8 Medications Medicare Advantage Won't Cover in 2027

Government-administered healthcare is one of the major benefits for seniors, especially for money-conscious retirees who want to stretch their retirement savings as far as possible. Rather than choosing Original Medicare, many seniors opt for Medicare Advantage, which is a Medicare-approved private insurance plan that typically includes prescription drug coverage.

However, just like Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage doesn't cover all prescription drugs, and you could be surprised by unexpected out-of-pocket costs. Keep reading to see which types of medications won't be covered by Medicare Advantage plans in 2027 so you can budget more accurately for your healthcare needs next year.

Weight-loss drugs when prescribed for weight loss only

Some Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans will cover GLP-1 medications for patients with certain diagnoses, like diabetes or heart disease. But if your GLP-1 prescription is intended to help with weight loss only rather than for managing related conditions, Medicare won't help pay for the medication cost.

However, as of July 2026, a temporary bridge program provides GLP-1 coverage for some Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. Along with having a qualifying plan, you might need a qualifying condition (such as a BMI of 27 plus prediabetes) to take advantage of the bridge program, which reduces the cost of a 30-day supply to a $50 co-pay. If you don't have a qualifying condition, you'll likely be stuck paying for the medication out of pocket, at least for now.

Over-the-counter medications

Over-the-counter (or nonprescription) drugs like aspirin or acetaminophen aren't usually covered by Medicare Advantage plans. However, some over-the-counter products for diagnosed diabetics may be covered, so your plan could help you pay for syringes, insulin pens, gauze, and alcohol wipes.

Fertility drugs

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) can't be paid for with Medicare, and neither can most fertility drugs (such as medications that trigger ovulation, like Clomid). While some Medicare Advantage plans might include fertility benefits that aren't offered by traditional Medicare, they usually exclude the same fertility medications as Original Medicare.

Vitamins and mineral supplements

Most vitamins, minerals, and other supplements are sold over the counter, but even prescription vitamins aren't covered by most Medicare Advantage plans. Prescribed prenatal vitamins, some niacin prescriptions, and certain fluoride treatments are notable exceptions.

Cosmetic medications

Most Medicare Advantage plans don't cover medications that are intended to improve your personal appearance, including medications that stimulate hair growth. This doesn't mean Medicare doesn't cover dermatology medications, however: drugs for conditions that impact your appearance, like rosacea or psoriasis, are usually covered as long as they were prescribed by a doctor or dermatologist.

Symptom-relieving cold medications

Drugs that help alleviate symptoms of the common cold, like sneezing or a sore throat, aren't covered by Medicare plans, and cough medications like Robitussin aren't covered either. Some prescription antihistamine-and-decongestant combined medications might be covered, but only if your doctor prescribed them for a reason other than soothing basic cold, flu, or cough symptoms.

Medications no longer covered by your specific plan

Formularies, or lists of drugs covered by specific insurance plans, can change year over year. This means the medications your Medicare Advantage plan paid for in 2026 might not be automatically covered by the same plan in 2027. Before recommitting to your Medicare Advantage plan during this year's open enrollment period, make sure to read the formulary to find out if your drugs will still be covered in the new year.

Drug efficacy study implementation (DESI) medications

DESI stands for Drug Efficacy Study Implementation, an FDA program that reviews drugs approved before 1962, when approval was based on safety alone. Drugs the FDA later finds "less than effective" (LTE) are known as LTE DESI drugs. Since these medications haven't been shown to effectively treat any conditions, Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans don't cover them, along with any identical, related, or similar drugs.

If your plan finds an LTE DESI drug on its formulary, it's expected to remove it. You may also receive a denial notice citing DESI standards if your prescription falls into this category. (Relatedly, Medicare plans don't cover drugs that haven't been approved and evaluated by the FDA.)

Bottom line

Signing up for a Medicare Advantage that doesn't cover one of your necessary drugs can devastate your bottom line, so be proactive about finding plans with the right benefits to save money in retirement.

Most importantly, pay close attention to the formulary when choosing your Medicare Advantage plan. If you're hoping to stick with the same plan, be sure to carefully read its annual notice of change so you can catch any prescription coverage changes. Finally, if you can't find a plan that covers one of your needed drugs, your insurance company should have a way for you to appeal.

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