Tramadol (Ultram) Medicare Coverage

Tramadol is a medication used to treat pain. Tramadol is a schedule IV opioid pain medication, due to its potential for misuse and abuse. The brand name equivalent of Tramadol is Ultram.

Tramadol binds to specific receptors in the brain to help relieve pain. Tramadol is taken multiple times per day as needed, and the dose depends on your level of pain.

The major side effects of Tramadol include constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, upset stomach, insomnia and fatigue.

How much does Tramadol cost with Medicare?

Tramadol 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 Tramadol?

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

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

Tramadol can be taken with or without food. If you get an upset stomach after taking this medication, you can try taking it with food. Do not combine this pain medicine with any other pain medicines, even those you can buy over the counter.

Taking too much Tramadol can cause an overdose. Always take your pain medicine only as directed. Keep this drug out of the reach of children. If you take too much by accident, get emergency help right away.

Use of these medications with benzodiazepine medications or alcohol may increase the risk of life-threatening breathing problems.

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.