Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) Medicare Coverage

Ibuprofen is the generic name for the commonly known brand name drugs Advil and Motrin.

Ibuprofen is commonly used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain, inflammation and swelling, fever and arthritis. You can get ibuprofen as a prescription from your doctor or over the counter at your pharmacy.

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication that decreases substances in the body that cause pain, inflammation and fever.

The most common side effects of Ibuprofen include upset stomach, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, gas and dizziness.

How much does Ibuprofen cost with Medicare?

Ibuprofen 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 Ibuprofen?

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

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

Ibuprofen can cause stomach ache and can also lead to stomach problems including ulcers. Ibuprofen can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to take Ibuprofen with food or a snack to reduce the risk of stomach problems occurring.

Ibuprofen and other NSAID drugs can increase your risk of having a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke. You should not use Ibuprofen if you have had a coronary artery bypass graft surgery or if you are on blood thinning medication.

Liver problems can occur with this medication. Signs of liver problems include dark urine, fatigue, loss of appetite and stomach pain.

Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to take your ibuprofen. If you buy this medication over the counter, do not take more than 3200 mg in one day.

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.