect of taking Atorvastatin.

If you experience severe muscle pains, let your doctor know. It may mean that you started on too high of a dose, or that you may need to try another medication.

 

 

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.

Copyright © 2019 TZ Insurance Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.

1 GoodRx. Atorvastatin. Retrieved May 2019, from www.goodrx.com/atorvastatin.

2 Jacobson, Gretchen; et al. A Dozen Facts About Medicare Advantage. (Nov. 13, 2018). Kaiser Family Foundation. Retrieved from www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief/a-dozen-facts-about-medicare-advantage.

MedicareAdvantage.com is a website owned and operated by TZ Insurance Solutions LLC. TZ Insurance Solutions LLC and TruBridge, Inc. represent Medicare Advantage Organizations and Prescription Drug Plans having Medicare contracts; enrollment in any plan depends upon contract renewal.

Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans, please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov.

Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.