Suboxone® Medicare Coverage

Suboxone is a schedule III prescription medication that contains the active ingredients buprenorphine and naloxone. It is taken once daily for treatment and long-term maintenance of opioid dependence.

Buprenorphine is a mild opioid receptor agonist that can help to inhibit symptoms of withdrawal, while naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist used to prevent the euphoric effects of opioids to deter patients from relapsing.

Common side effects of Suboxone include headache, sweating, nausea, constipation and lower back or abdominal pain.

Does Medicare cover Suboxone or Buprenorphine/Naloxone?

While some Medicare plans may  not cover Suboxone, 84% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans cover generic Buprenorphine/Naloxone.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans that offer prescription drug coverage are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD). Most Medicare Advantage beneficiaries (88 percent) are enrolled in MA-PDs.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 Buprenorphine/Naloxone.

Or call 1-800-557-6059 1-800-557-6059 TTY Users: 711 24/7 to speak with a licensed insurance agent.

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.

Average costs for Buprenorphine/Naloxone with Medicare drug coverage¹

Your copay and deductible costs for any prescription drug can vary depending on what coverage stage you’re in.

Additional information

Suboxone is used in combination with counseling and psychosocial support for the treatment of opioid dependence. It may only be prescribed by licensed providers and dispensed at registered pharmacies.

Because Suboxone is a schedule III drug, each prescription expires six months from the date it was written and can only be refilled five times.

Symptoms of withdrawal may arise with abrupt discontinuation of Suboxone. Hepatitis has been associated with this medication, and your provider may request labs to monitor your liver function.

Other serious adverse effects include impaired physical or mental abilities, low blood pressure, fainting and difficulty breathing.

While most patients can safely use Suboxone, it is not recommended for patients who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding.

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.