Does Medicare Cover Synthroid, Flonase, Plavix, Valsartan and Flovent? (2027)

Reviewed October 16, 2026. Medicare Part D covers prescription Synthroid (levothyroxine), Plavix (clopidogrel), valsartan (Diovan) and fluticasone inhalers (the former Flovent HFA) when they’re on your plan’s formulary, and the generic versions are on most plan formularies. Medicare does not cover Flonase Allergy Relief bought over the counter, because Part D excludes non-prescription drugs. A prescription-only fluticasone nasal spray can be covered if your plan lists it.

Quick answer: Enter each drug, with its exact strength, into Medicare Plan Finder when you compare 2027 plans during Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7, 2026). It shows whether each plan covers the drug, its tier and your estimated yearly cost. In 2027, no Part D plan can have a deductible above $700, and your out-of-pocket costs for covered drugs are capped at $2,400 for the year.

Does Medicare cover these drugs? At a glance

Generic names and prescription status come from the FDA-approved labels on DailyMed. Each plan chooses which drugs and strengths it covers, so always check the formulary for your specific plan.

Does Medicare cover Synthroid?

Yes, through Part D. Synthroid is the brand name of levothyroxine sodium, a prescription thyroid hormone, and generic levothyroxine is available. Plans often put generics on lower-cost tiers. If your doctor wants you to stay on brand Synthroid, check whether your plan covers the brand and at what tier, because some plans cover only the generic or require an exception request. See our guide to levothyroxine for thyroid problems.

Does Medicare cover Flonase?

Not the store-bought kind. In 2014 the FDA approved Flonase Allergy Relief for over-the-counter sale “at the same dosage strength as found in prescription Flonase.” (GSK, 2014) Federal rules define a Part D drug as one that “may be dispensed only upon a prescription,” so non-prescription drugs are excluded. (42 CFR 423.100; CMS excluded drugs chart)

• Prescription fluticasone nasal spray: a generic fluticasone propionate nasal spray labeled “Rx only” is still sold, and a Part D plan may cover it if it’s on the formulary.
• Medicare Advantage OTC allowance: CMS lets Medicare Advantage plans offer over-the-counter items as a supplemental benefit, so many plans’ OTC catalogs or cards can be used for allergy sprays. (Medicare Managed Care Manual, ch. 4) See our OTC card guide.

Does Medicare cover Plavix?

Yes, through Part D. Plavix is clopidogrel bisulfate, and the FDA approved generic clopidogrel 75 mg in 2012. (FDA approval letter) Plans often put generics on lower-cost tiers. Clopidogrel you take at home is a Part D drug; it’s not covered under Part B.

Does Medicare cover valsartan?

Yes, through Part D. Valsartan is the generic of Diovan, a prescription blood pressure drug, and generic valsartan tablets are available from several manufacturers. Combination products such as valsartan with hydrochlorothiazide may sit on different tiers, so search for the exact product you take.

Does Medicare cover Flovent?

GSK discontinued branded Flovent HFA on January 1, 2024, after launching an authorized generic that is “the same as the brand.” (GSK) On March 3, 2026, the FDA approved the first generic of Flovent HFA. (FDA) Part D plans cover fluticasone propionate inhalers when they’re on the formulary. If your plan doesn’t cover the version you use, your doctor can switch you to a covered inhaled steroid or ask the plan for an exception. Part B covers some medicines only when they’re used with a nebulizer as durable medical equipment. For more, see fluticasone vs Flovent and Medicare Part D.

What you’ll pay in 2027 vs 2026

Generic levothyroxine, clopidogrel and valsartan are often on lower-cost tiers. Your actual cost depends on the plan’s tier, deductible and pharmacy. If your costs are high early in the year, the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan lets you spread out-of-pocket drug costs across the year at no cost to join. (Medicare.gov) If your income is limited, check Extra Help income limits.

Tiers, prior authorization and exceptions

Even when a plan covers a drug, the rules attached to it decide what you pay and how easily you get it. Medicare.gov explains that each plan has its own list of covered drugs, called a formulary, and that plans group drugs into tiers with different costs. (Medicare.gov: How drug plans work) Watch for three common rules:

• Prior authorization: you or your prescriber must show the plan why you need the drug before it pays.
• Step therapy: the plan asks you to try a lower-cost drug first, such as a generic, before it covers a brand.
• Quantity limits: the plan caps how much it covers per fill, which can matter for inhalers and nasal sprays.

If your plan doesn’t cover a drug you need, or puts it on a high tier, your prescriber can ask the plan for a coverage determination or a formulary exception. If the plan says no, you can appeal. You can also switch plans during Open Enrollment, so it pays to check each 2027 formulary before December 7, 2026.

Stand-alone Part D or Medicare Advantage?

You can get drug coverage from a stand-alone Part D plan alongside Original Medicare, or from a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage. Both follow the same 2027 deductible limit and $2,400 out-of-pocket cap. CMS projects the average 2027 stand-alone Part D premium at about $36 a month, compared with $35.09 in 2026. (CMS, September 2026) A Medicare Advantage plan may also include an OTC allowance that helps with non-prescription items like allergy sprays.

How to check your plan covers your drugs for 2027

1. List every drug with its strength and how often you take it.
2. Use Medicare Plan Finder to compare 2027 stand-alone Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage.
3. Check the 2027 formulary for tier, quantity limits, prior authorization or step therapy.
4. Read your Annual Notice of Change if you’re staying in your current plan; formularies can change on January 1.
5. Enroll by December 7, 2026.

More help: how Medicare Part D works, Part D coverage phases, drugs covered under Part B and the Part D late enrollment penalty.

Frequently asked questions

Does Medicare cover Flonase Allergy Relief?

No. It’s sold over the counter, and Part D doesn’t cover non-prescription drugs. A Medicare Advantage OTC allowance may cover it.

Is levothyroxine covered by Medicare Part D?

Yes, when it’s on your plan’s formulary. Generic levothyroxine is available, and plans often put generics on lower-cost tiers. Check the brand and strength you use.

Is clopidogrel covered by Medicare?

Yes, generic clopidogrel is covered under Part D when it’s on your plan’s formulary.

What replaced Flovent HFA?

GSK’s authorized generic fluticasone propionate HFA, and since March 2026 an FDA-approved generic. Ask your plan which version it covers.

What is the Part D out-of-pocket maximum in 2027?

$2,400 for covered drugs, up from $2,100 in 2026.

This article is general information, not medical advice; don’t change or stop a medicine without talking to your doctor. Medicare365 is an independent website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, any government agency, any drug maker or any insurance carrier.

Sources

• Medicare.gov: Part D costs and how drug plans work
• 42 CFR 423.100 (definition of Part D drug)
• CMS: Part D excluded drugs (PDF)
• GSK: Position on Flovent
• FDA: First generic of Flovent HFA
• Medicare.gov: Extra Help
• CMS Medicare Managed Care Manual, chapter 4 (PDF)