Arimidex (Anastrozole) Medicare Coverage

Arimidex is a medication that contains the active ingredient Anastrozole.

Arimidex is used to as a first-line medication to treat breast cancer that is locally advanced or metastatic in post-menopausal women. It may also be used with other agents to treat other types of breast cancer.

Arimidex works by stopping the production of necessary steroids needed by tumor cells so the tumor can no longer replicate and grow. Arimidex is typically taken one time daily.

Common side effects of Arimidex include hot flashes, fatigue, headache, upset stomach, joint or muscle pain, insomnia, cough, sore throat, constipation, diarrhea, weight gain, dizziness, anxiety, flu-like symptoms and pelvic pain.

How much does Anastrozole cost with Medicare?

Anastrozole 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 Anastrozole?

According to GoodRx, 100% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Anastrozole, the generic form of Arimidex, in 2023.¹

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

It is important to take Arimidex daily in order to receive the full anti-cancer benefits of the medication.

Arimidex lowers the estrogen in your body, which can cause bones to weaken. This can increase your risk for broken bones. Bone density tests are important while taking this medication.

Talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms of liver problems (problems urinating, blood in the urine, upset stomach, yellow eyes or skin), urinary tract infection (pain when urinating, frequent urination, fever, stomach pain) or high blood pressure (headache, dizziness, fainting or changes in eyesight).

You may have problems with blood flow to the heart if you have previously had a blockage in their heart.

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.