Lorazepam (Ativan) Medicare Coverage

Lorazepam
Chemical name: Lorazepam

Brand name: Ativan

Typical dosage: 1mg

Typical type: Tablet1

Lorazepam is a medication typically used to treat anxiety. Lorazepam is available as a brand name drug or as a generic and comes as an oral tablet and oral solution.

Lorazepam is the generic form of the brand name medication Ativan.

Lorazepam is used short term (less than 4 months) to treat anxiety symptoms, anxiety associated with depression symptoms or anxiety/stress-associated insomnia. Your dosage of Lorazepam depends on what you are treating, but is typically taken 1 to 3 times daily.

Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine medication that works in the brain to help calm anxiety. The most common side effects you may experience while taking Lorazepam include feeling tired, dizziness, headache and fatigue.  

Does Medicare cover Lorazepam or Ativan?

Yes! 100% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans cover Lorazepam.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 Lorazepam.

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Average costs for Lorazepam 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.
$2 – $25 Free – $25

Additional information

You can take Lorazepam with or without food, but food may help if this medication upsets your stomach. Avoid alcohol while taking Lorazepam.

Take Lorazepam as your doctor has prescribed. If you take this drug on a regular basis, do not stop taking this medication suddenly, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Lorazepam can make you very tired. Make sure you know how it affects you before doing any activities like driving or other tasks that require you to be alert.

Using Lorazepam or other benzodiazepine medications with opioid pain medications can result in extreme sedation, slow breathing, coma and even death. It is very important to talk to your doctor about the best way to take your medications if you are taking both of these medications together.

If you take these medications together, get help right away if you feel extremely sleepy or dizzy, if you have slow or troubled breathing or if you pass out.

 

 

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.