Pravastatin (Pravachol) Medicare Coverage

Pravastatin is a medication commonly used to treat high cholesterol and to lower triglycerides in the blood. The brand name equivalent of Pravastatin is called Pravachol.

Pravastatin is typically taken once daily, and the dose may depend on the extent of your high cholesterol.

The most common side effects of this drug include headache, dizziness, fatigue, diarrhea, stomach upset, nose and throat irritation and symptoms of a common cold.

How much does Pravastatin cost with Medicare?

Pravastatin 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 Pravastatin?

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

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

You may not be able to feel the effects of Pravastatin working. Pravastatin benefits you by preventing heart attack and stroke, even if you don’t feel different. Do not stop taking Pravastatin without first talking to your doctor about it.

Muscle and joint pains can be a common side effect of this medication. However, if you experience severe muscle pains, let your doctor know. It may mean that you started on too high of a dose, or that you may need to try another medication.

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.