Key takeaways

  • Many Medicare Part D plans cover Linzess, but out-of-pocket costs can vary because private insurance companies manage these plans.
  • Linzess is an expensive medication with no generic alternatives currently available. Manufacturer discount coupons may be beneficial, even without using Medicare coverage.
  • Prior authorization might be required by specific Medicare Part D and Part C plans, meaning a doctor’s documentation of medical necessity may be needed for Linzess coverage.

Linzess (linaclotide) is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain types of constipation. Most Medicare Part D plans provide coverage for the drug without restrictions.

Private insurance companies offer Part D plans, which means the amount you pay out of pocket for covered drugs can vary. Linzess is a pricy medication, and there’s no less costly generic version.

Read on to learn about coverage for Linzess under Medicare and what to expect regarding costs.

According to Optum Perks, 30 capsules of brand-name Linzess with a dosage of 145 micrograms (mcg) each cost between $597 and $617.

But the amount you pay out of pocket under Medicare Part D can vary depending on the tier your plan places the drug within its formulary. Tier 1 drugs tend to have the lowest copayments.

Your cost may also depend on the amount of medication your doctor prescribes. Consider your premium as part of your cost. Part D’s national base beneficiary premium is $38.99 in 2025, but your premium depends on your specific plan.

In 2026, the maximum out-of-pocket costs beneficiaries will have for covered medications is $2,100. After spending this amount, beneficiaries will pay nothing toward their covered drugs.

You can sign up for Medicare Advantage (Part C), which is an alternative to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Some Part C plans offer drug coverage. Since private companies manage these plans, their costs also vary. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the average monthly premium for Part C plans is around $17.00 in 2025.

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The FDA has authorized Linzess specifically to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation in adults.

Specific Part D and Part C plans with drug coverage may ask you to go through prior authorization before they approve coverage for Linzess. Typically, this means your doctor must submit documentation that this drug is medically necessary.

Your plan may ask you to take a more effective, less costly medication before it approves Linzess. The drug may be entirely different since there’s no generic version of Linzess.

Common alternatives to Linzess include plecanatide (Trulance), lubiprostone (Amitiza), tegaserod (Zelnorm), and others. Depending on the alternative, it may work differently than Linzess.

If you need help paying for Linzess or understanding whether your Part D or Part C plan covers it, consider visiting the following websites:

These platforms provide insurance details, information about drug assistance programs, and access to savings cards and additional services.

You might be able to lower your cost through the manufacturer’s Linzess Savings Program. This program works like a coupon, allowing people with specific insurance types to get a 30-day or 90-day supply at a reduced cost.

It may not be possible to use this coupon with Medicare. However, you can consider purchasing it without insurance to help use this coupon if it lowers your overall cost.

To learn more, call 855-859-5614 or visit the program website. For more information about your insurance coverage of Linzess, check your plan benefits or contact your plan directly.

Linzess is a drug doctors prescribe to treat some types of constipation. Many Medicare Part D plans should generally cover the drug.

However, since private insurance companies manage Part D plans, your out-of-pocket costs for covered medications can differ.

Moreover, Linzess is an expensive medication. No cheaper generic alternatives are available yet. Depending on your plan’s coverage, you may benefit from purchasing Linzess without Medicare coverage and using the manufacturing company’s discount coupon.