Medicare Medication Review: What It Is and How It Saves Seniors Money

When you’re on multiple prescriptions, a Medicare medication review, a free, personalized check-up of all your drugs by a pharmacist or nurse under Medicare Part D. Also known as a Medication Therapy Management, it’s not just a formality—it’s a safety net that catches dangerous overlaps, duplicate drugs, and unnecessary pills before they hurt you. If you take five or more medications, have multiple chronic conditions, or spend over $5,000 a year on prescriptions, you’re likely eligible—and you might not even know it.

This isn’t just about cutting costs. A Medicare medication review, a free, personalized check-up of all your drugs by a pharmacist or nurse under Medicare Part D. Also known as a Medication Therapy Management, it’s not just a formality—it’s a safety net that catches dangerous overlaps, duplicate drugs, and unnecessary pills before they hurt you. If you take five or more prescriptions, have multiple chronic conditions, or spend over $5,000 a year on meds, you’re likely eligible—and you might not even know it.

The real value shows up in the details. A review might spot that you’re taking two drugs for the same condition, or that one of your pills is causing your dry eyes, dizziness, or fatigue. It can flag interactions between your blood pressure medicine and your heart drug, or remind you that your statin needs liver checks every few months. For seniors on Extra Help Program, a federal program that cuts Medicare Part D costs for low-income beneficiaries to just a few dollars per pill. Also known as Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), it’s designed to make prescriptions affordable for those who need it most., a medication review can unlock even deeper savings by aligning your drugs with your plan’s formulary. Some people save hundreds a year just by switching to an authorized generic that’s covered better.

It’s not magic. It’s methodical. Pharmacists look at every pill you take—including over-the-counter stuff and supplements. They check for kidney or liver risks, duplicate therapies, and whether you’re even still taking a drug your doctor stopped prescribing. One study showed seniors who got a full review had 30% fewer ER visits related to drug problems. That’s not a small number. That’s someone avoiding a hospital stay because their blood thinner was doubled up by two different doctors.

And it’s not just about what’s in your medicine cabinet. A good review connects to what’s happening in your life. Are you having trouble swallowing pills? Maybe your asthma inhaler isn’t working right. Are you skipping doses because of cost? That’s where the Extra Help Program, a federal program that cuts Medicare Part D costs for low-income beneficiaries to just a few dollars per pill. Also known as Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), it’s designed to make prescriptions affordable for those who need it most. comes in. If you’re on immunosuppressants, the review can flag which vaccines you can still get safely. If you’re on rosuvastatin, they’ll remind you to check your muscle pain and blood sugar. If you’re on dapsone for skin issues, they’ll warn you about anemia risks.

You don’t need to ask for it. If you qualify, your plan should reach out. But if they haven’t, call them. You can also ask your pharmacist to run a review during your next refill. It takes 20 minutes. No appointment needed. No extra cost. And if you’re worried about your prescriptions, your doctor, your insurance, or just how much you’re spending—you’re not alone. Thousands of seniors have saved money, avoided side effects, and even reversed health declines just by asking for this one simple check-up. Below, you’ll find real stories and practical guides on how to make the most of your meds—from understanding your formulary to spotting dangerous interactions and getting the best coverage possible.