Levothyroxine (Euthyrox/Levo-T/Synthroid) Medicare Coverage

Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat underactive thyroid, also called hypothyroidism. Brand name equivalents of Levothyroxine include Synthroid, Levo-T and Euthyrox.

Levothyroxine is a lab-made chemical that imitates the hormone that a normal thyroid produces. This helps your body have enough of the hormone to carry out its normal functions.

Levothyroxine doses are taken once daily, can be variable and often change depending on your body’s needs. Levothyroxine is usually well tolerated but may cause some stomach upset when you’re first starting to use the drug.

How much does Levothyroxine cost with Medicare?

Levothyroxine 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 Levothyroxine?

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

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

Since your thyroid is very sensitive, it may take time to find the right dose of levothyroxine for your body.

Signs of an underactive thyroid can include slowed heartbeat, constipation, intolerance to cold, depression, fatigue, forgetfulness and weight gain, among other symptoms.

Signs of an overactive thyroid or too much levothyroxine include rapid heartbeat, weight loss, frequent bowel movements, difficulty sleeping, heat intolerance and nervousness. If you experience symptoms of too little or too much levothyroxine, call your doctor to let them know.

For the most benefit, you should take levothyroxine on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast. Avoid antacids with aluminum, magnesium or calcium carbonate within 4 hours before or 4 hours after taking levothyroxine.

You should not use levothyroxine if you have any type of thyroid nodules. Some exceptions can be made, but use caution.

Levothyroxine should also be used with caution in postmenopausal women, elderly patients and patients with heart disease and osteoporosis. Caution should also be used in patients with diabetes.

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.