Glossary · Drug coverage
What is a formulary?
A formulary is the list of prescription drugs covered by a prescription drug plan or another insurance plan with drug benefits. It is also called a drug list.
Definition and figures from HealthCare.gov glossary, Medicare.gov, checked October 23, 2026. This page explains the term; it does not recommend a plan.
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Formulary: the facts
| Item | Fact | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Also called | Drug list | HealthCare.gov glossary: Formulary |
| Medicare drug plans | All plans must cover a wide range of drugs people with Medicare take | Medicare.gov: Costs for Medicare drug coverage |
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Questions
What does formulary mean in health insurance?
A formulary is the list of prescription drugs covered by a prescription drug plan or another insurance plan with drug benefits. It is also called a drug list.
How do I check if a drug is on a Medicare formulary?
Each plan publishes its own formulary. The drug coverage pages on this site show the 2027 CMS formulary files by drug and state.