Minocin (Minocycline) Medicare Coverage

Minocin is a medication that contains the active ingredient Minocycline. Minocin stops bacteria from forming by interfering with their replication.

Minocin is an antibiotic medication used to treat a variety of infections including brain infections, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, STDs and more. It can also be used to treat acne.

Minocin is usually taken 1-2 times daily for 7-10 days depending on the type of infection you are treating. Common side effects include diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness and fatigue.

How much does Minocycline cost with Medicare?

Minocycline 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 Minocycline?

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

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

Take Minocin at the same time of day, every day, with or without food. It is recommended to take your dose with a whole glass of water. Stop taking Minocin when your doctor tells you to. If you take it for longer than recommended, a second infection can happen. If you stop it early, your infection may not heal all the way.

You can get sunburned more easily while taking Minocin. Wear proper sun protection such as sunscreen and avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

Liver problems can happen while taking this medication. You may be experiencing liver problems if you have sings of fatigue, dark urine, abdominal pain or yellow skin or eyes. Call the doctor right away if you experience these symptoms.

Long-term use of Minocin can lead to thyroid cancer. If you notice hoarseness, a neck mass or trouble swallowing or breathing, get medical help right away. Minocin can rarely cause other problems such as skin reactions, eyesight changes, change in tooth color and kidney problems.

Minocin may cause birth control to not work as well. While you take it, use a second form of birth control to prevent pregnancy.

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.