Medicare outlines the guidelines for prescription drug plans. It excludes certain drugs such as those used for:
- Anorexia, and weight loss or gain
- Promoting fertility
- Cosmetic purposes or hair growth
- Symptomatic relief for coughs and colds
- Prescription vitamins and mineral products - an exception is made for prenatal vitamins and fluoride preparations
- Barbiturates, also known as sleeping pills
- Benzodiazpines, also known as central nervous system depressants
- Erectile dysfunction
Sometimes, other prescription drug plans may cover these excluded drugs. These plans are known as “enhanced plans.”
Keep in mind, if payment for a drug is available through Original Medicare, that drug cannot be covered through the prescription drug plan. These are often drugs such as those administered at a hospital or doctor’s office like chemotherapy.
Be sure to check your prescription drug plan as it may have other additional exclusions.
