Glimepiride (Amaryl) Medicare Coverage

Glimepiride is a medication used to treat high blood sugar for people who have type 2 diabetes. The brand name equivalent of Glimepiride is called Amaryl.

It is typically taken one time daily. Glimepiride stimulates insulin production and reduces glucose output from the liver.

Common side effects of Glimepiride include upset stomach, dizziness, fatigue, headache, flu-like symptoms and weight gain.

How much does Glimepiride cost with Medicare?

Glimepiride 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 Glimepiride?

According to GoodRx, 100% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Glimepiride in 2023.¹

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

Take Glimepiride with a meal. If you take it once a day, take Glimepiride with your breakfast. It’s best to try and take this medication at the same time every day.

Glimepiride works best along with a healthy lifestyle and diet.

Glimepiride can cause low blood sugar. Signs of low blood sugar include headache, feeling tired and weak, shaking, confusion, hunger, rapid heartbeat and sweating.

If you experience these symptoms while taking Glimepiride or if your blood sugar falls to less than 70 mg/dL, you should eat or drink 15 grams of carbohydrates, wait 15 minutes, then recheck your blood sugar.

Repeat if your blood sugar remains low. If you continuously have low blood sugar, talk to your doctor, as your medications may need to be adjusted.

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.