Medicare Part B covers Nitro Dur, but you'll pay a portion of the cost

Yes, Medicare Part B covers Nitro Dur (nitroglycerin transdermal patches) when your doctor prescribes it for heart conditions like angina. You don't need a separate prescription drug plan — Part B pays for it as a medical supply, the same way it covers insulin or other injectable medications you use at home.

However, "covered" doesn't mean free. You'll typically pay 20% of the approved amount after you've met your Part B deductible for the year. The exact price you pay depends on the pharmacy, the patch strength, and how many patches your prescription calls for each month.

If the cost feels high, there are real ways to lower it — some pharmacies charge less than others for the same medication, and patient information programs from the manufacturer can reduce what you owe.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Part B covers Nitro Dur patches as a medical supply, not through a separate prescription drug plan.
  • You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible, which varies by pharmacy and patch strength.
  • Comparing prices at different pharmacies can save you money, since the same medication costs different amounts at different locations.
  • The Nitro Dur manufacturer offers a patient information program that may reduce your out-of-pocket cost if your income is below a certain level.

How Medicare Part B pays for Nitro Dur

Part B covers medications and supplies you inject or use on your skin at home — this category includes insulin, epinephrine auto-injectors, and transdermal patches like Nitro Dur. Your doctor writes the prescription, you pick it up at a pharmacy, and Medicare pays its share directly to the pharmacy.

The payment works like this: Medicare sets an approved amount for each patch strength and quantity. You pay 20% of that approved amount. If the pharmacy charges more than Medicare's approved amount, you may owe the difference — this is called balance billing, and it happens more often with brand-name patches than generic alternatives.

You only pay this 20% after you've met your Part B deductible for the year. In 2024, the Part B deductible is $240, but this amount changes yearly. Once you've paid $240 out of pocket for Part B services and supplies, Medicare covers 80% of approved amounts for the rest of the year.

What the actual cost looks like

A month's supply of Nitro Dur patches (typically four patches if you wear one every three days) costs between $40 and $120 at most U.S. pharmacies, though prices vary widely. Your 20% share would be roughly $8 to $24 per month, assuming you've already met your deductible.

Generic nitroglycerin patches cost less — sometimes $15 to $40 for a month's supply — which means your 20% share could be as low as $3 to $8 monthly. Ask your doctor whether a generic patch works as well for your condition; many people tolerate them equally well.

If you use Nitro Dur year-round, your annual out-of-pocket cost for the medication itself (after the deductible) would be roughly $100 to $300, depending on the patch strength and which pharmacy you use. This does not include the cost of the doctor visit or any other services.

How to find the lowest price at a pharmacy

Call at least two or three pharmacies in your area and ask the cash price for your specific prescription — for example, "Nitro Dur 0.6 mg, 30 patches." Don't assume your regular pharmacy has the best price; chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid often charge different amounts in the same town, and independent pharmacies sometimes undercut them both.

When you call, tell the pharmacy you have Medicare Part B. Some pharmacies explore discounts or price-matching programs that lower your 20% share. You can also use free price-comparison websites like GoodRx or RxSaver, though these show cash prices rather than what Medicare will actually pay — use them as a starting point, then call the pharmacy to confirm the Medicare price.

If your doctor prescribed the brand-name Nitro Dur specifically, ask whether switching to a generic nitroglycerin patch is safe for you. The generic version is chemically identical and usually costs significantly less, which means your 20% share drops too.

Patient information programs that can lower your cost

Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical, the company that makes Nitro Dur, runs a patient information program for people whose income is below certain limits. The program can reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket cost for the patches.

To learn whether you may have access to, call Hisamitsu's patient information line at 1-844-4-NITRO-DUR (1-844-464-8763) or visit their website. You'll need to provide proof of income and your Medicare information. The process usually takes one to two weeks, and if you may have access to, the program sends the patches directly to you or your pharmacy.

This program exists separately from Medicare — it's the manufacturer helping you pay, not Medicare changing its coverage. You can use it even if you've already paid out of pocket; some people explore after they've spent money and receive a refund.

What happens if you have a Medicare Advantage plan instead

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) rather than Original Medicare, your coverage for Nitro Dur may be different. Some Advantage plans cover it through Part B, others require you to use their prescription drug coverage, and a few may require prior authorization from the plan before the pharmacy will fill it.

Call the member services number on your Advantage plan card and ask: "Is Nitro Dur covered, and do I need prior authorization?" They can tell you the exact cost you'll owe and whether your doctor needs to submit paperwork first. This conversation takes five minutes and can save you money or prevent a surprise at the pharmacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a prescription drug plan if I take Nitro Dur?

No. Part B covers Nitro Dur as a medical supply, so you don't need Part D (prescription drug coverage). If you have Part D, it won't pay for Nitro Dur because Part B already does. You only need Part D for oral medications like blood pressure pills or cholesterol drugs.

What if my pharmacy says Medicare won't cover it?

Call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and ask them to confirm coverage. Sometimes a pharmacy makes a mistake or hasn't updated their system. Medicare can also tell you the approved amount for your specific patch strength, which helps you know whether the pharmacy is charging fairly.

Can I use a coupon or discount card along with Medicare?

Not usually. When you use Medicare, the pharmacy must bill Medicare first. You can't layer a GoodRx coupon or manufacturer coupon on top of a Medicare claim. However, if the cash price at a different pharmacy (without using Medicare) is lower than your 20% Medicare share, you could pay cash instead — but this is rare with Nitro Dur.

Will Medicare cover Nitro Dur if my doctor prescribes it for off-label use?

Medicare covers Nitro Dur for any use your doctor prescribes, not just the FDA-approved uses. Your doctor decides whether it's medically necessary for your condition. If the pharmacy questions the prescription, your doctor can submit a letter explaining why they prescribed it.

What if I can't afford the 20% cost even with information?

Talk to your doctor about whether a different heart medication might work — some oral nitroglycerin tablets or other angina drugs cost less. You can also ask your doctor's office to help you contact the manufacturer's information program, since they often have staff who specialize in this. Some community health centers also have medication information funds.