Prednisone (Sterapred, Deltasone) Medicare Coverage

Prednisone is a steroid medication with many different uses, such as controlling allergic reactions and treating skin diseases, arthritis, eye disorders, stomach disorders and more. Your dose of Prednisone will depend on what you are using it for.

Prednisone is a corticosteroid that decreases inflammation, suppresses the immune system and can help control nausea in some situations.

The most common side effects of Prednisone include upset stomach, vomiting, insomnia, restlessness, sweating, dizziness and headache.

How much does Prednisone cost with Medicare?

Prednisone 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 Prednisone?

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

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

For the most benefit – and to reduce side effects – take Prednisone with food or a glass of milk. If you are taking the medication once a day, take it in the morning to avoid insomnia.

Take this medication as directed by your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. Do not stop taking Prednisone without talking to your doctor first. If you have used Prednisone for a long period of time, your doctor may slowly take you off of it over time.

This drug may increase your chance for getting an infection. Wash your hands often and avoid people who are sick and call your doctor if you experience any signs of a wound or illness that will not heal.

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.