Chantix Medicare Coverage

Chantix prevents nicotine – the addictive chemical contained in cigarettes – from being processed in the brain. By blocking the processing of nicotine in the brain, Chantix reduces the rewarding aspects of cigarette smoking, which reduces the urge to smoke.

When quitting smoking, symptoms of nicotine withdrawal such as restlessness, agitation and depressed mood can be experienced.

This medication must be taken at least 7 days before the desired quit date and is taken with meals and a full glass of water. Talk to your provider to decide on a desired quit date, because this can affect the dosing schedule of this medication.

Chantix is typically taken for 12 weeks, but can be taken for up to 24 weeks if necessary.

Common side effects of this medication are nausea, sleep disturbances, constipation and vomiting.

How much does Varenicline cost with Medicare?

Varenicline 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 Varenicline?

According to GoodRx, 100% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Varenicline, the generic form of Chantix, in 2023.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Varenicline 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 Varenicline. 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

Quitting smoking can lower the chances of lung and heart disease as well as certain cancers.

Chantix has been proven to be significantly better at helping people quit smoking than standard nicotine replacement methods such as a nicotine patch. The dose of Chantix will be gradually increased to minimize treatment-related nausea and insomnia.

Some patients may experience serious side effects including seizures, enhanced effects of alcohol, skin reactions, new or worsening mental health problems or cardiovascular events. Some people taking Chantix have reported experiencing vivid, unusual dreams during treatment.

This medication should be used with caution in patients with seizures, history of mental health problems, alcohol use, heart or blood vessel problems and those who are pregnant or breast feeding.

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.