Metoprolol Succinate (Metoprolol ER/Toprol XL) Medicare Coverage

Metoprolol succinate is a medication with heart protective properties. It is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure and other cardiac disorders. It is often used to help prevent heart attacks after a patient has already suffered one heart attack.

Metoprolol succinate is also called Metoprolol ER. The brand name equivalent of metoprolol succinate is Toprol XL.

Metoprolol is usually taken 1 to 2 times daily, but the dose depends on the cardiac condition you are treating.

Metoprolol works by blocking beta receptors in the heart, which helps relax your blood vessels and lower your blood pressure. Major side effects of metoprolol succinate include fatigue, dizziness, diarrhea and upset stomach or vomiting.

How much does Metoprolol ER cost with Medicare?

Metoprolol ER 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 Metoprolol ER?

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

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Metoprolol ER 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 Metoprolol ER. 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 an immediate release form of metoprolol, it is best taken with a full glass of water. You can take all forms of metoprolol succinate with or without food, but try to take it the same way each time: always take it with food or always take it on an empty stomach.

You may not be able to feel the benefit of metoprolol. Do not stop taking metoprolol unless you are instructed to by your doctor.

Taking your blood pressure medications as directed is important in decreasing your risk for heart attack or stroke. Stopping metoprolol abruptly can cause extreme side effects including chest pain and even heart attack.

You may feel dizzy while taking metoprolol. If you have a lot of dizzy episodes or pass out, talk to your doctor, as your blood pressure may be too low.

You may feel very fatigued when you begin taking metoprolol. While this side effect is unpleasant, it typically does go away with time.

If you have diabetes, metoprolol can mask the signs of low blood sugar. Test your blood sugar regularly and take the proper steps if your blood sugar levels are low, even if you don’t feel symptoms.

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.