Meclizine (Antivert) Medicare Coverage

Meclizine is a medication typically used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting or dizziness associated with motion sickness and vertigo. The brand name equivalent of Meclizine is called Antivert.

Meclizine is typically taken as needed for motion sickness 1-4 times daily for vertigo. Meclizine is an antihistamine medication that helps prevent and treat nausea and other symptoms.

Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, feeling tired or weak and throwing up.

How much does Meclizine cost with Medicare?

Meclizine 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 Meclizine?

According to GoodRx, 99% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Meclizine in 2023.¹

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

If you are taking Meclizine for prevention of motion sickness, take your dose 1 hour before travel. If you are taking Meclizine for vertigo, follow your doctor’s instructions.

Meclizine is available as a prescription from your doctor or can be bought over the counter at your pharmacy.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Meclizine. This medication can make you very tired.

Be sure you know how Meclizine affects you before driving or doing other activities. Side effects can be worse if you are over 65 years old.

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.