See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Lipitor Coverage by Aetna: What You Need to Know

Are you taking Lipitor, a popular cholesterol-lowering medication, and wondering if your Aetna insurance plan covers it? You're not alone. In this article, we'll break down the details of Lipitor coverage by Aetna, including the costs, copays, and any potential restrictions.

What is Lipitor?

Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a prescription medication used to lower cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which work by reducing the production of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the liver.

Is Lipitor Covered by Aetna?

According to Aetna's website, Lipitor is indeed covered under most of their health insurance plans. However, the extent of coverage and any potential copays or coinsurance will depend on your specific plan and policy.

Lipitor Coverage by Aetna Plans

Here's a breakdown of Lipitor coverage by Aetna plans:

* Aetna Silver Plans: Lipitor is covered with a copay of $10-$30 per prescription, depending on the plan and your deductible.
* Aetna Gold Plans: Lipitor is covered with a copay of $5-$20 per prescription, depending on the plan and your deductible.
* Aetna Platinum Plans: Lipitor is covered with a copay of $0-$10 per prescription, depending on the plan and your deductible.

Costs and Copays

While Aetna covers Lipitor under most plans, the costs and copays can vary depending on your specific plan and deductible. Here are some estimated costs:

* Generic Lipitor (Atorvastatin): $10-$30 per prescription (copay)
* Brand-name Lipitor (Atorvastatin): $30-$50 per prescription (copay)

Potential Restrictions

While Aetna covers Lipitor, there may be some restrictions or requirements to fill your prescription. These can include:

* Prior authorization: Your doctor may need to get approval from Aetna before prescribing Lipitor.
* Step therapy: Your doctor may need to try a different medication before prescribing Lipitor.
* Quantity limits: Aetna may limit the quantity of Lipitor you can fill at one time.

Alternatives to Lipitor

If you're not eligible for Lipitor coverage or want to explore alternative options, here are some other cholesterol-lowering medications:

* Simvastatin (Zocor): A generic statin medication that's often cheaper than Lipitor.
* Rosuvastatin (Crestor): A brand-name statin medication that's often more expensive than Lipitor.
* Ezetimibe (Zetia): A cholesterol-lowering medication that's often used in combination with statins.

Conclusion

Lipitor is covered by Aetna under most plans, but the costs and copays can vary depending on your specific plan and deductible. Be sure to check with your insurance provider and doctor to confirm coverage and any potential restrictions.

Key Takeaways

* Lipitor is covered by Aetna under most plans.
* Costs and copays can vary depending on your specific plan and deductible.
* Potential restrictions include prior authorization, step therapy, and quantity limits.
* Alternatives to Lipitor include simvastatin, rosuvastatin, and ezetimibe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: Is Lipitor covered by Aetna?
A: Yes, Lipitor is covered by Aetna under most plans.
2. Q: What are the costs and copays for Lipitor?
A: Costs and copays can vary depending on your specific plan and deductible, but estimated costs are $10-$30 per prescription for generic Lipitor and $30-$50 per prescription for brand-name Lipitor.
3. Q: Are there any restrictions on Lipitor coverage?
A: Yes, potential restrictions include prior authorization, step therapy, and quantity limits.
4. Q: What are some alternatives to Lipitor?
A: Alternatives to Lipitor include simvastatin, rosuvastatin, and ezetimibe.
5. Q: How do I confirm Lipitor coverage with Aetna?
A: Contact your insurance provider or doctor to confirm coverage and any potential restrictions.

Sources:

1. Aetna. (n.d.). Lipitor (Atorvastatin) Coverage. Retrieved from <https://www.aetna.com/pharmacy/drug-list/lipitor-atorvastatin-coverage.html>
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Patent. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-5672642>
3. Mayo Clinic. (2022). Lipitor (Atorvastatin). Retrieved from <https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/atorvastatin-oral-route/description/drg-20064435>
4. MedlinePlus. (2022). Atorvastatin. Retrieved from <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698021.html>
5. WebMD. (n.d.). Lipitor (Atorvastatin). Retrieved from <https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1038/atorvastatin-oral/details>