How much does Restasis cost with Medicare?

In this article:

• Does Medicare cover Restasis?
• How much does Restasis cost with Medicare?
• Restasis assistance for Medicare patients

In this article

• Does Medicare cover Restasis?
• How much does Restasis cost with Medicare?
• Restasis assistance for Medicare patients

Restasis is the brand name for cyclosporine, a prescription eye drop medication used to increase tear production in people with dry eye disease. It works by suppressing the immune response, which decreases eye inflammation and allows for natural tear production. Restasis is FDA-approved for use in adults and children with chronic dry eye, aged 16 and older.

 If you are on Medicare and dealing with dry eye, you might want to know: Does Medicare cover Restasis? Most Medicare plans do cover Restasis, but not all of them do. Likewise, sometimes you will have to pay copayments or coinsurance for this medication.

 Read on for how to save on Restasis if you have Medicare, including Restasis patient assistance for Medicare, Restasis alternatives, and more.

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Does Medicare cover Restasis?

 Prescription drugs for people on Medicare are covered by Medicare Part D, a program Medicare recipients can choose to opt into. This program isn’t free. In 2025, people enrolled in Medicare Part D pay average monthly premiums of about $37 and copays and coinsurance that can total up to $2000. According to KFF, people on Medicare have about 48 different Medicare Part D plans to choose from in 2025.

 Many—but not all—Medicare Part D plans will cover Restasis, according to Garrett Ball, owner at 65Medicare.org, which specializes in Medicare and Medicare supplement insurance. He estimates that in 2025, roughly 43% of Medicare Part D plans will cover Restasis. “However, just because they cover it, that does not mean that the patient does not have a share of the cost,” he says. There are typically co-payment or coinsurance fees for which you will be responsible.

 Additionally, Ball says many plans use cost containment strategies before you qualify for Restasis coverage. This includes prior authorization, which is when your health insurance plan requires your healthcare provider to get approval from them before prescribing a medication. Health insurance companies may also require step authorization, which involves requiring you to try a less expensive medication (and fail to have resolution of your medical issue) before approving the medication your healthcare provider prescribed.

 “These cost containment measures vary by plan, though, so it is important to review your specific plan’s details,” Ball explains. “As always with Part D, coverage changes from year to year on each plan and varies considerably from one plan to the other, so it is essential to compare your Part D coverage on an annual basis.”

 As Mara Woloshin, APR, fellow PRSA, and Medicare and Medicaid consultant notes, you can file an appeal if your health insurance company denies your prescription coverage. “I strongly recommend that all patients file an Appeal through their health plan,” Woloshin says. Every health insurance plan must carry appeal forms on its website, and all health insurance appeals must be responded to within 72 hours, Woloshin notes.

 “Patients need to be persistent,” she says. “Most first-time appeals are denied. Typically, second (and even third appeals) are approved.”

How much does Restasis cost with Medicare?

 Without insurance, Restasis can be pricey. It can cost about $818 for a 30-day supply of 0.05% single-use vials. According to the manufacturer’s website, Restasis usually costs $0 for a 90-day supply with Medicare coverage. Keep in mind, though, that you may have to pay copayments or coinsurance to acquire this medication.

Restasis assistance for Medicare patients

 If your Medicare Part D plan doesn’t cover Restasis, one option is to see if you can get a prescription for the generic version of Restasis, which is cyclosporine, sold as a cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion. The FDA notes that generic versions of prescription medications work just as well as brand versions. Without insurance, cyclosporine costs $777 for a 30-day supply of 0.05% single-use vials. This isn’t much cheaper than brand-name Restasis, which is $810 for a 30-day supply of 0.05% single-use vials.

 Still, if your Medicare Part D plan doesn’t cover Restasis, there are other ways you can save. Here are some options.

SingleCare coupons

Using a SingleCare coupon can save you money on your Restasis prescription. While Restasis can cost $818 without insurance, it can cost as low as $91 with a SingleCare coupon. SingleCare coupons are easy to use. You simply present them to your pharmacist, and they scan the coupon and then tell you what your new payment is.

Medicare extra help

For low-income individuals on Medicare, the Medicare Extra Help program is a program to consider. To qualify for 2025, your income must be $1,976 per month or less, or $2,664 per month if you are a couple. You must also have limited assets. The upper limits for individual assets are $17,600 and $35,130 for couples.

 Medicare Extra Help “virtually eliminates the costs for prescription drugs,” Woloshin says. Additionally, if you meet the Medicare Extra Help requirement, you may also be eligible for Limited Income Subsidy (LIS) from Medicare, “which dramatically reduces medical costs, many down to $0,” Woloshin shares.

Manufacturer rebates and coupons

Sometimes Restasis coupons are available through the manufacturer. Contact the Restasis manufacturer here to find out if you qualify for coupons or other savings options. 

Restasis patient assistance programs

The Restasis manufacturer offers a savings program for certain individuals. However, you can’t apply for this program if you are already on Medicare. Thankfully, there is another program from the Restasis manufacturer called myAbbVie Assist. You can apply for this program on their website, which can be found here.

 Additionally, as Woloshin shares, people on Medicare can apply for support from their state pharmacy association. You can search for your state pharmacy association on the Medicare website here. Finally, Woloshin says many health clinical systems offer patient grants and support.

Free samples at healthcare providers’ offices

If you are waiting for your health insurance plan to approve your Restasis prescription, you can ask your healthcare provider if they have a free sample you can use while you wait. Bear in mind, though, that this isn’t a sustainable plan, since Restasis is a medication meant to be used on an ongoing basis. 

Restasis alternatives

Restasis isn’t the only way to treat dry eye syndrome. Certain medications similar to Restasis may be more affordable to you. Restasis alternatives include:

• Cequa
• Vevye
• Xiidra
• Tyrvaya
• Miebo

 At the same time, not all of these medications are cheaper than Restasis without insurance, and not all of them are more likely to be covered by Medicare than Restasis. It’s best to discuss any alternative medications with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. You can also ask their advice about navigating health insurance coverage and saving on Restasis.