Latest news with #MedicarePartD
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Amazon adds ‘caregiver' features to pharmacy app
You can find original article here Supermarketnews. Subscribe to our free daily Supermarketnews newsletter. Amazon has added new functions to the Amazon Pharmacy app that better enables caregivers to help manage medications for a loved one. It also gives Medicare Part D recipients access to Amazon Pharmacy's PillPack feature, which provides presorted medication. 'These updates deliver what our customers have been asking for—simpler medication management for themselves and their loved ones,' said John Love, vice president of Amazon Pharmacy. 'Whether you're a caregiver juggling multiple prescriptions for an aging parent, or a customer who could benefit from the convenience of pre-sorted packets delivered reliably each month, we're removing barriers and making pharmacy work better for you.' Amazon said in a press release on Tuesday that AARP reports that one in five adults in the U.S. are caring for an aging family member. The new caregiver feature enables aging patients the option of inviting a trusted individual to help manage their medication through their Amazon Pharmacy portal. 'Amazon Pharmacy's new caregiver feature provides a secure, streamlined way for trusted individuals to help manage prescriptions and place orders 24/7, when and where convenient for them—all through their own Amazon accounts,' said Tess Carey, senior pharmacist at Amazon Pharmacy. 'This ensures medications arrive on time, giving both caregivers and patients greater peace of mind.' The pre-sorted PillPack feature also aims to help caregivers save time by receiving organized pharmaceuticals, making it easier to keep prescription schedules accurate. The health care arm of the online retail giant also touted the expansion of its new same-day prescription delivery service for Prime members in a dozen cities across the U.S., including Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle. Amazon announced in October that it plans to launch the same-day delivery service in 20 cities in 2025. That includes Boston, Dallas, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, and San Diego. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy told shareholders in late May that more changes are coming for the company's pharmacy business. He noted Amazon Pharmacy's One Medical app enables users to access their medical information in one place, meet with medical practitioners, and set up subscriptions for chronic issues. 'We've built programs like RxPass, which, for $5 a month for Prime members, gives our Prime members unlimited access to 60 common medications with very fast delivery and 24/7 pharmacy support,' Jassy said. 'We are changing this customer experience that people have had to endure on the pharmacy side for a really long time. We''re changing it very significantly.' Sign in to access your portfolio
Geek Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Geek Wire
Amazon Pharmacy updates include new caregiver feature and Medicare access for PillPack service
PillPack from Amazon Pharmacy is a service that features pre-sorted and personalized medication packets for customers. (Amazon Photo) Amazon Pharmacy is launching a new caregiver support feature and expanding access to customers on Medicare as part of enhancements to the tech giant's medication supply service, the company announced Tuesday. The caregiver feature allows customers to invite trusted, verified individuals who can manage medications on behalf of loved ones through their own Amazon Pharmacy accounts. To set up the feature, customers can log into their account and send an invitation to their caregiver, who receives a secure link via text message. After confirming a few details like the customer's date of birth, the caregiver can start managing medications through their own Amazon account. The second update now allows customers with Medicare insurance to access PillPack from Amazon Pharmacy. The service is designed to make it easier to manage multiple medications with pre-sorted and personally labeled packets organized by date and time. Amazon said the expansion makes more than 50 million Medicare Part D beneficiaries who manage multiple daily medications eligible for PillPack. To enroll, customers can log into their Amazon Pharmacy account sign up for PillPack, select eligible medications, and review insurance and delivery details. Amazon coordinates refill schedules so multiple medications can all be delivered at the same time each month. There is no additional charge for Amazon Pharmacy customers to use the PillPack service. Amazon launched the Amazon Pharmacy service in November 2020, following its $753 million acquisition of prescription-by-mail company PillPack in 2018. The full-service, online drugstore serves both one-off and ongoing medication needs. Amazon Prime members in a dozen cities, such as Seattle, Los Angeles and New York City, are eligible for free same-day delivery of their medications. Related:
Medical News Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Medical News Today
Omeprazole and Medicare coverage
Many Medicare Part D or Part C plans with drug coverage cover omeprazole when a doctor prescribes it. Some Part C plans may even allow a person to buy it over the counter. Omeprazole can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription. However, over-the-counter (OTC) purchases typically cannot be made through a health insurance plan. This article explores how people can use their Medicare Part D prescription plan or Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with drug coverage to purchase prescription omeprazole and the potential out-of-pocket expenses individuals might encounter. Is omeprazole covered by Medicare Part B? However, Part B only covers medications a person cannot take themselves, such as IV drugs . For this reason, omeprazole coverage falls under Part D. Studies indicate that many Part D plans cover this medication in its prescribed form. In addition, some Part D plans may cover OTC omeprazole if a person has a doctor's prescription. What tier level is omeprazole? Whether a person's specific plan covers the generic omeprazole or Prilosec brand depends on its inclusion in the plan's specific formulary. Within this formulary, every Part D plan categorizes drugs into tiers. Generally, the higher the tier, the more a person will pay out of pocket even after Part D coverage kicks in. While each Part D plan may place omeprazole in a different tier, more commonly prescribed or preferred drugs tend to feature in lower tiers. In addition, formularies are more likely to rank generic omeprazole lower than Prilosec. However, it is essential to understand that certain Part D plans may require individuals to try the OTC version of a medication before approving coverage for the prescription form. This process is known as step therapy. Medicare Advantage However, what is different about such Part C plans is that some may provide an additional benefit for OTC medications, allowing a person to buy the drug over the counter using their plan. How much does omeprazole cost with Medicare? The cost for thirty 40-milligram capsules of generic omeprazole fluctuates between $10 and $48, depending on the pharmacy dispensing it. In contrast, the brand-name drug Prilosec, when a person acquires it under prescription, costs between $448 and $476, making it considerably more expensive than its OTC or generic alternatives. The amount someone pays for prescription Prilosec or non-OTC generic versions after Medicare coverage takes effect depends on the drug's tier classification in their plan's formulary. Drugs in higher tiers typically incur higher costs. Furthermore, Medicare Part C and D plans generally require meeting a deductible and paying a monthly premium, which varies by plan. In 2025, the national base beneficiary premium for Part D is $36.78, while the average monthly premium for Part C is around $17. In addition, a person must still pay the Part B premium to enroll in a Part C plan. However, some plans may cover this cost. What is the best alternative to omeprazole under Medicare? Omeprazole falls into the drug category of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and is among the top ten prescribed medications in the United States. That said, there are other PPIs, including: Which of these drugs works best depends on the person, their specific health needs, and the doctor's recommendations. It is also essential to know that not every PPI has approval for treating the same medical conditions. Medicare may not approve coverage if a doctor prescribes a drug off-label or for a reason the insurance does not consider medically necessary.
Health Line
3 days ago
- Business
- Health Line
Does Medicare Cover Trulicity?
Medicare Part D plans and some Part C plans may cover Trulicity (dulaglutide) for diabetes, but the exact coverage depends on the plan. Such plans will only cover this drug for weight loss in certain cases if you're living with obesity. Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a drug belonging to the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1) class of medications. Diabetes affects 38.4 million people in the United States, or 11.6% of the population. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this drug to help manage type 2 diabetes and reduce the chance of developing heart disease. For this reason, although GLP-1s may be prescribed off-label for weight loss, Medicare Part D plans may cover this drug for diabetes management but not for weight loss, except under specific circumstances. Is Trulicity covered by Medicare Part B? Medicare is generally divided into the following parts: Original Medicare (parts A and B) Medicare Part D Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) Medigap Part B Part B mainly covers medications that you cannot administer yourself, such as IV infusions, for example. While Trulicity is an injection drug, it is one that you can inject yourself. For this reason, Medicare Part D would be responsible for covering a drug like Trulicity. Part D Since private insurers manage Part D plans, the exact drugs that each plan covers vary. What drugs a specific plan covers depends on its formulary, which is a list of the covered drugs. Part D plans are generally required to cover at least two drugs from the most commonly prescribed categories. If the plan does not cover Trulicity (dulaglutide), it is likely to cover some brand-name or generic alternative. Medicare's plan finder tool allows you to enter medications you take to see which Part D plans in your area include these medications in their formulary. The tool also lets you compare prices at different pharmacies in your area. Part C Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is another option for healthcare coverage under Medicare. These optional, private plans offer the same benefits as Original Medicare. Some Part C plans may also offer other benefits, such as prescription drug coverage. Coverage for specific medications under a Medicare Advantage plan depends on the options and plans that the company you choose offers. When selecting a Medicare Advantage plan, you can specify medications you take to compare coverage and pricing. Why doesn't Medicare cover Trulicity for weight loss? Medicare drug plans typically cover medications when they are considered medically necessary. Therefore, Part D plans or Part C plans with drug coverage won't cover GLP-1 agonists like Trulicity for weight loss. Typically, coverage focuses on FDA-approved uses such as helping manage type 2 diabetes or lowering cardiovascular risks for overweight adults or those living with obesity. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. This means you could have a BMI between 25 and 30, but would not qualify for a drug like Trulicity through Medicare unless you need it for diabetes. Under the Biden administration, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) looked into expanding coverage of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss by 2026. However, the Trump administration has since decided against this expansion. How much does Trulicity cost on Medicare? Trulicity's list price is $987.19 per month, but insurance or Medicare coverage may lower this cost. When a Medicare drug plan covers a drug, how much you'll pay out of pocket depends on the tier your plan classifies the drug within its formulary. Generally, higher-tier drugs cost more. Copays for this medication will vary based on the plan you choose, but the manufacturer suggests a range of $0 to $100 per month after you've met your Medicare Part D deductible. Generic drugs are generally classified in a lower tier, but no generic Trulicity is currently available. How can I lower the cost of Trulicity? Trulicity's manufacturer offers a savings card through which you can get a one-month supply of Trulicity for as little as $25. However, you won't be able to use your Medicare plan if you want this discount. Alternatively, you can check whether you qualify for Extra Help, which can lower your prescription costs to $4 to $9. Other resources for lowering drug costs include: Other tips that may help lower your prescription drug costs include: Ask your doctor about less expensive generic options. Consider switching from a 30-day supply to a 90-day supply for your medications, as buying a larger supply upfront can provide cost savings. Consider a mail-order supplier to save on costs. What is a cheaper alternative to Trulicity? The following chart shows GLP-1 agonists currently available in the United States and their brand-name retail prices before insurance. Available generic versions usually cost less. Brand name (generic name) List price as of 2025 Wegovy (semaglutide) $1,349.02 Ozempic (semaglutide) $997.58 Rybelsus (semaglutide $997.58 Mounjaro (tirzepatide) $1,079.77 Zepbound (tirzepatide) $1,086.37 Saxenda (liraglutide) $1,349.02 Victoza (liraglutide) $543.51 or $815.27 (depending on dose) Trulicity (dulaglutide) $987.19 In addition, other diabetes medications can be covered by Medicare. CMS included several of these drugs in the list of 10 drugs it used to renegotiate prices as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Takeaway Trulicity is a long-lasting brand-name medication that can be quite effective at lowering high blood sugar levels due to type 2 diabetes. It is not a substitute for insulin or diet and lifestyle strategies for managing diabetes. There is no generic version of this medication. It is typically a tier 3 medication in most drug plan formulary lists. Many Medicare Part D plans include Trulicity on formularies, but you'll likely still pay a share of the costs. The cost you'll pay will depend on your specific plan. A variety of private and public programs offer extra help in covering your medication costs. You can also talk with your doctor about an affordable way to manage diabetes. The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S. jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bristol Myers Loses 20.7% in 3 Months: Buy, Sell or Hold the Stock?
Shares of Bristol Myers BMY have lost 20.7% in the past three months compared with the industry's decline of 9.6%. The stock has also underperformed the sector and the S&P 500 during this period. While the year started on a positive note and BMY was faring well (outperforming the market), the stock has been on the downslide for the past couple of months. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Even though the first-quarter performance was better-than-expected and BMY raised its annual revenue guidance, the stock declined thereafter, probably reflecting broader market concerns and investors' skepticism on BMY's growth prospects. Let us analyze Bristol Myers' fundamentals in such a scenario to help you deal with the stock going forward: Legacy Portfolio is being adversely impacted due to continued generic impact on Revlimid, Pomalyst, Sprycel and Abraxane, as well as the U.S. Medicare Part D redesign effect. Among these, blood thinner medicine Eliquis, for which BMY has a worldwide co-development and co-commercialization agreement with pharma giant Pfizer PFE, is the biggest contributor to the top line. Eliquis sales were down 4% in the first quarter due to the impact of Medicare Part D redesign in the United States. The company expects sales to steadily increase in the second half of 2025 due to the elimination of the coverage gap. BMY is depending on newer drugs like Opdualag, Reblozyl and Breyanzi to stabilize its revenue base as its legacy drugs face generic competition. Thalassemia drug Reblozyl, for which BMY has a collaboration agreement with Merck MRK, has put up a stellar performance since its approval, driven by strong growth in the first and second-line treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)- associated anemia. The drug should contribute significantly in the coming decade. Revenue growth has been solid for the leading immuno-oncology drug Opdivo, driven primarily by volume growth. The FDA had earlier granted approval to Opdivo Qvantig (nivolumab and hyaluronidase-nvhy) injection for subcutaneous use. The European Commission (EC) recently approved the perioperative regimen of neoadjuvant Opdivo and chemotherapy followed by surgery and adjuvant Opdivo for the treatment of resectable non-small cell lung cancer at high risk of recurrence in adult patients whose tumors have PD-L1 expression ≥1%. The company recently received EC approval for the subcutaneous formulation of Opdivo across multiple solid tumor indications. Sales of CAR T cell therapy, Breyanzi, also continue to gain traction from the approval of new indications and expanded manufacturing capacity. Camzyos has also witnessed strong global uptake in obstructive HCM. BMY earlier won FDA approval for xanomeline and trospium chloride (formerly KarXT), an oral medication for the treatment of schizophrenia, in adults, under the brand name Cobenfy. The approval broadens BMY's portfolio. Cobenfy represents the first new pharmacological approach to treating schizophrenia in decades. This drug is expected to contribute meaningfully to BMY's top line in the coming years. BMY has experienced a few pipeline setbacks in recent months, which negatively impacted its share price. The late-stage ODYSSEY-HCM study evaluating cardiovascular drug Camzyos for the treatment of adult patients with symptomatic New York Heart Association ('NYHA') class II-III non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy did not meet its dual primary endpoints. The top-line results from the phase III ARISE study on schizophrenia drug Cobenfy were also disappointing. The study is evaluating the efficacy and safety of the drug as an adjunctive treatment to atypical antipsychotics in adults with inadequately controlled symptoms of schizophrenia. Treatment with Cobenfy as an adjunctive demonstrated a 2.0-point reduction in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total score compared to placebo with an atypical antipsychotic at week six. However, this data did not reach the threshold for statistical significance for the primary endpoint. While BMY's strategy of acquiring companies with promising drugs/candidates is encouraging, it has resulted in colossal debt to finance these acquisitions. As of March 31, 2025, the company had cash and equivalents of $12.1 billion and a long-term debt of $46.1 billion. Going by the price/earnings ratio, BMY's shares currently trade at 7.16x forward earnings, lower than its mean of 8.56x and the large-cap pharma industry's Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 EPS has moved up to $6.89 from $6.75 in the 60 days, while that for 2026 has remained unchanged at $6.08. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Large biotech companies are generally considered safe havens for investors interested in this sector. Drugs like Reblozyl, Breyanzi, Camzyos and Opdualag have enabled BMY to stabilize its revenue base amid generic competition for its legacy drugs. Approval of additional new drugs and label expansion of top drugs should further diversify its pipeline. However, generic competition is a major headwind for the company and the new drugs will take some time to offset this steep decline. The recent pipeline setbacks weigh on the stock. We recommend prospective investors to wait and watch for the time being. For investors already owning the stock, staying invested would be a prudent move. The company's attractive dividend yield (5.29%) is a strong reason for existing investors to stay invested. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMY) : Free Stock Analysis Report Pfizer Inc. (PFE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
