Azithromycin (Zithromax) Medicare Coverage

Azithromycin is a medication typically used to treat infections including ear infections, skin infections, streptococcus, bladder infections and others. It can also be used to help treat COPD exacerbations.

Azithromycin is an antibiotic that inhibits bacteria from replicating in your body, allowing the infection to clear. The dose of azithromycin depends on the type of infection you have.

The most common side effects of azithromycin include headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomitting and upset stomach.

How much does Azithromycin cost with Medicare?

Azithromycin 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 Azithromycin?

According to GoodRx, 99% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Azithromycin in 2023.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Azithromycin 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 2023 Medicare Advantage plans included 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 Azithromycin. 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

It is very important to take your antibiotics as directed. Even if you start to feel better, you should always finish your entire course of antibiotics as you were told by your doctor. If you stop taking your antibiotics early, there is a risk of the infection coming back.

Azithromycin can be taken with or without food. If you are taking liquid azithromycin, shake it well before you use it, so it is properly mixed.

You should not take azithromycin with antacids that have magnesium or aluminum.

Talk to your doctor if you have any severe side effects. Especially if you experience severe diarrhea, as it may indicate a more serious condition.

People often have allergic reactions to antibiotics. Tell your doctor if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, hives, wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat.

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.