How Much Does Xeljanz Cost With Medicare?

Xeljanz is a prescription medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you may be wondering how much this medication costs with your insurance. The cost of Xeljanz with Medicare can vary depending on several factors, and understanding these factors can help you plan for the cost of your treatment.

In this article, we will explore the different costs associated with Xeljanz and Medicare. We will discuss the various factors that influence the cost of this medication and provide you with some tips to help you save money on your Xeljanz prescription. So, if you are a Medicare beneficiary who is considering Xeljanz for your rheumatoid arthritis or ulcerative colitis, keep reading to learn more about the costs and options available to you.

How Much Does Xeljanz Cost With Medicare?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you know how expensive the medications can be. One such medication that is commonly prescribed for RA is Xeljanz. However, the cost of Xeljanz can be quite high, and you may be wondering how much it will cost with Medicare. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Xeljanz and its cost with Medicare.

What is Xeljanz?

Xeljanz is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe RA in adults. It works by blocking certain enzymes in the body that cause inflammation. Xeljanz can be taken orally in tablet form or as an extended-release tablet.

How Much Does Xeljanz Cost Without Medicare?

Before we dive into the cost of Xeljanz with Medicare, let’s take a look at how much it costs without insurance. The price of Xeljanz can vary depending on the dosage and where you purchase it. On average, the cost of a 30-day supply of Xeljanz can range from $4,000 to $5,000. This can be a huge financial burden for those who need the medication to manage their symptoms.

How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?

If you have Medicare, you may be wondering how much Xeljanz will cost you. Xeljanz is covered by Medicare Part D, which is the prescription drug coverage portion of Medicare. The cost of Xeljanz with Medicare will depend on your specific plan. You can check with your plan to see how much you will be responsible for paying.

What Are the Different Medicare Plans?

There are several different Medicare plans that you can choose from. Each plan has different costs and coverage options. Here are the main types of Medicare plans:

• Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
• Medicare Advantage (Part C)
• Medicare Part D (Prescription drug coverage)

How Does Medicare Part D Work?

Medicare Part D is the portion of Medicare that covers prescription drug costs. If you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you can enroll in a standalone Part D plan to get coverage for your medications. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your prescription drug coverage will be included in your plan.

What Will I Pay for Xeljanz with Medicare Part D?

The cost of Xeljanz with Medicare Part D will depend on your specific plan. Each plan has its own formulary, which is a list of covered medications and their costs. Xeljanz may be covered by some plans, but not others. You can check with your plan to see if Xeljanz is covered and what your out-of-pocket costs will be.

What Are the Benefits of Xeljanz?

Xeljanz can help manage the symptoms of RA, such as joint pain and swelling. It can also slow down the progression of joint damage. Xeljanz is taken orally, which can be more convenient than other medications that require injections or infusions.

What Are the Side Effects of Xeljanz?

Like all medications, Xeljanz can cause side effects. Some common side effects of Xeljanz include:

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Cough

If you experience any side effects while taking Xeljanz, be sure to tell your doctor.

Xeljanz vs. Other RA Medications

There are several other medications that are commonly used to treat RA. These include:

• Methotrexate
• Humira
• Enbrel
• Remicade

Each medication has its own benefits and drawbacks. Your doctor can help you decide which medication is right for you.

Conclusion

Xeljanz is a medication commonly used to treat RA. The cost of Xeljanz can be quite high, but it is covered by Medicare Part D. The cost of Xeljanz with Medicare will depend on your specific plan. If you have RA, talk to your doctor about whether Xeljanz is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about the cost of Xeljanz with Medicare.

What is Xeljanz and what is it used for?

Xeljanz is a medication that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. It works by suppressing the immune system, which helps to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints and other affected areas.

However, Xeljanz is a relatively expensive medication, and the cost can vary depending on several factors, including the type of insurance coverage you have.

How much does Xeljanz cost with Medicare?

The cost of Xeljanz with Medicare can vary depending on your specific plan and coverage. However, in general, most Medicare Part D plans will cover a portion of the cost of Xeljanz, but you may still be responsible for paying a significant amount out of pocket.

One way to potentially reduce the cost of Xeljanz with Medicare is to look for a plan that offers extra coverage for prescription drugs. Some Medicare Advantage plans, for example, may offer additional benefits that can help to lower your out-of-pocket costs.

Are there any programs available to help with the cost of Xeljanz?

Yes, there are several programs available that can help to reduce the cost of Xeljanz for eligible patients. One such program is the Pfizer Patient Assistance Program, which provides free medication to eligible patients who meet certain income and other criteria.

In addition, some nonprofit organizations and charities may offer financial assistance to help cover the cost of Xeljanz and other expensive medications.

What other factors can affect the cost of Xeljanz with Medicare?

Other factors that can affect the cost of Xeljanz with Medicare include the dosage and frequency of the medication, as well as any other medications you may be taking. In some cases, your doctor may be able to prescribe a lower-cost alternative to Xeljanz that is just as effective.

It is also important to note that the cost of Xeljanz may change over time, so it is important to keep track of your expenses and review your insurance coverage regularly to ensure that you are getting the best possible price for your medication.

What should I do if I can’t afford the cost of Xeljanz with Medicare?

If you are struggling to afford the cost of Xeljanz with Medicare, there are several steps you can take. First, talk to your doctor about any lower-cost alternatives that may be available.

You can also contact your insurance provider to see if they offer any additional coverage or assistance programs. Finally, consider reaching out to nonprofit organizations or charities that may be able to provide financial assistance to help cover the cost of your medication.

In conclusion, understanding the cost of Xeljanz with Medicare can be a daunting task, but it is an important one for those who rely on this medication. While the cost of Xeljanz may vary depending on your specific Medicare plan, it is essential to understand your coverage and out-of-pocket expenses.

It is important to note that there are options available to help offset the cost of Xeljanz, such as Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and financial assistance programs. It is crucial to speak with your healthcare provider and Medicare representative to explore all available options and make an informed decision that best meets your needs.

Ultimately, the cost of Xeljanz with Medicare should not deter individuals from seeking the necessary treatment for their condition. With proper education and research, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare and ensure they receive the necessary medications to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.