Mupirocin (Bactroban) Medicare Coverage

Mupirocin is an antibiotic topical medication used to treat infections that happen on the skin or in the nose, including topical staph infections. The brand name equivalent of Mupirocin is called Bactroban.

Mupirocin is usually applied to the skin multiple times daily for up to 10 days to treat the infection. This medication blocks bacteria from forming, which allows the infection to heal.

Major side effects of Mupirocin include burning, itching and stinging of the skin where it is applied. The nasal ointment side effects include headache, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, changes in taste and a runny nose.

How much does Mupirocin cost with Medicare?

Mupirocin 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 Mupirocin?

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

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

Use Mupirocin on the skin as your doctor has instructed, even if it looks like your infection is getting better. Do not use this drug orally and avoid getting it in your eyes and mouth. Wash your hands before and after use.

If you are using the single-use nose ointment, use half of the ointment from the tube into one nostril and the other half of the ointment into the other nostril. Press on your nostrils at the same time and repeat to spread the ointment into the nose.

Throw away the tube after using. Do not reuse.

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.