Proair® Medicare Coverage

Proair inhalers contain the active ingredient Albuterol. Proair is used as a rescue inhaler to treat wheezing and shortness of breath associated with COPD or asthma.

This medication is only used during asthma or COPD attacks and is not meant to be a maintenance medication. Proair helps relax the muscles in your throat to make it easier to breathe.

The major side effects of Proair include nervousness, headache, dizziness, vomiting, upset stomach, shakiness, throat irritation and runny nose.

How much does Albuterol cost with Medicare?

Albuterol 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 Albuterol?

According to GoodRx, 96% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Albuterol, the generic form of Proair, in 2023.¹

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

Shake and prime the inhaler before the first use. You should also prime the inhaler if you have not used the inhaler for a week or more.

If you have trouble using the inhaler, talk to your pharmacist or doctor about a spacer to help you inhale the medication.

If you are using a Proair rescue inhaler very often, talk to your doctor, as your maintenance medications may need to be adjusted for better control of your asthma or COPD.

If you use this medication and your breathing becomes worse, go to the hospital, as severe breathing problems can occur.  

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.