Does Medicare Part D cover generic inhalers like albuterol or budesonide-formoterol, and are they cheaper than the brand-name version?

Question

Jeremy Harkins · Accepted Answer

Yes. Medicare Part D plans can cover generic inhalers such as albuterol and budesonide-formoterol, but each plan has its own list of covered drugs, called a formulary. (medicare.gov)

Generics are often placed on a lower drug tier and can cost less than the brand-name version, but that is not guaranteed. One plan may prefer the generic while another may have a better negotiated price for a particular brand.

So I would check the exact inhaler, strength, and pharmacy.

Ask:

Is the generic on my plan’s formulary?
What tier is it on?
What will I actually pay at my pharmacy?
Would a preferred pharmacy cost less?
Is the brand or another covered inhaler actually cheaper under this plan?

Preferred pharmacies can sometimes reduce your copay or coinsurance, so it is worth comparing more than one pharmacy. (medicare.gov)

Also talk with your doctor before changing inhalers. A lower-cost medication only helps if it is medically appropriate for you.

The best comparison is not simply generic versus brand name. It is the actual yearly cost of the inhaler your doctor wants you to use under your specific Part D plan.

Brett Johnson · Answer

Inhalers and medications are becoming more and more popular, used to treat conditions like asthma and COPD have changed rapidly over the past several years, including the availability of more generic options.

Medicare Part D plans can cover generic inhalers such as albuterol and budesonide-formoterol, but coverage and cost will depend on your specific plan's formulary, drug tier, pharmacy, and sometimes prior authorization requirements. In many cases, a generic may cost less than the brand-name version, but I never assume that is automatically the case.

More importantly, I don't try to guess which medication should work for you. I follow the prescription and direction of your doctor or healthcare provider.

When I review your Medicare plan, I enter the medications you're actually prescribed and compare how the available plans cover them. If your doctor later changes your inhaler or medication, contact me and we can review how that change affects your coverage and cost. I do however make certain that you're using preferred pharmacies based on your plan, to maximize savings.

Terri McClinton · Answer

Your drug plans formulary is going to be a determinant factor as to cost of your prescription drugs. Generic inhalers are often less expensive than their brand named counterparts, but they will need to be on your plans formulary to be covered. Some drug plans choose to cover the brand named drugs and they are often at a higher, more costly tier in their placement in the formulary. Choosing the correct plan that covers your medications is a big part of your planning! Getting it right can't be a make or break situation. A trusted advisor will help!

Answered by Terri McClinton on September 5, 2026

Agent Licensed in PA, GA, MI & NJ, NY, OK & TX

Answered by Terri McClinton Medicare Insurance Agent

Grant Hamilton · Answer

Unfortunately, an agent can't detemine drug prices without checking individual plans.  Generally, generic inhalers are typically less expensive than brand name inhalers.  However, price and coverage will vary by plan and where the drugs are listed on the individual plan formularies.  Be sure to check with your agent and share a complete list of medications so you can determine compare plans and prices.

It's not impossible for a brand name to have competitive or even lower pricing.  Check both generic and name brands to ensure you have the lowest price

Mark Bilgere · Answer

Medicare does cover these generic inhalers. However, the cost if formulary specific. This means you need to check with your specific plan whether is is a stand alone PDP or an MAPD. The plan will determine the price you pay.

Answered by Mark Bilgere on September 6, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX, AR, IN & LA, MN, NE & OK

Answered by Mark Bilgere Medicare Insurance Agent

Lea Vollmer · Answer

Yes, they cover inhalers; however, your agent should do a formulary check of your RX's to let you know the plan's specific coverage. I have some plans that cover name brand and some generic. It is always best to check and let the beneficiary know what type is covered. As for cost, that will depend on your plan, always best to ask, but if your agent does a good needs assessment, they should let you know.

Answered by Lea Vollmer on September 4, 2026

Broker Licensed in IL, AL, AZ & 7 other states

Answered by Lea Vollmer Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Wehner · Answer

Every Part D plan develops their own formulary of covered drugs. In general, inhalers both generic and name brand are covered on Part D plans. It will just vary from plan to plan as to which inhalers are covered by which plans.

Answered by Michael Wehner on September 2, 2026

Agent Licensed in IN, KY, NC, OH, PA & SC

Answered by Michael Wehner Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Eiseman · Answer

Generics are generally cheaper than brand. It depends on a plans formulary if these medications are covered. Be sure to look into each plan to see if it id covered.

Does Medicare Part D cover generic inhalers like albuterol or budesonide-formoterol, and are they cheaper than the brand-name version?

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