Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans can cover certain asthma medications, though plans that cover Symbicort may not be available where you live. Learn more about Symbicort and find Medicare Advantage plans in your area that cover other prescription drugs.
Symbicort
Chemical name: Budesonide/Formoterol
Typical dosage: 160mcg/4.5mcg
Typical type: Inhaler1
Symbicort is a medication typically used to treat asthma and COPD. Symbicort is a brand name only medication and is an inhaler.
Symbicort is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredients Budesonide and Formoterol. Symbicort is an inhaled solution that is used once to twice daily, depending on the condition being treated.
Budesonide is a corticosteroid that prevents and controls inflammation and formoterol acts on beta receptors to relax muscles in the airway.
The major side effects include headache, stomach pain, stuffy nose, nose and throat irritation, signs of a common cold, throat pain, back pain and throwing up.
How much does Symbicort cost with Medicare?
Symbicort 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 Symbicort?
According to GoodRx, Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans typically didn't cover Symbicort in 2023.1
Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover prescription drugs 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 2024 Medicare Advantage plans include 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 prescription drugs. We represent carriers such as Humana, UnitedHealthcare®, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna Healthcare, Wellcare, or Kaiser Permanente.
Join our email series to receive your free Medicare guide and the latest information about Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
By clicking "Sign me up!” you are agreeing to receive emails from MedicareAdvantage.com.
Additional information
Symbicort should be shaken well before use.
You should rinse out your mouth after each time you use it to avoid an infection called thrush. Rinse your mouth with water and spit the water out.
It may take up to 2 weeks to see the full effect of Symbicort. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor first.
Symbicort is used for chronic treatment of asthma and COPD and should not be used as a rescue inhaler or to treat COPD exacerbations.
Long term use of Symbicort may increase the risk of cataracts or glaucoma, osteoporosis and infections like the cold or flu. In patients with COPD, Symbicort can increase the risk of getting pneumonia.
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.
1 GoodRx. Symbicort. Retrieved November 2023, from www.goodrx.com/Symbicort/medicare-coverage.
Read our guide to Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans to discover the different plans, what they cover, how you can enroll and if an MAPD plan could benefit you. Read more
There are a number of prescription drug assistance programs that can help patients save on the rising cost of prescription drugs. Learn about eligibility. Read more
A formulary for Medicare is the list of drugs a given Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan will cover. A Medicare plan formulary details information such as how drugs are covered, their relative costs, limitations and/or restrictions. Read more
This guide explains 2023 Medicare Open Enrollment for 2024 coverage and other Medicare enrollment periods. Don't miss this important time to review and change your Medicare coverage. Read more
This report details where Medicare beneficiaries have access to the widest range of quality 2024 Medicare Advantage plans at the most affordable prices. Read more
Learn More About Medicare
Join our email series to receive your Medicare guide and the latest information about Medicare.
By clicking "Sign me up!” you are agreeing to receive emails from MedicareAdvantage.com.
Thanks for signing up for our emails!
Your Medicare guide will arrive in your email inbox shortly. You can also look forward to informative email updates about Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
If you'd like to speak with an agent right away, we're standing by for that as well. Give us a call!
1-800-557-6059TTY 711, 24/7LICENSED AGENTS AVAILABLE NOW
You're on your way to finding a Medicare Supplement plan!
Compare your Medigap plan options by visiting MedicareSupplement.com