Does Medicare Part B cover sodium chloride solution?

Sue- thank you so much. It really helps to hear from others like you who have had success when knowing what to do. I really appreciate it. Donna

Thanks, Mary. I wish you luck in your search. Please see Sue's reply- we will all need to be more insistent! Donna

I looked back and my secondary payer (BC/BS fed. from my husband's employment/retirement) is covering it. I don't know if Medicare was ever billed or not, but it would probably have been a long time ago. This issue should definitely be fixed for a prescription medication that is so important to our community!!

By the way, Publix told me they have the same unnamed distributor as Walgreens

My husband asked CVS if it would be covered if he filled the prescription together with the one for albuterol and was told it wouldn't be covered.

If CVS can get it you are lucky. My CVS, Walgreens etc can not even get the 3%. In any case you can use a goodrx coupon at CVS and that should make it lots less expensive. I have to pay $38 plus shipping to get mine from a supplier. No medicare no good rx! Nevertheless I am grateful I can get it at all since there is some kind of shortage in some parts of the country.

Here is a long and ongoing discussion of the issue:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/7-saline-prescription-and-medicare-part-b-payment-quandry/
The answer is "Yes!" However, in order for it to be covered the pharmacist must code it correctly. Here is the official document explaining what must be done:
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articleId=52466
I have since learned something interesting from CVS Mail Order - if a pharmacy sells nebulizers (even if they must order one for you) and takes Medicare, they are able to do this. Apparently most CVS stores choose not to do so. Many Walgreens do...

Where I live right now there are as many independent pharmacies as corporate ones - only those who handle durable medical equipment also handle saline and many other inhaled meds. It makes life crazy, I am fortunate that CVS Mail Order, part of my supplemental insurance coverage, also provides my saline & other inhalables.
Sue

Thanks for the cvs mail info. I'm going to call them MOnday and see if they have 3% and if I am covered. That would certainly save me money. I randomly called a Walgreens in Texas and they had the 3% (would not mail) but not a single pharmacy (Walgreens, Walmart, Target, CVS) in my area within 50 miles has it.

I just got off the phone CVS Caremark and they can mail the 3%- yippeee. Copay is 8.23 for a 90 day supply. I have no clue who they billed (I think Part B since they said Part D does not cover) They send a fax to your doctor to authorize the script and then the dr. faxes it back and then it takes 5-7 business days. They will charge your credit card. This just saved me $118.00. Thank you SUE

The saga continues. Caremart/cvs called me back and said they can't submit to Part B because my Silver Script plan does not allow them to forward to part B for mail order drugs and they have to request prior authorization for Part D to pay for it (which they won't I can be sure). Also they have to have notification from the Dr that the local drugstore can not acquire it from their suppliers. This is madness. I am back to paying over $122 for 3 month supply I suppose. (2 hours on the phone so far)