Does Medicare cover Propecia?
Jump to section
Federal law lets drug plans exclude agents used for cosmetic purposes or hair growth (42 U.S.C. 1396r-8(d)(2)(C)), so finasteride 1 mg for hair loss is excluded from Part D. Finasteride 5 mg for BPH is a different use and can be on your plan's formulary.
What Medicare specifically requires
Sources: 42 U.S.C. 1396r-8(d)(2): drugs that may be excluded or restricted (Current code)
About Medicare coverage
- Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: $50 per month for Wegovy (injection or tablet), Zepbound KwikPen or Foundayo, from July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027. Zepbound single-dose pens and vials are not covered. Medicare.gov fact sheet 12234: Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, Jun 2026
- Bridge eligibility: age 18 or older and BMI 35 or more; or BMI 30 or more with HFpEF, uncontrolled high blood pressure or chronic kidney disease stage 3a or higher; or BMI 27 or more with prediabetes, a prior heart attack, stroke or peripheral artery disease. Medicare.gov fact sheet 12234: Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, Jun 2026
- The $50 Bridge copay does not count toward the Part D deductible or the yearly out-of-pocket limit. Medicare.gov fact sheet 12234: Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, Jun 2026
- People with type 2 diabetes, moderate-to-severe sleep apnea or noncirrhotic MASH get GLP-1s through their Part D plan, not the Bridge. CMS: Medicare GLP-1 Bridge information for providers, Aug 6, 2026
- Federal law lets drug plans exclude agents used for weight loss, hair growth, or erectile dysfunction (42 U.S.C. 1396r-8(d)(2)). 42 U.S.C. 1396r-8(d)(2): drugs that may be excluded or restricted, Current code
Where to get Propecia
Telehealth services that handle Propecia, useful while prior auth processes or as a cash-pay alternative. We may earn a commission. See disclosure.
Hims Hair
from $44/mo- Best for cash-pay
Hims Hair Kit — complete regrowth system
Medicare not the right plan?
Coverage varies between carriers and even between plans at the same carrier. Compare GLP-1 coverage across 20 US insurers and programs, or run the insurance pre-check to estimate your specific plan's odds.
More Medicare coverage
People also ask
Frequently asked
Does Medicare cover Propecia?+
Federal law lets drug plans exclude agents used for cosmetic purposes or hair growth (42 U.S.C. 1396r-8(d)(2)(C)), so finasteride 1 mg for hair loss is excluded from Part D. Finasteride 5 mg for BPH is a different use and can be on your plan's formulary.