Does Medicare Part D cover Januvia?
Coverage, cost, and 2026 details for Januvia (sitagliptin) under Medicare Part D.
Quick answer: Yes, Januvia is generally covered by Medicare Part D plans, typically on Tier 3 (preferred brand). Coverage details, copays, and restrictions vary by plan, so compare plans available in your area to find the best coverage for your medications.
What is Januvia?
Januvia (sitagliptin) is a once-daily oral medication for type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class called DPP-4 inhibitors, which work by helping the body produce more insulin and reduce sugar production after meals. Januvia is one of the 10 drugs whose prices were negotiated by Medicare under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Is Januvia covered by Medicare Part D?
Januvia is covered by most Medicare Part D plans on Tier 3 (preferred brand). Beginning January 1, 2026, Medicare's negotiated price for Januvia takes effect, reducing the list price by 79%. This negotiated price applies to what Medicare pays — your specific copay depends on your plan's tier structure and where you are in the coverage phases.
Typical formulary tier
Januvia is most often listed on Tier 3 (preferred brand) of Part D formularies. The exact tier — and the copay — depends on the specific plan you're enrolled in.
How much does Januvia cost with Medicare Part D?
Without insurance, Januvia costs around $600 per month before negotiation at retail pharmacies. With Medicare Part D coverage, you typically pay Significantly lower in 2026 due to Medicare price negotiation; typically $20 to $200 per month before the $2,100 cap.
Your actual cost depends on:
- Your plan's deductible — up to $615 in 2026
- The tier Januvia is on in your plan's formulary
- Whether you've reached the $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap
- Whether you qualify for Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy)
- Whether you've enrolled in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (M3P), which spreads costs across the year
2026 Medicare-negotiated price
Januvia is one of the 10 drugs whose prices were negotiated by Medicare under the Inflation Reduction Act. Starting January 1, 2026, the negotiated price reduces the Medicare list price by 79%.
This negotiated price is what Medicare pays to the manufacturer. Your specific copay depends on your plan's tier structure and where you are in the Part D coverage phases. The negotiation is expected to flow through to lower costs for many enrollees, especially as plans adjust their formularies and tiers for 2026.
See all 10 negotiated drugs and 2026 prices →
How to lower your Januvia costs
1. Compare Part D plans for your specific drugs
The same drug can cost dramatically different amounts on different plans. During the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), use the Medicare.gov Plan Finder to compare what Januvia would cost across every plan available in your ZIP code.
2. Check if you qualify for Extra Help
If your income is below approximately $23,475 (single) or $31,725 (married couple) in 2026, you likely qualify for Extra Help, which dramatically reduces what you pay for Januvia and all your medications. Learn about Extra Help →
3. Use the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (M3P)
M3P doesn't lower your total cost, but it spreads your annual out-of-pocket costs into monthly installments — which can help if Januvia causes a big upfront pharmacy bill. Learn about M3P →
4. Look into Patient Assistance Programs
Merck may offer a Patient Assistance Program for people with limited income who don't qualify for Extra Help. These programs can provide free or deeply discounted medication directly from the manufacturer. Learn more about manufacturer programs →
5. Ask about alternatives
Talk to your doctor about whether a different medication — including a generic version or a similar drug in the same class — would work for you.
Alternatives to Januvia
Other medications used for type 2 diabetes include:
- Tradjenta (linagliptin)
- Onglyza (saxagliptin)
- Nesina (alogliptin)
- Metformin (cheaper first-line option)
- GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic or Trulicity
Always discuss any medication change with your prescribing doctor.
Key facts about Januvia on Medicare
- Price negotiated by Medicare under the Inflation Reduction Act
- 79% reduction in Medicare's list price starting January 1, 2026
- No generic available until at least 2027
Frequently asked questions about Januvia on Medicare
Does Medicare cover Januvia?
Yes, Januvia is generally covered by Medicare Part D plans, most often on Tier 3 (preferred brand). Coverage and costs vary between plans, so compare plans available in your area. Some plans require prior authorization.
How much does Januvia cost on Medicare Part D?
Costs typically range from Significantly lower in 2026 due to Medicare price negotiation; typically $20 to $200 per month before the $2,100 cap. Your actual cost depends on your plan's deductible, the tier Januvia is on, and whether you've reached the $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap.
Is there a generic version of Januvia?
No, there is no generic version of Januvia currently available. Patent expirations and FDA approvals will eventually allow generics, but the timing varies. Talk to your doctor about other medications in the same class that may have generic options.
What if my Part D plan doesn't cover this drug?
You have several options: (1) Switch to a different Part D plan during Annual Enrollment that covers Januvia, (2) Request a formulary exception from your current plan with your prescriber's support, (3) Ask your doctor about a covered alternative medication, or (4) Look into the manufacturer's Patient Assistance Program if you have limited income.
Did Medicare negotiate the price of Januvia?
Yes. Januvia is one of the 10 drugs whose prices were negotiated by Medicare under the Inflation Reduction Act. Starting January 1, 2026, the negotiated price reduces the Medicare list price by 79%.
Compare your Part D options
Coverage and costs for this drug vary significantly between plans. Compare your options:
You can also visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE