- You may be covered through Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage (Part C). .
- Most plans only include a generic version of Adderall called a combination of amphetamine salts. .
- The cost depends on the specific Medicare Part D or Medicare Part C plan. .
Adderall is a commonly prescribed drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many people associate ADHD and Adderall with children and young adults, but in fact, older adults are also often prescribed Adderall.
In fact, the advocacy group Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) reports that 100 million adults have ADHD. Many of these adults are Medicare beneficiaries.
Medicare offers Adderall coverage in most Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. The cost of Adderall with Medicare depends on your specific plan. However, in many cases, Medicare allows you to get the generic form of Adderall, amphetamine complex, at a lower cost.
Important information about Adderall
- Adderall is a controlled substance.
- Adderall is addictive.
- Do not mix Adderall with alcohol. Mixing Adderall with alcohol can cause alcoholism, heart disease, poor judgment, and more.
- Adderall can make it difficult to fall asleep if taken too late in the day.
Does Medicare Cover Adderall?
You can get Adderall prescription coverage through Medicare. Your coverage depends on the specific plan, but most Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans cover Adderall.
Depending on the plan, only the generic version, which is a combination of amphetamine salts, may be covered.
What parts of Medicare does Adderall cover?
Your Adderall coverage depends on which part of Medicare you have.
Original Medicare
Parts A and B are collectively called “Original Medicare,” and do not include prescription drug coverage. Medicare Part A is hospital coverage and Medicare Part B is health insurance. This coverage can be used for things like hospitalizations, emergency room visits, doctor visits, and medical equipment.
However, not all drugs, including Adderall, are covered under Original Medicare.
The only time Original Medicare may pay for Adderall is if you get it while you are being cared for in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.
Medicare Part A covers your Adderall while you are in these facilities. However, after you leave the hospital, Medicare Part A will no longer cover these costs.
This means that Medicare has to go beyond your original Medicare to pay for your Adderall prescription.
Medicare Part C
Medicare Part C is also called Medicare Advantage. This plan is provided by a private company and is regulated by Medicare.
Plans must provide the same coverage as the original Medicare, but most offer additional coverage, including prescription treatment options.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D is a separate prescription drug coverage. You can use a Part D plan with your original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan to get coverage for your prescription drugs.
Advantage plans and Part D plans must be purchased separately. The exact plan available depends on where you live, as many plans are only available in certain states or regions.
There will be expenses related to your plan, such as monthly premiums, deductibles and co-payments. You can compare Advantage and Part D plans in your area using the Plan Finder on the Medicare website
