Medicare Prescriptions: Best Part D Plans to Save Money!

The top 10 most commonly prescribed drugs for people over 65 years old can vary depending on the population and the source of data, but generally include medications for conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, high cholesterol, diabetes, pain, and arthritis. The specific drugs covered by a Medicare Part D plan can vary depending on the plan and the area in which the beneficiary lives. However, some of the most commonly prescribed drugs for seniors that are typically covered by Part D plans include:

  1. Atorvastatin (for high cholesterol)
  2. Lisinopril (for high blood pressure)
  3. Synthroid (levothyroxine) for hypothyroidism
  4. Metformin (for diabetes)
  5. Plavix (clopidogrel) for heart disease and stroke prevention
  6. Amlodipine (for high blood pressure)
  7. Glipizide (for diabetes)
  8. Furosemide (for heart failure or high blood pressure)
  9. Diovan (valsartan) for high blood pressure
  10. Advair Diskus (fluticasone and salmeterol) for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Atorvastatin for High Cholesterol

Primary Uses

One of the primary uses of atorvastatin is to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. By reducing LDL cholesterol levels, atorvastatin can help to prevent these serious health conditions.

Other Uses

In addition to its cholesterol-lowering properties, atorvastatin has also been shown to have other beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. For example, it has been found to lower triglyceride levels, decrease inflammation, and improve the function of the endothelial cells that line the blood vessels. These effects may help to further reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Recommended Doses and Side Effects

Atorvastatin is usually prescribed in a dosage of 10-80mg per day, depending on the individual’s needs and response to the medication. It is normally taken by seniors on Medicare once or twice a day, with or without food. The most common side effects of atorvastatin are mild and include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. However, more serious side effects can occur, such as muscle pain or weakness, which should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.

Studies for other Diseases

In addition to its use in the treatment of high cholesterol, atorvastatin has also been studied for other potential uses. For example, research has suggested that it may be helpful in preventing or treating other conditions related to inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease. More research is needed to confirm these potential benefits as well as others and to determine the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment for more serious diseases like these two examples.

Risks

Atorvastatin is also known to interact with other medications, including some antibiotics, antifungals, and other statins, which can increase the risk of muscle damage or other side effects. Therefore, it is important to inform the healthcare provider of all medications and supplements that an individual is taking before starting treatment with atorvastatin.

Saving Money on Lipitor

There are several ways to save money on Lipitor if you have Medicare Part D coverage.

Compare plans: Compare the costs of different Medicare Part D plans to find one that covers Lipitor at the lowest cost.

Use generic drugs: Lipitor has a generic version called Atorvastatin, which is usually cheaper than the brand-name drug.

Extra Help: If you have limited income and resources, you may be eligible for the Extra Help program which helps with the cost of medications.

Check with your doctor: Ask your doctor if there is a different medication that is just as effective as Lipitor and is covered at a lower cost under your Medicare Part D plan.

Pharmacy discount: Some pharmacies offer discounts on certain medications, check with your local pharmacy to see if they offer discounts on Lipitor.

It’s important to note that these options and savings may vary depending on your individual circumstances, it is always best to check with Medicare and your provider for more specific and accurate information.

Summary

In conclusion, atorvastatin is a medication that is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood and prevent heart disease and stroke. It is a member of a class of drugs called statins, which work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. Atorvastatin is one of the most widely prescribed statins and is available in both brand-name and generic forms. It is usually prescribed in a dosage of 10-80mg per day and is typically taken once a day, with or without food. It is important to inform the healthcare provider of all medications and supplements that an individual is taking before starting treatment with atorvastatin and to report any serious side effects to a healthcare provider immediately.

Lisinopril for Hypertension

Lisinopril is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), as well as heart failure and kidney disease caused by diabetes. It works by relaxing the blood vessels, which allows the heart to pump blood more efficiently and reduces the workload on the heart. This, in turn, helps to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the kidneys.

Recommended Doses

The usual starting dose is 10mg per day, but the dosage may be adjusted based on the individual’s response to the medication and other factors such as age, weight, and other medical conditions. The maximum recommended dose is 80mg per day.
Common side effects of lisinopril include headache, dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own, but if they become severe or persistent, it is important to contact a healthcare provider. Lisinopril can also cause more serious side effects, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Risks with Lisinopril

Lisinopril can also interact with other medications, including diuretics, potassium supplements, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Therefore, it is important to inform the healthcare provider of all medications and supplements that an individual is taking before starting treatment with lisinopril.
It is also important to note that lisinopril should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it may harm the developing fetus or nursing child. Women of childbearing age should also use effective birth control while taking lisinopril, as it can increase the risk of birth defects.

Saving on Zestril with Lisinopril or GoodRx

GoodRx is a website and mobile app that provides users with information about prescription drug prices and discounts. You can use GoodRx to compare prices for Zestril at different pharmacies near you and find coupons to help lower the cost.

To find the lowest price for Zestril on GoodRx, you can search for the drug on the website or mobile app, and enter your location to find local pharmacies and prices. You can also see the prices for the generic alternative Lisinopril, which is often less expensive than the brand-name drug.

It’s important to note that prices and discounts on GoodRx are subject to change, and it’s always best to check with the pharmacy directly to confirm pricing and any potential discounts. Additionally, GoodRx discounts are not insurance and should not be used as a substitute for insurance.

Summary

In conclusion, Lisinopril is a medication that is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and kidney disease caused by diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called ACE inhibitors and works by relaxing the blood vessels which allows the heart to pump blood more efficiently and reduces the workload on the heart. It is typically taken once a day and the usual starting dose is 10mg per day, but the dosage may be adjusted based on the individual’s response to the medication. It’s important to inform the healthcare provider of all medications and supplements that an individual is taking before starting treatment with Lisinopril and to report any serious side effects to a healthcare provider immediately.

Synthroid (levothyroxine)

Synthroid (levothyroxine) is a medication that is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone plays an important role in regulating the body’s metabolism, and a deficiency of this hormone can lead to a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and depression. Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroid hormone and is used to replace the thyroid hormone that the body is not producing. It is taken orally and is typically prescribed once a day, on an empty stomach, and at least 30 minutes before breakfast.

Dosage of Levothyroxine

The dosage of levothyroxine may vary depending on the individual’s needs and response to the medication, and it may take several weeks or even months to find the right dosage. Common side effects of levothyroxine include headache, insomnia, and tremors, but they are usually mild and go away on their own. More serious side effects such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or symptoms of an allergic reaction should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately. The dosage may vary depending on the individual’s needs and response to the medication and it may take several weeks or even months to find the right dosage. It’s important to inform the healthcare provider of all medications and supplements that an individual is taking before starting treatment with Synthroid (levothyroxine) and to have regular blood tests to check the levels of thyroid hormone and adjust the dosage as needed.

Risks

It’s important to note that levothyroxine can interact with other medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants, and certain supplements like iron, calcium, and soy. Therefore, it’s important to inform the healthcare provider of all medications and supplements that an individual is taking before starting treatment with levothyroxine. It’s also important to have regular blood tests to check the levels of thyroid hormone and to adjust the dosage as needed. It’s also important to note that levothyroxine should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding without consulting the healthcare provider, as it may harm the developing fetus or nursing child. In conclusion, Synthroid (levothyroxine) is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It’s a synthetic form of thyroid hormone and is used to replace the thyroid hormone that the body is not producing. It’s usually taken orally, once a day, on an empty stomach, and at least 30 minutes before breakfast.

Save Money with Synthroid on Medicare Part D

Specific coverage of Synthroid or Levothyroxine under a Medicare Part D plan can vary depending on the plan and the area in which the beneficiary lives. Some plans may have a preferred formulary, which lists the medications that are covered and the specific terms of coverage, such as co-pays or deductibles. Some plans may also have different tiers of coverage, with some medications requiring a higher co-pay or deductible than others. It’s important to check with the specific plan and provider to confirm that Levothyroxine is covered under the plan. Beneficiaries can also check with their pharmacist or healthcare provider to find out if their plan covers Levothyroxine and what the cost will be. Additionally, beneficiaries can check with the Medicare plan finder tool, which allows beneficiaries to compare different plans and find out which plans cover Synthroid. Specific plans such as Wellcare Value Script (PDP) and SilverScript SmartSaver tend to cover levothyroxine as a low-tier prescription drug for Medicare Part D.

Metformin

Metformin belongs to a class of drugs called biguanides, which work by decreasing the amount of glucose (sugar) produced by the liver and increasing the sensitivity of muscle and fat cells to insulin, a hormone that regulates the uptake of glucose into the body’s cells. This helps to lower blood sugar levels and improve glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes.

Doses and Side Effects of Metformin

Metformin is usually prescribed in a dosage of 500-2000mg per day, depending on the individual’s needs and response to the medication. It is usually taken 2-3 times a day, with or without food. The most common side effects of metformin are mild and include diarrhea, nausea, and upset stomach. However, more serious side effects can occur, such as lactic acidosis, which is a buildup of lactic acid in the blood that can be fatal. This side effect is rare but should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately if it occurs.
In addition to its use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, metformin has also been studied for other potential uses. For example, research has suggested that it may be helpful in preventing or treating other conditions related to insulin resistance, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

It’s important to note that metformin can interact with other medications, including diuretics, blood pressure medications, and some antibiotics. Therefore, it’s important to inform the healthcare provider of all medications and supplements that an individual is taking before starting treatment with metformin.

Save Money on Fortamet/Metformin with Clear Spring Health PDP?

Fortamet and Glumetza are brand-name medications that contain the active ingredient metformin, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Here are some ways to save money on these medications: Use a generic version: Metformin is available as a generic medication, which is typically less expensive than brand-name drugs like Fortamet and Glumetza. A person who lives in Jacksonville, Florida might want to see if Clear Spring Health has a cheap price for Glumetza or Fortamet. Clear Spring Health Value Rx (PDP) is a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan that may provide coverage for Fortamet, however, I don’t have specific information about the plan’s coverage of Fortamet. To confirm if Fortamet is covered under the plan, it’s best to check the plan’s formulary or contact Clear Spring Health directly.

In conclusion, Metformin is a medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called biguanides, which work by decreasing the amount of glucose (sugar) produced by the liver and increasing the sensitivity of muscle and fat cells to insulin. It’s usually prescribed in a dosage of 500-2000mg per day, depending on the individual’s needs and response to the medication. It is usually taken 2-3 times a day, with or without food. The most common side effects of metformin are mild and include diarrhea, nausea, and upset stomach. It’s important to inform the healthcare provider of all medications and supplements that an individual is taking before starting treatment with metformin. Also, it’s important to monitor blood sugar levels regularly while taking metformin and to report any serious side effects to a healthcare provider immediately.

Plavix

Plavix (clopidogrel) is a medication that is used to prevent blood clots and lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular events. It belongs to a class of drugs called antiplatelet agents, which work by inhibiting the activity of platelets, which are cells in the blood that are involved in the formation of clots. By preventing platelets from clumping together, clopidogrel can help to reduce the risk of blood clots and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events.

Plavix Doses

Plavix is usually prescribed in a dosage of 75mg per day and it is typically taken once a day, with or without food. The most common side effects of Plavix are mild and include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. However, more serious side effects can occur, such as bleeding, which should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.
Plavix is often prescribed for people who have had a heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease, or those who have a high risk of having one. Plavix works by preventing blood clots from forming in the blood vessels, which can help reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
It’s important to note that Plavix can interact with other medications, including blood thinners, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it’s important to inform the healthcare provider of all medications and supplements that an individual is taking before starting treatment with Plavix.
In conclusion, Plavix (clopidogrel) is a medication that is used to prevent blood clots and lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular events. It belongs to a class of drugs called antiplatelet agents, which work by inhibiting the activity of platelets.

Can you Save with Express Scripts?

Someone on Medicare part d can try Mutual of Omaha with Express Scripts. Express Scripts is a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) that provides services to help manage prescription drug benefits for insurance plans, including Medicare Part D, plans such as Mutual of Omaha Rx Essential (PDP). Express Scripts may be responsible for processing claims, negotiating prices with drug manufacturers and pharmacies, and administering the formulary (list of covered drugs) for the Mutual of Omaha Rx Essential (PDP) plan.

It’s important to note that the PBM, in this case, Express Scripts, is separate from the insurance company, Mutual of Omaha and their role is to negotiate the prices of the drugs and manage the claims. The coverage, cost-sharing, and drug list will be determined by the Mutual of Omaha Rx Essential (PDP) plan. Beneficiaries should check with the plan or Express Scripts for more information on coverage, cost-sharing, and the formulary.

Amlodipine

Amlodipine is a medication that is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina (chest pain). It belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers, which work by relaxing the blood vessels, which allows the heart to pump blood more efficiently and reduces the workload on the heart. This, in turn, helps to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart.

Amlodipine is typically taken once a day, with or without food. The usual starting dose is 5mg per day, but the dosage may be adjusted based on the individual’s response to the medication and other factors such as age, weight, and other medical conditions. The maximum recommended dose is 10mg per day.

Common side effects of amlodipine include headache, dizziness, nausea, and swelling of the legs and ankles. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own, but if they become severe or persistent, it is important to contact a healthcare provider. Amlodipine can also cause more serious side effects, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or an irregular heartbeat.

Amlodipine can also interact with other medications, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and other blood pressure medications. Therefore, it is important to inform the healthcare provider of all medications and supplements that an individual is taking before starting treatment with amlodipine.

Save with Blink Rx

Anthem MediBlue Rx Standard (PDP) is a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan offered by Anthem, and Blink Rx is a discount card program offered by Blink Health, a company that aims to provide affordable prescription drugs for individuals. The Blink Rx card can be used to reduce the cost of prescription medications at participating pharmacies. The card can be used in addition to insurance, including Medicare Part D plans like Anthem MediBlue Rx Standard (PDP), to lower the out-of-pocket costs for medications. However, it is important to note that not all pharmacies will accept the Blink Rx card, and the discounts may vary depending on the medication and location. It is always best to check with Anthem MediBlue Rx Standard (PDP) and Blink Health for more information on coverage, cost-sharing, and participating pharmacies for both your prescription drug plan and Blink Rx card.

It is also important to note that amlodipine should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it may harm the developing fetus or nursing child. Women on a Medicare Part D plan such as AARP MedicareRx Walgreens should talk to their pharmacist also. 

Glipizide (for diabetes)

Glipizide is a medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonylureas, which work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin, a hormone that regulates the uptake of glucose into the body’s cells. This helps to lower blood sugar levels and improve glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes. Glipizide is usually prescribed in a dosage of 2.5-20mg per day, depending on the individual’s needs and response to the medication. The most common side effects of glipizide are mild and include nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomach. However, more serious side effects can occur, such as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately. It’s important to note that glipizide can interact with other medications, including diuretics, blood pressure medications, and antibiotics. Therefore, it’s important to inform the healthcare provider of all medications and supplements that an individual is taking before starting treatment with glipizide. It’s also important to have regular blood tests to check the levels of blood sugar and to adjust the dosage as needed. It’s also important to note that glipizide should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding without consulting the healthcare provider, as it may harm the developing fetus or nursing child. In conclusion, Glipizide is a medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It’s usually prescribed in a dosage of 2.5-20mg per day, depending on the individual’s needs and response to the medication. The most common side effects of glipizide are mild and include nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomach. It’s important to inform the healthcare provider of all medications and supplements that an individual is taking before starting treatment with Glipizide and to have regular blood tests to check the levels of blood sugar and adjust the dosage as needed.

Save with Amazon Pharmacy

Amazon Pharmacy is an online service offered by Amazon that allows customers to purchase prescription drugs and other medical products. Customers can fill new prescriptions, refill existing prescriptions, and manage their medications online. Elixir RxPlus (PDP) is a prescription drug plan offered by Elixir Health which can possibly be used with Amazon Pharmacy. It is a Medicare Part D plan, which means it is a government-subsidized program that helps seniors and people with disabilities pay for their prescription drugs. PDP stands for “Prescription Drug Plan”. It is not clear how the two are related, but they are different services offered by different companies.
There are several ways that customers can save money when using Amazon Pharmacy:
Amazon Prime members can save up to 80% on select generic and brand-name medications when they pay for their prescriptions using their Prime account.
Amazon Pharmacy offers a free prescription discount card that can be used to save on medication costs at participating pharmacies.
Customers can also save money by ordering their medications in bulk. Amazon Pharmacy offers discounts for customers who order 90-day supplies of their medications.
Customers can also save money by comparing prices for their medications on Amazon Pharmacy with prices at other pharmacies.
Customers can also save money by using Amazon Pharmacy’s Auto-Refill feature, which automatically refills and ships their medications on a schedule set by the customer.
Amazon Pharmacy also offers a price match guarantee, which means they will match the price of any competitor for the same medication.
Some insurance plans also covers the cost of medication, customers can check their insurance plan and use the insurance card on Amazon pharmacy to save on medication cost
It’s worth noting that prices and savings may vary depending on location, the type of medication, and the customer’s insurance coverage.

Furosemide (for heart failure or high blood pressure)

Furosemide is a medication that is used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure (hypertension). It belongs to a class of drugs called loop diuretics, which work by increasing the amount of salt and water that is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys, which causes an increase in urine output. This helps to lower the amount of fluid in the body, which in turn helps to reduce the workload on the heart and improve blood flow.
Furosemide is typically taken once or twice a day, with or without food. The usual starting dose is 20-80mg per day, but the dosage may be adjusted based on the individual’s response to the medication and other factors such as age, weight, and other medical conditions. The maximum recommended dose is 600mg per day.
Common side effects of furosemide include dehydration, dizziness, and electrolyte imbalances. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own, but if they become severe or persistent, it is important to contact a healthcare provider. Furosemide can also cause more serious side effects, such as low blood pressure, kidney damage, or an allergic reaction.
Furosemide can also interact with other medications, including some blood pressure medications, aspirin, and other diuretics. Therefore, it is important to inform the healthcare provider of all medications and supplements that an individual is taking before starting treatment with furosemide.
It is also important to note that furosemide should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it may harm the developing fetus or nursing child.

Diovan (valsartan) for high blood pressure

Diovan (valsartan) is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. By blocking this hormone, Diovan relaxes the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing the pressure in the vessels. Diovan is usually taken once a day, with or without food. The dosage may be adjusted by a healthcare provider based on the patient’s blood pressure response. It is important to take Diovan as directed and not to stop taking the medication without consulting a healthcare provider. Like all medications, Diovan may cause side effects. However, serious side effects are rare. It is important to remember that Diovan is just one component of a comprehensive treatment plan for hypertension, which may also include lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management. You should always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and make sure to have regular check-ups while taking Diovan.

Try Wellcare at Kroger to Save on Diovan

Kroger is a large American grocery and retail store chain that also operates pharmacies in many of its locations.

WellCare is a company that provides Medicare prescription drug plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage plans (MAPDs) through its subsidiaries. WellCare is a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor that offers various PDP plans. It’s possible that Kroger has partnership with WellCare to provide PDP plans to the customers.

It’s best to check with your local Kroger store or by visiting WellCare’s website to see if this partnership is available in your area and what plans are offered. You can also check with a licensed insurance agent for more information about the availability of WellCare PDP plans through Kroger.

Advair Diskus (fluticasone and salmeterol) for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Advair Diskus is a prescription medication that contains a combination of fluticasone and salmeterol. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation in the airways, while salmeterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles in the airways and helps to open them up. Together, they work to improve breathing and reduce symptoms in people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Advair Diskus is usually used twice a day as a long-term maintenance treatment to prevent symptoms and improve lung function. It is important to use Advair Diskus as directed by your healthcare provider and not to stop or change the dosage without consulting your healthcare provider. Advair Diskus may cause serious side effects such as the increased risk of respiratory infections, and worsening of asthma.

Save at Rite Aid or Walmart

Humana Walmart Value Rx Plan (PDP) is a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) offered by Humana and Walmart that could help you save on Advair Diskus or fluticasone. It is designed to help eligible Medicare beneficiaries pay for the cost of prescription drugs. This plan is a PDP that is available to those who are enrolled in Medicare, and it can be used at Rite Aid or Walmart to purchase drugs like fluticasone. It’s best to check with Humana or Walmart to see if Advair Diskus is covered under the Humana Walmart Value Rx Plan (PDP) and what the cost will be. You can also check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if there are any generic alternatives such as fluticasone available that may be covered under your plan and at Rite Aid pharmacy.

Disclaimer: This video and blog post are for entertainment purposes only.  If you want advice on Medicare or any of its plans, please speak to a licensed agent, whether it is me or another licensed agent. No advice should be taken from this video or blog post.  If you don’t speak to me about your individual concerns, I can’t give you my 100% opinion. Brian Monahan and Medicare 365 are not responsible for any actions that you take without consulting with a licensed insurance agent.

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