Is it covered and alternative options

Medicare does not cover the cost of Prevagen. Medicare covers treatments, prescription medications, and medically necessary services, but this does not include OTC dietary supplements such as Prevagen.

Medicare only covers treatments and medications that have undergone rigorous clinical testing and received FDA approval as safe and effective for the condition it treats.

Medicare does not cover the cost of Prevagen because it is a nonprescription dietary supplement. Since dietary supplements do not have to undergo clinical testing, and the FDA does not regulate them in the same way as prescription drugs, they fall outside the scope of Medicare coverage.

The standard Medicare plans, including parts A, B, and D, do not cover Prevagen or other dietary supplements.

Medicare Part B’s outpatient medical insurance covers some alternative therapies and treatments. However, the options are limited, and it is important that a person check their coverage for their specific needs.

It is best to check directly with Medicare or another insurer to determine if a plan covers alternative cognitive health treatments.

The cost of Prevagen varies depending on several factors. These include the strength of the capsules, the number of capsules in the bottle, and whether the purchase is part of a subscribe-and-save plan.

Here is a breakdown of the costs according to the official Prevagen website when writing this article.

Prices may also vary depending on where individuals buy the product.

Purchasing through a brick-and-mortar store may increase the price. However, depending on the retailer, promotions and discounts may also be available.

Several alternatives to Prevagen are available that Medicare may cover if a medical professional prescribes the treatment to support cognitive health:

• Donepezil (Aricept): This medication is FDA approved to help treat dementia symptoms in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Memantine (Namenda): This medication is FDA approved to help improve memory in people with Alzheimer’s.
• Rivastigmine (Exelon): The FDA approves this medication to help people with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

If an individual has questions about their cognitive health, they can discuss their symptoms and treatment options with a healthcare professional. A healthcare professional can determine the best Medicare-covered solution to support cognitive health.

Prevagen does not have FDA approval. The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements, including vitamins and minerals, in the same way it regulates prescription medications.

To receive approval from the FDA, a medication must undergo clinical trials to test its safety and effectiveness for a specific medical condition.

Manufacturers must also follow strict guidelines and meet high quality standards when manufacturing medications.

Dietary supplements are not held to the same stringent standards as prescribed medications, so therefore do not receive approval.

The manufacturer of Prevagen claims the supplement supports memory improvement, but the FDA has not evaluated or endorsed these statements.

In fact, Quincy Bioscience, the manufacturer of Prevagen, was found guilty by a court in New York state of making false claims about the supplement. The jury decided that the claims Quincy Bioscience made about Prevagen were not supported by scientific evidence.

Medicare does not cover the cost of Prevagen or any dietary supplements. Medicare only covers the cost of FDA-approved prescription medications and treatments prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Without coverage, the cost of a 30-day supply of Prevagen ranges between $40 and $53.

For individuals looking for alternatives, Medicare may cover the cost of prescription drugs like donepezil and memantine if a healthcare professional prescribes them for memory health.