Is Tadalafil Covered by Insurance: Your Options

Tadalafil may be covered for BPH but not always for ED. Insurance coverage depends on your plan - check with your provider for details on eligibility.

Key takeaways

Most standard health insurance plans and Medicare do not cover brand-name Cialis® for improving testosterone levels.

Insurance coverage may be available under specific circumstances:

  • For treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
  • When prescribed for Raynaud's phenomenon with documented failure of other treatments
  • For post-radical prostatectomy rehabilitation within 12 months of surgery

Where coverage is available, quantity limitations may apply:

  • Up to 8 tablets per 30 days for as-needed dosing (5mg, 10mg, or 20mg)
  • Maximum 30 tablets per 30 days for daily use (2.5mg or 5mg) 

Medicare Part D and certain Advantage Plans may provide coverage when tadalafil is prescribed for specific health conditions like BPH, rather than improvement of testosterone levels. 

Insurance approval may require:

  • Documentation of medical necessity
  • Prior authorization from healthcare providers
  • Meeting specific criteria for the prescribed condition

For patients without insurance coverage, several options may exist to manage medication costs:

  • Requesting generic tadalafil instead of brand-name Cialis®
  • Utilizing manufacturer coupons or pharmacy discount programs

It's essential for patients to verify their specific coverage by:

  • Reviewing their plan's formulary
  • Contacting insurance providers directly
  • Discussing cost-effective alternatives with healthcare providers

Those who have been prescribed tadalafil may wonder if their insurance will cover this medication, given its benefit in improving testosterone level and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Insurance coverage for tadalafil varies among providers and your insurance plan, making it harder to pin-point whether it will be covered or not. 

This article takes a look at tadalafil’s potential insurance coverage, including Medicare Part D and private insurance considerations. This is not medical advice; please consult with your provider and insurance coverage to research which medications are particularly covered under your insurance particularly. This article should simply be taken as a starting point to understand when tadalafil MAY be covered and when it may not be covered.

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Is Tadalafil Covered by Insurance?

Insurance coverage for tadalafil presents a complex landscape which may vary significantly across healthcare providers and plan types. Understanding the specifics of coverage may help patients navigate their treatment options effectively.

Why Doesn't Insurance Cover Tadalafil?

Most insurance plans specifically exclude therapy for increase of testosterone levels from their coverage. This exclusion stems from several key factors:

  • Benefit plan specifications requiring Step Therapy
  • Medical necessity review requirements
  • Plan-specific exclusions for sexual dysfunction treatments
  • Quantity limitations when coverage is available

Coverage determinations depend on multiple elements, including benefit plan documents, applicable laws, and specific medical circumstances. When coverage is available, insurers may evaluate the dosage, frequency, and duration of therapy based on medical necessity

Cost of Tadalafil Without Insurance

The cost of tadalafil without insurance may vary based on dosage strength and quantity. This represents a significant saving compared to Brand-name Cialis® may cost more than double this amount. 

Several factors influence the final price:

  1. Treatment plan specifications
  2. Chosen pharmacy
  3. Prescription quantity
  4. Dosage strength requirements

For Medicare beneficiaries, coverage options may exist through Part D prescription drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans. These plans typically may cover tadalafil when prescribed for conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), rather than improvement of testosterone levels.

Patients requiring long-term treatment may explore cost-reduction strategies such as obtaining a 90-day supply or utilizing pharmacy discount programs. 

Circumstances When Insurance Will Cover Tadalafil

While many insurance plans have restrictions on tadalafil coverage, specific medical circumstances may qualify patients for insurance benefits. 

Circumstance 1: BPH Treatment Coverage

Insurance providers may cover tadalafil for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) when patients meet specific criteria. Coverage typically may require:

  • Documentation of BPH symptoms with an AUA-SI score of 8 or greater 
  • Patient age over 45 years 
  • Prior treatment attempts with alternative medications:
  • Alpha blockers (such as terazosin or tamsulosin)
  • 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (like finasteride or dutasteride)

The standard covered dosage for BPH treatment is 5mg once daily, with allowances for 2.5mg in patients with specific medical concerns.

Circumstance 2: Post-Prostatectomy Coverage

Insurance coverage may be available for post-surgical rehabilitation if:

  • The radical prostatectomy was performed within the previous 12 months 
  • The prescription is written by or in consultation with a urologist
  • Prior authorization requirements are met

This coverage typically extends for one year post-surgery and requires specific documentation from the prescribing physician.

Circumstance 3: Coverage for Other Medical Conditions

Additional circumstances which may qualify for insurance coverage include:

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Coverage may typically be approved for one year when patients require specific dosing not available through other formulations. Medicare Part D plans may also provide coverage for PAH treatment.

Raynaud's Phenomenon: Insurance approval may require

  • Documented failure of calcium channel blocker treatment
  • Medical necessity documentation
  • Prior authorization from the insurance provider 

For all covered conditions, quantity limitations may apply:

  • As-needed dosing: Maximum 8 tablets per 30 days (5mg, 10mg, or 20mg)
  • Daily use: Maximum 30 tablets per 30 days (2.5mg or 5mg)

Prior authorization may typically be required for all covered circumstances, involving discussion between the healthcare provider and insurance company to confirm medical necessity. Continuation of coverage may require documentation of beneficial

Alternatives Which May be Covered by Insurance

For patients seeking alternatives to tadalafil, here are several other alternatives which may be prescribed or covered under various insurance coverages:

Alternative Med 1: Sildenafil (Viagra®)

Sildenafil represents a prescribed alternative which may receive more favorable insurance coverage than tadalafil. Insurance providers may cover generic sildenafil even when brand-name medications are excluded. Key coverage considerations may include:

  • Prior authorization requirements
  • Step therapy protocols
  • Quantity limitations per month
  • Generic substitution requirements

Alternative Med 2: Vardenafil (Levitra®)

Vardenafil may offer another option which certain insurance plans may cover. The medication comes in two forms:

Traditional Tablets (Levitra®)

  • Taken approximately one hour before sexual activity
  • Available in multiple dosage strengths
  • May be taken with or without food

Orally Disintegrating Tablets (Staxyn®)

  • Dissolves on the tongue without water
  • 10mg standard dosage
  • Cannot be taken with liquids

Insurance coverage for vardenafil may typically require:

  1. Documentation of medical necessity
  2. Prior authorization
  3. Quantity limits compliance
  4. Formulary tier placement review

Alternative Med 3: Avanafil (Stendra®)

Avanafil may be a newer alternative in the PDE5 inhibitor class. Medicare Part D and Medicaid coverage for these alternatives may vary significantly by:

  • State location
  • Plan type
  • Medical necessity
  • Prior authorization requirements 

For all alternative medications, insurance providers may typically require:

  1. Documented failure of first-line treatments
  2. Medical necessity verification
  3. Compliance with quantity limitations
  4. Regular prescription review and renewal

Most private insurance plans maintain specific formulas determining coverage levels for these medications. Patients should verify their specific plan benefits and explore prior authorization requirements before selecting an alternative medication or consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best alternative for their health needs. 

How to Get Tadalafil Without Insurance Coverage

Patients seeking tadalafil without insurance coverage may have a few options available through various platforms. Understanding these alternatives can help individuals access their medication.

Mail-order pharmacy options:

Mail-order services provide additional benefits:

  • Reduced pharmacy visits
  • Potential cost savings on 90-day supplies
  • Home delivery convenience

Generic options:

Prescription management:

  • Consider 90-day supplies to reduce costs
  • Compare prices across multiple pharmacies
  • Request generic alternatives when available 

Discount card considerations when using prescription discount cards:

  • Cards may not be combined with insurance 
  • Average savings reach 65%, sometimes exceeding 80% 
  • Compare discount prices with insurance copays
  • Cards work at participating pharmacies nationwide

Medicare recipients for Medicare beneficiaries:

  • Discount cards may generally be used for excluded medications
  • Compare costs between Medicare coverage and discount programs
  • Consider using discount programs when copays are higher

Price comparison tools CostPlus Drugs and their comparison platforms help patients:

  • Find the lowest local pharmacy prices
  • Access medication coupons
  • Compare costs across different pharmacies

Professional consultation options healthcare providers may assist by:

  • Suggesting cost-effective alternatives
  • Providing information about online pharmacy options
  • Recommending financial assistance resources

The average cash price for tadalafil (90, 5mg tablets) without insurance is $952.15, but with discount programs, patients may pay around $17.06. 

Final Thoughts

Patients seeking tadalafil treatment may face a complex insurance coverage landscape which requires navigation. Medical necessity, specific health conditions, and plan-specific requirements may determine coverage eligibility, with treatments for BPH, post-prostatectomy rehabilitation, and pulmonary arterial hypertension generally being acceptable. Healthcare providers may play a role in documenting medical necessity and pursuing prior authorizations when coverage applies.

Generic tadalafil may offer savings compared to brand-name alternatives, while prescription discount programs, online healthcare platforms, and mail-order pharmacies may provide alternatives to those without insurance coverage for tadalafil.  Regular consultation with your healthcare providers may be beneficial to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

‌Disclaimer: The FDA does not approve compounded medications for safety, quality or manufacturing. Prescriptions and a medical evaluation are required for certain products. The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice from a qualified healthcare professional and should not be relied upon as personal health advice. The information contained in this blog is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns including side effects. Use of this blog's information is at your own risk. The blog owner is not responsible for any adverse effects, or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions or information provided in this blog.

References 

  1. Hadley J. The Cost of Tadalafil Without Insurance. Published online January 11, 2021. Accessed December 12, 2024. https://www.rxsaver.com/blog/the-cost-of-tadalafil-without-insurance

  2. Medical News Today. Tadalafil cost 2024: Coupons and more. Published online April 26, 2021. Accessed December 12, 2024. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-tadalafil-cost

  3. Drugs.com. Tadalafil Prices, Coupons, Copay Cards & Patient Assistance. Accessed December 12, 2024. https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/tadalafil

  4. Molina Healthcare. Cialis (tadalafil) – BPH Coverage Only. Published online January 26, 2022. Accessed December 12, 2024. https://www.molinahealthcare.com/-/media/Molina/PublicWebsite/PDF/Providers/common/pa-criteria/Cialis-tadalafil---BPH-Coverage-Only-C6121-C.pdf

  5. Cigna Drug and Biologic Coverage Policy. Tadalafil (Cialis®) for Individual and Family Plans. Published online February 15, 2024. Accessed December 12, 2024. https://static.cigna.com/assets/chcp/pdf/coveragePolicies/pharmacy/ip_0101_coveragepositioncriteria_tadalafil_ifp.pdf

  6. Cigna Healthcare PRIOR AUTHORIZATION POLICY. Erectile Dysfunction – Tadalafil Prior Authorization Policy • Cialis® (tadalafil tablets − Eli Lilly, generic). Published online November 6, 2024. Accessed December 12, 2024. https://static.cigna.com/assets/chcp/pdf/coveragePolicies/cnf/cnf_367_coveragepositioncriteria_erectile_dysfunction_cialis_pa.pdf

  7. Walsh M PharmD. Tadalafil (Cialis) alternatives: What can I take instead of tadalafil? Published online June 12, 2023. Accessed December 12, 2024. https://www.singlecare.com/blog/tadalafil-alternatives

  8. Agochukwu-Mmonu N, Fendrick AM. The Economics of Viagra Revisited: The Price Is Right. Urology. 2021;157:5-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2021.05.037

  9. Assured Pharmacy. What Are The Alternatives To Tadalafil? Published online July 23, 2018. Accessed December 12, 2024. https://www.assuredpharmacy.co.uk/blog/cialis/what-are-the-alternatives-to-tadalafil

  10. NCOA Adviser. Tadalafil or Generic Cialis: What You Need To Know. Published online November 13, 2024. Accessed December 12, 2024. https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/mens-health/generic-cialis-tadalafill

  11. WellRx ScriptSave. www.wellrx.com. Accessed December 12, 2024. https://www.wellrx.com/tadalafil/coupon

  12. Medicare.gov. What Medicare Part D drug plans cover. Accessed December 12, 2024. https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/what-medicare-part-d-drug-plans-cover

  13. Cost Plus Drug Company. Affordable Medicines at the Lowest Possible Price. Accessed December 12, 2024. https://www.costplusdrugs.com

  14. SingleCare. Tadalafil Coupons & Cost Info for 2024. Accessed December 12, 2024. https://www.singlecare.com/prescription/tadalafil

Disclaimer: The FDA does not approve compounded medications for safety, quality, or manufacturing. Prescriptions and a medical evaluation are required for certain products. The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice from a qualified healthcare professional and should not be relied upon as personal health advice. The information contained in this blog is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns, including side effects. Use of this blog's information is at your own risk. The blog owner is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions or information provided in this blog.

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