Levemir Medicare Coverage

Levemir is a medication that contains the active ingredient insulin detemir. Levemir is used to improve blood sugar control in people who have type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Levemir may be used once or multiple times daily. Levemir is an insulin medication that helps control your blood sugar.

Side effects of Levemir include irritation where you give the shot, weight gain, signs of a common cold, throat irritation, flu-like symptoms, headache, stomach pain and upset stomach.

Does Medicare cover Levemir?

No. Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans do not typically cover Levemir.¹

You may be able to find Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover other drugs that help treat diabetes and help control blood sugar.

• 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.

Or call 1-800-557-6059 1-800-557-6059 TTY Users: 711 24/7 to speak with a licensed insurance agent.

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.

Average costs for Levemir with Medicare drug coverage¹

Because Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans do not typically cover Levemir, you will likely be responsible for all costs for this drug if you have one of these types of Medicare coverage.

Additional information

Levemir is given as an injection into the fatty part of the skin. You can give the injection to the top of the thigh, the belly area or upper arm.

If you use Levemir once daily, use it with your evening meal or at bedtime. If you use Levemir twice a day, use the evening dose with your evening meal, at bedtime or 12 hours after the morning dose.

Move the site where you give the injection each time. Do not give the injection into irritated skin. Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, has changed color or has particles.

Do not reuse needles. Throw away needles into a sharps container after each use.

Levemir can cause low blood sugar. Signs of low blood sugar include confusion, dizziness, headache, feeling tired or weak, shaking sweating and hunger. Tell your doctor if you experience low blood sugar while taking Levemir.

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.