Symbicort Medicare Coverage

Symbicort is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredients Budesonide and Formoterol. Symbicort is an inhaled solution that is used once to twice daily, depending on the condition being treated.

Budesonide is a corticosteroid that prevents and controls inflammation and formoterol acts on beta receptors to relax muscles in the airway.

The major side effects include headache, stomach pain, stuffy nose, nose and throat irritation, signs of a common cold, throat pain, back pain and throwing up.

How much does Symbicort cost with Medicare?

Symbicort 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 Symbicort?

According to GoodRx, Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans typically didn't cover Symbicort in 2023.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover prescription drugs 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 2024 Medicare Advantage plans include 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 prescription drugs. 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

Symbicort should be shaken well before use.

You should rinse out your mouth after each time you use it to avoid an infection called thrush. Rinse your mouth with water and spit the water out.

It may take up to 2 weeks to see the full effect of Symbicort. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor first.

Symbicort is used for chronic treatment of asthma and COPD and should not be used as a rescue inhaler or to treat COPD exacerbations.

Long term use of Symbicort may increase the risk of cataracts or glaucoma, osteoporosis and infections like the cold or flu. In patients with COPD, Symbicort can increase the risk of getting pneumonia.

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.