Tadalafil vs. Tadalafil (PAH): Why Your Coverage May Differ

Created by Melinda Caughill, Modified on Wed, 12 Nov at 4:34 PM by Melinda Caughill

Medicare plan data now lists two separate versions of the same medication: tadalafil and tadalafil (PAH). The difference isn’t the chemical—it’s the reason you take it.

Medication Name	Common Use	Medicare Coverage (Typical)	Notes
Tadalafil	Erectile dysfunction (ED) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)	Usually not covered by Medicare Part D	Often associated with the brand Cialis
Tadalafil (PAH)	Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)	Usually covered by Medicare Part D	Often associated with the brand Adcirca

HeyMOE Tip: Even when two drugs share the same name, the reason you take them can change whether your plan covers them. Always pick the version that matches your condition.

How to Pick the Right One in HeyMOE

Confirm with your prescriber why you take tadalafil.
If it’s for pulmonary arterial hypertension, select “tadalafil (PAH)” in HeyMOE.
If it’s for ED/BPH, select plain “tadalafil”.

Choosing the correct version ensures accurate plan comparisons and cost estimates. You may see dramatically different coverage and pricing depending on the selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these two different drugs?

No. They have the same active ingredient (tadalafil). The difference is the FDA-approved indication and how Medicare classifies coverage.

Why is ED/BPH tadalafil usually not covered?

Medicare Part D generally does not cover drugs used for erectile dysfunction. By contrast, tadalafil prescribed for PAH is typically covered because it treats a different condition.

Brand names I might see

Cialis (tadalafil for ED/BPH)
Adcirca (tadalafil for PAH)

Quick Check: If your diagnosis is pulmonary arterial hypertension, make sure your medication entry in HeyMOE says tadalafil (PAH).

What if I’m not sure which one I take?

Ask your prescriber or check your prescription label/portal. If your diagnosis is PAH, you should be using the (PAH) version in HeyMOE for accurate results.

Note: Coverage can vary by plan. Always verify final coverage details with your plan or pharmacy.

HeyMOE Tip: If you use Tadalafil for ED, don’t switch to the Brand Name drug when asked by HeyMOE to consider this change.

When HeyMOE suggests changing from tadalafil to the brand version, take a moment before doing so. The brand name drug (Cialis) may show a slightly lower price under insurance—about $270 vs. $290 for the generic—but real savings often come from coupon programs.

For example, the generic tadalafil has a $7 GoodRx coupon available, while the brand version typically offers no comparable discount. In most cases, sticking with the generic plus a GoodRx coupon is still the most cost-effective option.

Note: Coverage and coupon availability can vary by pharmacy and location. Always double-check your final price before filling your prescription.