Key takeaways

  • Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans that include Part D offer coverage for Xanax, a commonly prescribed medication for mental health conditions.
  • While Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) do not cover outpatient prescriptions like Xanax, Part A will cover Xanax if it’s administered during an inpatient stay.
  • The generic form of Xanax, alprazolam, is typically more affordable and is usually preferred by Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.

Xanax is one of the most prescribed medications for mental health conditions in the United States, and many Medicare beneficiaries take it. In fact, a 2018 study found that the average age of an adult receiving a new benzodiazepine prescription, such as Xanax, was 78.4 years.

If you’re among the millions of Americans prescribed Xanax, Medicare can help you cover the cost through Part D (prescription drug coverage) and Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans.

Medicare members who take the generic form of Xanax, alprazolam, can often get their prescriptions filled at a very low cost. Some plans might even offer generic medications, including alprazolam, at no cost to members.

Coverage for Xanax depends on eligibility factors within each part of Medicare.

Medicare Part A

Medicare Part A is hospital insurance, so it does not typically cover prescriptions. Part A covers only your inpatient stays in places like hospitals or skilled nursing facilities.

If you have worked for at least 40 quarters (10 years) and paid into the Medicare system, you generally will not have a premium for Medicare Part A coverage. Nearly 99% of Medicare recipients do not pay a monthly premium for Part A.

If you were given Xanax during an inpatient stay, however, Part A would cover it.

Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B is medical insurance. Like Part A, it does not generally cover prescriptions. Part B is for services like:

So, Part B does not offer any coverage for Xanax or other drug prescriptions, except in certain circumstances.

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)

You can get coverage for Xanax with a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan if your plan also includes Part D, which is prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage are referred to as Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MAPD) plans, and they are a very common plan type.

Individual Medicare Advantage plans have different premiums depending on the plan you choose. These premiums are in addition to your Part B premium.

Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage, so it’s the primary source for Medicare Xanax coverage.

But it’s important to know that Part D covers only prescription drugs. This means you’ll need to use a Part D plan alongside Original Medicare (parts A and B) or a Medicare Advantage plan that doesn’t include prescription drug coverage.

Individual Medicare Part D plans and Medicare Advantage plans have different premiums depending on the plan you choose. These premiums are in addition to your costs for Part A and Part B.

Did Medicare always cover Xanax?

Xanax belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepines. When Medicare first started covering prescription drugs under Part D, any prescription medications classified as a barbiturate or benzodiazepine weren’t included in that coverage.

However, beginning in 2013, new regulations allowed Medicare to cover both barbiturates and benzodiazepines. This includes coverage for Xanax.

In fact, as of 2020, almost all Medicare plans include prescription coverage for Xanax.

All insurance plans that cover prescription medications use a list called a formulary. The formulary lists the specific prescription drugs that the plan will cover. Formularies include:

  • generics
  • brand names
  • specialty drugs

You can check the formulary of an Advantage plan or Part D plan before you buy it. When you check the formulary, make sure it includes Xanax and any other prescription medications you take.

When you use the plan finder tool on the Medicare website, you can enter any prescription medications you currently take before searching.

The tool will then show you only plans with formularies that include your prescriptions. It will also show you the estimated cost of those prescriptions for each matching plan.

»Learn more: Medicare formularies

How much you pay for Xanax will depend on more than just your Medicare coverage. Prices can vary depending on where you live and the dosage you take.

You’ll also need to consider the pharmacy that you use and any discounts you might be eligible for. Plus, you’ll need to note whether your prescription is for the brand name (Xanax) or whether you can take the generic form (alprazolam).

Taking the generic form can save you money. Plus, your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan’s formulary is much more likely to cover it than the brand name.

You’ll generally be able to take the generic unless your doctor has specified a reason you cannot. Often, your pharmacist will automatically give you a generic form of a prescription, or they may call your doctor to check if the generic can be prescribed.

Taking generic alprazolam and using Medicare coverage is an affordable way to get your Xanax prescription.

If you do not have Medicare Advantage or a Part D plan, taking advantage of pharmacy and store coupons for alprazolam can also greatly reduce your costs.

Pharmacy discounts are generally for the cash price only, so you can’t use them together with your Medicare plan. To better understand how discounts that you may be eligible for work, talk with your pharmacist.

You might also consider using a mail-order pharmacy. You can save time and money this way — you will not have to make trips to the pharmacy, and costs are often much lower.

How much does Xanax cost without insurance?

The cost of Xanax without insurance coverage varies depending on strength, form, the pharmacy you use, and whether you’re purchasing generic or brand-name Xanax. For the most accurate quote, it’s best to ask your pharmacist.

You can also read this article for more information about Xanax and cost-saving buying options.

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Medicare provides Xanax coverage through Part D and many Medicare Advantage plans. Keep in mind that your Medicare Advantage plan will need to include Part D coverage to cover your Xanax prescription.

You’ll save the most money by taking the generic form of Xanax, which is called alprazolam.

Depending on your insurance plan, you might be able to get alprazolam without a copayment or at a very low price.