Does Medicare Cover Psyllium?

Health Line

5 hours ago

Original Medicare does not usually cover psyllium and other over-the-counter (OTC) fiber supplements. If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you may have coverage options for OTC products, such as psyllium.
Psyllium, or psyllium husk, is a popular nutritional supplement that people may take to help relieve constipation, treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or manage cholesterol.
In this article, we discuss Medicare coverage options for psyllium and how to save money on psyllium supplements.
Medicare coverage for psyllium
In general, Medicare does not cover psyllium, but there may be some exceptions.
Part D
Part D prescription drug plans are offered by private insurance companies to help cover the cost of prescription medications. These plans will not cover OTC drugs or supplements, such as psyllium.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). If you have Original Medicare, your plan will not cover the cost of OTC products, including psyllium.
Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) is a separate plan that helps cover the out-of-pocket costs of Original Medicare. Since Original Medicare does not cover psyllium, a Medigap plan won't either.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans are private insurance policies offered as an alternative to Original Medicare. In addition to including the base coverage of Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans offer a range of other benefits, including dental, vision, and hearing care. The exact details will vary based on the specific insurer, the plan, and your location.
Many Medicare Advantage plans also include OTC benefits. Health policy research group KFF reported that 88% of Medicare Advantage plans included OTC benefits in 2024. If your plan has OTC benefits, there's a good chance you'll be able to apply those benefits to fiber supplements, such as psyllium.
Different Medicare Advantage plans have different rules regarding how their OTC benefits work. Typically, you'll get a benefits card that functions like a debit card. Your plan will load funds onto your card at predetermined intervals, and you can use the card to buy a range of products from participating retailers.
As an example, if your plan partners with Walgreens, you'll be able to use OTC benefits to buy a range of psyllium products.
To learn whether your plan includes OTC benefits and how those benefits work, check your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) documentation or contact the plan and speak with a representative.
How to save on psyllium
Psyllium is widely available at pharmacies and big-box stores. The cost of psyllium can vary based on brand, form, and quantity, but it may range from $10 to $30 for a month's supply.
If your Medicare plan does not include coverage for psyllium, you may be able to save on it in a few ways.
Consider looking into the following:
Generics: Generic psyllium typically offers the same benefits as brand-name psyllium but at a lower price point.
Bulk buying: Buying psyllium in bulk could potentially lower your costs.
Discount programs: Pharmacy discount cards may help you save on OTC products.
Patient assistance programs: Some manufacturers offer coupons or rebates for individuals who qualify based on income.
Frequently asked questions
What is the downside of psyllium husk?
Psyllium husk may cause side effects in some people, though these are typically mild. Possible side effects include gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.
Psyllium husk may cause side effects in some people, though these are typically mild. Possible side effects include gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.
Does Medicare cover Metamucil?
Metamucil is a brand-name psyllium fiber supplement. Since Metamucil is an OTC product, Medicare does not typically cover it.
However, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan with OTC benefits, you may be able to use those benefits to buy Metamucil. To do so, your plan's participating retailer will need to include Metamucil in its OTC benefits product list.
Metamucil is a brand-name psyllium fiber supplement. Since Metamucil is an OTC product, Medicare does not typically cover it.
However, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan with OTC benefits, you may be able to use those benefits to buy Metamucil. To do so, your plan's participating retailer will need to include Metamucil in its OTC benefits product list.
Summary
Medicare does not generally include coverage for OTC products like psyllium. Part D drug plans only help with the cost of prescription medications, and Original Medicare covers various inpatient and outpatient medical services.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan with OTC benefits, you may be able to use your benefits to buy psyllium. Check your plan details or speak with a representative to learn more about your coverage.