Alendronate (Fosamax) Medicare Coverage

Alendronate is a medication used to stop the progression of bone diseases including osteoporosis and Paget’s disease. The brand name equivalent of Alendronate is called Fosamax.

Alendronate is typically taken 1 time a week. This drug works by blocking substances that deteriorate your bones. This increases bone mineral density and helps prevent future bone damage and fractures.

Major side effects of Alendronate include stomach pain, upset stomach, vomiting, headache, constipation, diarrhea and muscle or joint pain.

How much does Alendronate cost with Medicare?

Alendronate 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 Alendronate?

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

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

You should take Alendronate on an empty stomach before breakfast. Take Alendronate at least 30 minutes before your first food, drink or other medications of the day.

Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Alendronate and until after you eat some food. If you take the oral tablets, drink a full glass of water with your dose. If you are using the oral liquid, drink a cup of water after taking your full dose.

Even if you feel fine, take this medication as directed by your doctor.

This medication can cause problems with the jawbone. The risk of jawbone problems increases the longer you take Alendronate. This risk may be higher if you have dental problems, cancer, dentures that do not fit well, anemia, blood clotting problems or an infection.

Talk to your doctor about this side effect if you are having dental work. Call your doctor if you are having jaw swelling or pain.

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.