Golytely (Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes) Medicare Coverage

Golytely
Chemical name: Polyethylene Glycol with Electrolytes

Brand name: Golytely

Typical dosage: 4L

Typical type: Liquid1

Golytely is a medication used for bowel cleansing before a colonoscopy or enema examination. Golytely is available as a brand name or generic and comes as a powder to make an oral liquid.

Golytely is a medication that contains an active ingredient that is a polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution.

Golytely is used for bowel cleansing right before a colonoscopy or an enema X-ray examination. Golytely helps clear your bowels by using electrolytes and water to make you defecate.

Typically, your doctor will recommend drinking 8 ounces every 10 minutes until you consume a total of 4 liters.

Common side effects of Golytely include stomach pain, irritation, bloating, feeling full, upset stomach, cramps, insomnia and increased hunger.

Does Medicare cover Golytely or Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes?

While some Medicare plans may not cover Golytely, 100% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans cover Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes.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 Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes.

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Average costs for Polyethylene Glycol/Electrolytes 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 – $32 Free – $32

Additional information

Follow the instructions on how to take Golytely. This includes when to take it, foods and drinks to avoid before your exam and when to stop eating or drinking before your exam. Do not take any medications within 1 hour of taking Golytely.

Mix Golytely with water before taking it. Do not add any flavoring or other additives unless they come with the medication. You can chill the solution to make it taste better.  

Try to drink 8 ounces of liquid every 10 minutes unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. It is preferred for you to drink each portion rapidly, rather than drinking small amounts continuously. Continue this until you drink 4 liters of the solution in total.

Golytely can cause you to become dehydrated after use. Tell your doctor if you get dizzy, pass out or have any other unusual side effects.

 

 

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.