Protonix, the brand name medication for Pantoprazole, is a proton-pump inhibitor prescribed to treat a range of stomach and esophagus-related disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammation of the esophagus, stomach ulcers, heartburn, and the rare Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Protonix can be effective in preventing damage to the esophagus or stomach by decreasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. It may also help prevent cancer of the esophagus.
Protonix is an oral medication that uses delayed-release granules or tablets. Dosage and length of treatment may be based on a patient’s specific needs. Stay in touch with your physician and report any side effects you experience.
Medicare Part D Can Help Pay for Protonix
Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage can help you cover the costs of medications, including Protonix. If you are eligible for Medicare, you have choices. You can receive your benefits through Original Medicare, the federal program that administers your Part A (Hospital Insurance) and/or Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage. While Original Medicare covers many expenses, it does not include prescription drug coverage. Unfortunately, without insurance, the out-of-pocket cost of prescriptions can add up. Many recipients of Original Medicare choose to enroll in a stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) to help pay for medications prescribed by a physician. Most PDPs will have a monthly premium and yearly deductible. You may pay a copayment or coinsurance as well.
Many Medicare recipients choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. MA plans are offered by private insurance companies who contract with Medicare to provide Part A and Part B benefits. Medicare Advantage plans are required to provide at least the same coverage as Original Medicare, but many offer additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage. Your fees for drug coverage will likely be included in your monthly MA-PD premium.
Protonix, or the generic Pantoprazole, is usually included on the formulary, or list of covered drugs, of PDPs and Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug plans, but costs can vary. Each drug plan will have unique tiers of pricing based on generic, brand-name, and mail order medications. Compare plans to find drug coverage that fits your individual needs.
Medicare’s Extra Help program helps individuals with limited incomes and resources pay prescription drug program costs, like premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. The level of Extra Help you receive will be based on information and documentation you provide. If you qualify for Low Income Subsidy, you will not pay more than $3.40 for each generic prescription and/or $8.50 for each brand-name drug in 2019.
Related articles:
Choosing a Prescription Drug Plan During AEP
Your Guide to Understanding Medicare Parts A-D