How to Use the UnitedHealthcare Medicare Drug Formulary

Like other providers of Medicare drug coverage, UnitedHealthcare uses a formulary to categorize medications and distribute benefit levels. A formulary is the list of drugs covered by a specific insurance plan.

In this guide, we detail how you can navigate your UnitedHealthcare Medicare formulary to meet your prescription drug needs.

You can compare the formularies for Medicare drug plans available where you live online to look for a plan that covers your prescriptions.

How Can I See the UnitedHealthcare Formulary?

You can view different types of UnitedHealthcare drug formularies online and save them or print them out for reference.

It’s important to note that some of the drugs listed in these formularies may not necessarily be covered by your specific AARP Medicare plan.

Be sure to check with your plan provider directly or consult your plan formulary by logging into your myuhc account and finding your plan documents.

How Much Do UnitedHealthcare/AARP Medicare Drug Plans Cost?

UnitedHealthcare sells Medicare drug plans through a partnership with AARP. 

In 2024, three UnitedHealthcare/AARP Medicare Part D plans were available nationwide.¹

AARP MedicareRx Preferred (PDP)

• Average monthly premium (weighted by enrollment): $106.00
• $7 copay for preferred generics, $12 copay for other generics
• $47 copay for preferred brands

AARP MedicareRx Saver Plus (PDP)

• Average monthly premium (weighted by enrollment): $41.03 (2023)
• $1 copay for preferred generics, $6 copay for other generics (2023)
• 17% coinsurance for preferred brands (2023)

AARP MedicareRx Walgreens (PDP)

• Average monthly premium (weighted by enrollment): $60.00
• $2 copay for preferred generics, $8 copay for other generics
• $40 copay for preferred brands

The national average monthly premium for Medicare Part D plans in 2024 was $48.¹

Plan prices can vary by location, so be sure to compare plans online or call to speak with a licensed insurance agent who can help you find and compare Medicare drug plans where you live.

What Are the Two Types of Formularies?

There are two basic types of drug formularies: open and closed. 

• Open formularies allow the plan some freedom to cover drugs not found on the drug formulary. 
  
  
• In a closed formulary, the plan only provides coverage for the drugs on the formulary, and there are no benefits for medications not listed on the formulary except under certain circumstances when medically necessary. 

Many Medicare prescription drug plans, including those offered by UnitedHealthcare members, may use a closed formulary. 

What Type of Medications Are Not Covered on a Medicare Formulary?

While each insurer has some freedom to dictate which drugs to include on its formulary, there are certain types of medications that are not allowed to be covered by Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plans.

The drugs that you won’t find on a Medicare formulary with UnitedHealthcare or any other insurer include:

• Weight loss or weight gain drugs
• Fertility drugs
• Drugs used for cosmetic purposes including hair growth
• Vitamins and minerals
• Drugs used to treat cold or cough symptoms
• Drugs used for erectile dysfunction or sexual performance
• Over-the-counter (non-prescription) drugs. While over-the-counter drugs may not be included on a formulary, it’s not uncommon for a plan to offer discounts on over-the-counter drugs and other products as an added benefit. 

In addition, any drug that is not FDA-approved will not be included on a Medicare formulary.

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