Is Prolia covered under Medicare Part B or D?

Asked by: Prof. Fae Haag  |  Last update: August 2, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (4 votes)

For those who meet the criteria prescribed above, Medicare Part B covers Prolia. If you don't meet the above criteria, your Medicare Part D plan may cover the drug. GoodRx reports that 98% of surveyed Medicare prescription plans cover Prolia. With Medicare Part D coverage, you're likely to pay coinsurance or a copay.

Is Prolia a Part B or Part D drug?

Medicare Part B Resources | Prolia® (denosumab)

Is Prolia covered under Part B Medicare?

Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B will pay for a portion of the cost of osteoporosis medications delivered intravenously or by injection. These medications may include ibandronate (Boniva), zoledronic acid (Reclast), denosumab (Prolia) and sometimes calcitonin (Miacalcin).

What tier is Prolia?

What drug tier is Prolia typically on? Medicare prescription drug plans typically list Prolia on Tier 4 of their formulary. Generally, the higher the tier, the more you have to pay for the medication.

How much is Prolia with Medicare?

Does Medicare cover Prolia and how much does it cost? Prolia is currently covered under Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Plans. Under Medicare your copay range for Prolia could be between $70 and $1,364. Pricing varies by plan and prescription.

Episode 004 Elliott Martin: Prolia, Medicare Part B vs. Part D and Other Injectables

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Which Part D plans cover Prolia?

For those who meet the criteria prescribed above, Medicare Part B covers Prolia. If you don't meet the above criteria, your Medicare Part D plan may cover the drug. GoodRx reports that 98% of surveyed Medicare prescription plans cover Prolia. With Medicare Part D coverage, you're likely to pay coinsurance or a copay.

Do Medicare Advantage plans cover Prolia injections?

The majority of commercial and Medicare plans cover Prolia®. The list price for Prolia® is $1,477.16* , per treatment every six months. Most patients do not pay the list price.

Does Prolia require prior authorization for Medicare?

All requests for Xgeva (denosumab), Prolia (denosumab) require a prior authorization and will be screened for medical necessity and appropriateness using the criteria listed below.

Is there a generic available for Prolia?

Denosumab (Prolia) is used to treat osteoporosis in women after menopause and in men. This drug is more popular than comparable drugs. There are currently no generic alternatives to Prolia. It is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.

How can I get Prolia for free?

Amgen Safety Net Foundation is an independent, nonprofit patient assistance program that provides Prolia® at no cost to qualifying patients who have a financial need and who are uninsured or have insurance that excludes Prolia®.

How do I bill for Prolia?

HCPCS code J0897 should be used to report denosumab (Prolia™, Xgeva™) for claims submitted to the Part A and Part B MAC.

What drugs are covered by Part B?

Drugs that are covered by Medicare Part B include the following.
  • Certain Vaccines. ...
  • Drugs That Are Used With Durable Medical Equipment. ...
  • Certain Antigens. ...
  • Injectable Osteoporosis Drugs. ...
  • Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents. ...
  • Oral Drugs for ESRD. ...
  • Blood Clotting Factors. ...
  • Immunosuppressive Drugs.

How many years should you take Prolia?

In studies, people have safely taken Prolia for up to 8 years. If the drug is working to improve your condition, your doctor may have you take it long term. They'll discuss with you the long-term benefits of Prolia and how long you should continue treatment.

Is Prolia a Part D?

All patients who had an injection for Prolia® from July 2020 to June 2021 through Retail Medicare Part D channel are included in the analysis.

What vaccines are covered by Medicare Part D?

A vaccine covered by Medicare Part D could save your life.
...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following vaccines for adults 65 and older:
  • Flu.
  • Tdap or Td (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
  • Shingles (zoster)
  • Pneumococcal (pneumonia)
  • Chickenpox (if you did not get this vaccine as a child)

Is Prolia considered a specialty drug?

Prolia ® can be obtained through a specialty pharmacy or retail pharmacy: Pharmacy fills the prescription.

Which is better Fosamax or Prolia?

Fosamax (alendronate) is a first-choice treatment for osteoporosis, but taking it can be a hassle. Prevents bone loss. Prolia (Denosumab) is an effective and convenient treatment for osteoporosis if other options haven't worked or aren't appropriate for you.

What is the alternative medication to Prolia?

Alendronate (Fosamax), a weekly pill. Risedronate (Actonel), a weekly or monthly pill. Ibandronate (Boniva), a monthly pill or quarterly intravenous (IV) infusion. Zoledronic acid (Reclast), an annual IV infusion.

How much does Prolia cost per year?

While generic Fosamax costs roughly $100 to $200 per year and brand-name bisphosphonates slightly less than $1,000 per year, Prolia will cost about $1,650 per year plus the cost associated with an office visit. Prolia is also more expensive than Reclast, which costs $1,100 for a yearly dose.

Is Prolia covered by Aetna Medicare?

Note: Requires Precertification: Precertification of denosumab (Prolia and Xgeva) is required of all Aetna participating providers and members in applicable plan designs. For precertification of denosumab (Prolia and Xgeva), call (866) 752-7021 (commercial), (866) 503-0857 (Medicare), or fax (888) 267-3277.

Is Prolia covered by UnitedHealthcare?

Prolia® (denosumab)

Upon prior authorization renewal, the updated policy will apply. UnitedHealthcare will honor all approved prior authorizations on file until the end date on the authorization or the date the member's eligibility changes.

Which is better Reclast or Prolia?

In a small study with 107 participants, people who received Prolia and those who got Reclast saw similar improvements in their bone mineral density (BMD), a measure of bone health. A larger study compared the drugs to each other, focusing primarily on the risk of serious infections, heart disease, or bone fractures.

How do you code Prolia injections?

† Diagnosis code Z79. 818 may be used for males receiving androgen deprivation therapy (eg, leuprolide acetate or goserelin acetate) for prostate cancer. ‡ Code M85.

What is Part B of Medicare?

Part B helps pay for covered medical services and items when they are medically necessary. Part B also covers some preventive services like exams, lab tests, and screening shots to help prevent, find, or manage a medical problem. Cost: If you have Part B, you pay a Part B premium each month.

What is the six monthly injection for osteoporosis?

Denosumab is an osteoporosis medication prescribed to help strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of breaking a bone. It is available as a six-monthly injection. Denosumab is an antibody that slows down the natural rate your bones are broken down.