Does Medicare Cover Terazosin?

If you're a Medicare beneficiary in need of the prescription drug terazosin, you'll be glad to learn that this medication is probably covered. In fact, 100% of Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans cover terazosin.

What Is Terazosin Used For? 

Doctors often prescribe terazosin to men with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Men with this condition have an enlarged prostate, which can cause difficulty urinating. Terazosin makes it easier for men with BPH to urinate. 

Doctors sometimes also prescribe this medicine to men and women with hypertension. Like other alpha-blockers, terazosin can relieve high blood pressure. However, many doctors prefer to try other medications first when treating high blood pressure. 

How Much Does Terazosin Cost With Medicare? 

Terazosin is a relatively low-cost medication used to treat common health concerns, and it's considered a tier 1 drug on most Medicare plans. Drugs are categorized into five tiers under Medicare plans, and higher tiers tend to cost more or may not be covered. 

Many Medicare plans offer full coverage for terazosin, and beneficiaries can expect to get the medication without any out-of-pocket costs. Some plans may require a co-pay ranging from a few dollars to around $70. 

As with many medications, terazosin typically isn't covered by Medicare Parts A or B, also known as Original Medicare. Only Medicare plans with prescription coverage, such as Part D and Medicare Advantage plans, cover this medication. 

The retail price for terazosin is typically between $30 and $100, depending on where you purchase the drug. You may be able to get the medication for as little as $7 with coupons or a prescription drug discount plan. If your Medicare drug plan requires a high co-pay, you can consider using a discount plan instead. 

What Are the Terazosin Side Effects?

The most common Terazosin side effects are drowsiness and dizziness. Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend taking terazosin at bedtime to make these side effects less noticeable. Terazosin can interact with other drugs, so make sure your doctor knows if you take any other medications.