Which inhalers are covered by Medicare Part B vs Part D?

Question

Josie Villa · Accepted Answer

The key distinction is **how the inhaled medicine is delivered**, not simply the name of the drug.

### Medicare Part B

**Part B generally covers inhalation medicines that are used in a Medicare-covered nebulizer in the home.** These are considered drugs used with durable medical equipment (DME). Medicare's current coverage includes nebulizer solutions such as:

* **Albuterol**
* **Ipratropium**
* **Albuterol/ipratropium combination**
* **Budesonide**
* **Formoterol**
* **Arformoterol**
* **Levalbuterol**
* **Revefenacin**
* Certain other inhalation solutions when medical-necessity requirements are met. ([CMS][1])

Part B can also cover the **nebulizer equipment itself** when it is medically necessary. ([CMS][2])

### Medicare Part D

**Most handheld inhalers that you pick up at a pharmacy are covered under Part D**, rather than Part B.

This includes medications delivered through a **metered-dose inhaler (MDI)** or other handheld inhaler. CMS specifically states that Part B does not cover drugs delivered by an MDI dispensed by a pharmacy; those drugs are generally Part D drugs. ([CMS][3])

Examples of common inhaler medications that are generally **Part D** when supplied as handheld inhalers include:

* **Albuterol inhalers** (such as Ventolin or ProAir)
* **Advair**
* **Symbicort**
* **Breo Ellipta**
* **Spiriva**
* **Trelegy**
* **Anoro**
* Other prescription inhalers

The exact coverage, copay, deductible, and prior-authorization requirements depend on the person's particular Part D or Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare notes that each Part D plan has its own formulary. ([Medicare][4])

### The easy way to remember it

| How the medication is delivered                         | Usually covered by              |
| ------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------- |
| **Nebulizer solution used with covered home nebulizer** | **Part B**                      |
| **Handheld inhaler from pharmacy**                      | **Part

Russel Coley · Answer

The simple answer is…if the inhalers are hand held and prescribed then they are typically covered under part D. If they are in liquid form and require a nebulizer then Part B is utilized. Under Part B, the patient will pay the deductible, if there is one and then 20% of the cost unless they have a Medicare supplement or advantage plan. With an advantage plan with drug coverage or a stand alone drug plan, the max out of pocket is $2100. After that, the patient will receive the handheld inhalers for $0.

Answered by Russel Coley on June 22, 2026

Broker Licensed in NC, GA, SC & WV

Answered by Russel Coley Medicare Insurance Agent

Brian Cronin · Answer

Most inhalers are covered under Medicare Part D because you pick them up at the pharmacy and use them at home (like albuterol or maintenance inhalers).

Medicare Part B only covers inhaled medications in more specific situations — typically when they’re given through durable medical equipment, like a nebulizer used at home. So for most people, if it’s a handheld inhaler, it’s Part D; if it’s tied to a nebulizer setup, it may fall under Part B.

Daniel Neale · Answer

Most handheld inhalers that you use at home are typically covered under Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage drug plan. Medicare Part B generally covers nebulizers and certain medications used with a nebulizer when they are medically necessary for home use.

Answered by Daniel Neale on May 7, 2026

Agent Licensed in CA, FL, ME & 8 other states

Answered by Daniel Neale Medicare Insurance Agent

Jason Denniston · Answer

A simple way to think about it is this: if it’s a typical inhaler you get from the pharmacy, it’s usually covered by Part D. If the medication is used through a nebulizer machine that Medicare considers durable medical equipment, it may fall under Part B instead. A lot of people don’t realize the delivery method is what often determines which part of Medicare pays.

Answered by Jason Denniston on May 3, 2026

Broker Licensed in IN, CO, FL & 10 other states

Answered by Jason Denniston Medicare Insurance Agent

Daniel Fraser, CLTC, RSSA · Answer

This could vary based on carrier but normally, if it an inhaler that you can pick up at a pharmacy, it most likely will be billed under Part D.  If it is a machine and you have to get a liquid vile, or dispensed in a doctors office, it normally is billed under Part B.  

Your Insurance agent/broker can help you determine this by calling the insurance carrier/provider to clarify this

Kelsey Hentzen · Answer

Typically Medicare Part B will cover nebulizers as part of durable medical equipment. Handheld inhalers are covered under Part D.

Mike Odle · Answer

Medications that have to be picked up a pharmacy and are self-administered are almost always charged to your part D coverage. If a doctor has to administer the medication, these are almost always charged to your Medicare Part B coverage

Answered by Mike Odle on June 1, 2026

Broker Licensed in IN & IL

Answered by Mike Odle Medicare Insurance Agent

Dean Chiapetto · Answer

Part B covers medicarions that are typically administered in a Dr's office. Breathing treatments which can be done at home can use medication that is paid under part B.

Jonathan Potter · Answer

The best way to answer this is to give a list of inhalers you like to an agent or put them into a medicare rx calculator. Every insurance company is different.

Anna J Smith · Answer

Inhalers are usually listed on a plan's formulary, though they may have varying, high-cost copays. Coverage applies to both brand-name and generic, with specific costs depending on the plan's tiers and if you have reached the coverage gap.

Answered by Anna J Smith on May 8, 2026

Broker Licensed in IN, IL & MI

Answered by Anna J Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Heather Allen · Answer

As a broker, I compare all inhalers against all drug plans. There are many plans that cover specific inhalers and many that do not. With the abundance of inhalers on the market, it is definitely worth talking with a broker and your doctor to find the right plan that covers the right inhalers for you. As a broker that uses inhalers, I understand the struggle.

Answered by Heather Allen on June 15, 2026

Broker Licensed in CA, DE, MI, NV & SC

Answered by Heather Allen Medicare Insurance Agent

Wade Shiu · Answer

It comes down to the type of inhaler. 

Medicare Part B covers inhalation medications used with a nebulizer — the machine that turns liquid medicine into a mist (for example, albuterol or budesonide respules). When medically necessary, Part B covers both the equipment and the medication, you typically pay 20% coinsurance after your Part B deductible.

Medicare Part D covers handheld inhalers you use on your own — metered-dose and dry powder inhalers like albuterol HFA, Advair, Symbicort, Spiriva, Breo, or Trelegy. 

Albuterol can be vía nebulizar or by inhaler, so don’t just look at drug names!

Which inhalers are covered by Medicare Part B vs Part D?

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Which inhalers are covered by Medicare Part B vs Part D?

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