Xifaxan Medicare Coverage

Xifaxan is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient Rifaximin. Xifaxan is usually taken 2 to 3 times daily short term, or chronically depending on the condition being treated.

Rifaximin is a poorly absorbed antibiotic that is active against E. coli bacteria strains that cause diarrhea, and it is believed to reduce intestinal bacteria that produce ammonia in order to treat hepatic encephalopathy.

The major side effects of Xifaxan include headache, dizziness, stomach pain, nausea, feeling tired and weak, muscle spasms, nose or throat irritation and joint pain.

How much does Xifaxan cost with Medicare?

Xifaxan 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 Xifaxan?

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

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

This medication should only be used for the duration that your doctor prescribes. It can cause secondary infections if used any longer.

If you are taking this medication for traveler’s diarrhea, call your doctor if the diarrhea lasts more than 24-48 hours or if it gets worse.

If you are taking the medication Warfarin, you may need to take extra precaution while simultaneously taking Xifaxan.

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.