Micardis (Telmisartan) Medicare Coverage

Micardis is a medication that contains the active ingredients Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide. It is used to treat high blood pressure and is typically taken once daily.

Telmisartan helps relax your blood vessels, while hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that helps you get rid of excess fluid.

Common side effects of Micardis include sinus pain, stuffy nose, sore throat, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, back pain, diarrhea and upset stomach.

How much does Telmisartan cost with Medicare?

Telmisartan 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 Telmisartan?

According to GoodRx, 97% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Telmisartan, the generic form of Micardis, in 2023.¹

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

Micardis can make you urinate more often. To avoid having to wake up multiple times per night, try to take your dose several hours before bedtime.

Micardis can lead to electrolyte problems. Symptoms of problems with your electrolytes include mood changes, confusion, muscle pain, weakness, abnormal heartbeat, changes in urinaton, upset stomach or vomiting. Let your doctor know if you experience these symptoms.

Eye problems can happen after taking Micardis. Changes in eyesight or eye pain may happen within hours to weeks of starting this medication.

A swelling problem called angioedema has happened while taking Micardis. This includes swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, tongue or throat. This can cause issues with breathing, swallowing or hoarseness.

This is an emergency adverse reaction. Get medical help right away if you experience any of the above 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.