Glipizide (Glucotrol) Medicare Coverage

Glipizide is a medication used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. The brad name equivalent of Glipizide is called Glucotrol.

Glipizide is typically taken 1 to 3 times daily. Your dose may be increased as needed until your blood sugar is more controlled.

Glipizide helps your pancreas release insulin, reduces how much sugar your liver releases into your body and increases your sensitivity to insulin.

Major side effects of glipizide include dizziness, diarrhea, low blood sugars, excitability and gas. 

How much does Glipizide cost with Medicare?

Glipizide 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 Glipizide?

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

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

If you are taking the immediate release tablet, take your dose 30 minutes before meals. If you are taking the extended release tablet, take with the first meal of the day.

Glipizide can cause low blood sugars. You can tell if your blood sugar is low if you experience symptoms such as shakiness, sweatiness, hunger, fatigue, dizziness, increased heartbeat, confusion or headache, or if your blood sugar readings are below 70 mg/dL.

If you experience low blood sugar while taking Glipizide, you can eat or drink 15g of carbohydrates, wait 15 minutes and recheck your blood sugar. If your blood sugar is still low, you can repeat the above.

If you experience many episodes of low blood sugar while taking Glipizide, talk to your doctor, as you may need an adjustment to your medications or doses.

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.