Clobex is a brand-name medication. The generic version is called clobetasol. Medicare Part D prescription drug plans may cover both versions if a doctor or healthcare professional prescribes them for a medical condition.
Private insurance companies administer Part D prescription drug plans on Medicare’s behalf. Due to this, the available medications and plan costs can vary by plan provider and plan type.
If you have psoriasis or another inflammatory skin condition, a doctor or healthcare professional may prescribe Clobex (clobetasol) as either a shampoo, spray, or lotion.
When medically necessary, Medicare may cover the costs of either the generic or brand-name version of the medication, depending on the drug plan’s formulary, or drug list.
Part D drug plans have three coverage stages:
- Stage 1: the deductible stage
- Stage 2: the initial coverage stage
- Stage 3: the catastrophic coverage stage
Stage 1: The deductible stage
If your Part D prescription drug plan has a deductible, you’ll join at this stage.
Once you’ve paid your deductible in full, the plan will begin paying its share of eligible expenses.
Stage 2: The initial coverage stage
During this stage, you’ll pay a 25% coinsurance toward the cost of Clobex (clobetasol). This applies to both the brand-name and generic versions of this and other medications.
In 2025, you’ll continue to pay the plan’s coinsurance until you‘ve paid a total of $2,000. But this is expected to rise to $2,100 in 2026.
The catastrophic coverage stage
During this stage, you’ll pay no further costs toward your prescription medications for the remainder of the calendar year.
You’ll receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) the month after your pharmacy sends a bill to your plan provider. This will detail:
- the prescriptions you’ve filled
- the amount the plan has paid
- the total you’ve paid
- the amount others have paid, such as another insurer (if applicable)
- which coverage stage you are at
- what the plan has counted toward your out-of-pocket expenses
- the total amount charged for the medications
Clobex is a brand-name, prescription-only medication containing the active ingredient clobetasol propionate. It’s a corticosteroid that’s used to treat specific skin conditions, including plaque psoriasis.
It’s not known exactly how the medication works. But it’s thought to stop the body from releasing certain chemicals, including an essential fatty acid called arachidonic acid. When these chemicals are released, they become prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which help trigger inflammation. This can cause pain, itching, and swelling.
By blocking the release of these chemicals, Clobex may help relieve the symptoms they cause.
Clobex is available in three different forms:
Which one you’re prescribed will depend on the medical condition for which your doctor is prescribing it.
Always carefully follow your doctor’s prescribing instructions.