Vascepa

Indicated For

cardiovascular risk, high triglycerides

About This Medication

# VASCEPA Savings Program Patient Guide: How to Get Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) at Low or No Cost Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) is a prescription medicine used to help lower the risk of heart problems like heart attacks and strokes in certain adults when taken with statins, or to reduce very high triglyceride levels.[3][4][5] This guide explains the **VASCEPA Savings Program**, a copay savings card from Amarin Pharma that helps **eligible patients** pay as little as **$9 for a 90-day supply** or even $0 through options like BlinkRx.[1][2][6] ## About Vascepa **Vascepa** is purified prescription EPA (icosapent ethyl), a type of omega-3 fatty acid. The FDA approved it for two main uses: - As an add-on to maximally tolerated statin therapy to cut the risk of **myocardial infarction (heart attack)**, **stroke**, **coronary revascularization**, and **unstable angina needing hospitalization** in adults with triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL plus either established cardiovascular disease or diabetes with ≥2 extra risk factors.[3][5][7] - To lower severe hypertriglyceridemia (triglycerides ≥500 mg/dL) alongside diet.[5][7] Unlike fish oil supplements or generic icosapent ethyl, Vascepa offers **unrestricted access on most insurance plans** and may cost less out-of-pocket for many patients.[1][3] Common side effects include muscle aches, constipation, or gout; it carries risks like atrial fibrillation (especially if you have a history) and bleeding. Tell your doctor about liver issues or allergies. Always follow your doctor's dosing—typically 4 grams daily.[2][3] ## Who Qualifies for the VASCEPA Savings Program? This is a **copay assistance card**, not a free drug program based on income. It's for **adult patients (18+)** with a valid Vascepa prescription who meet these criteria:[1][2][8] - **Commercial insurance** (private plans) or **uninsured cash-paying patients**. - **Not eligible**: Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA, or any federal/state government program; patients under 18; residents of **Massachusetts or California**; plans prohibiting copay cards.[8] **Key benefit**: Pay **$9 minimum** after insurance (card covers up to $150/month or $450/90 days, max $2,250/year). Counts toward deductibles. For **commercially insured via BlinkRx**: **$0 for 90 days**, free 30-day fill during prior auth, or lowest cash price uninsured.[1][2][6] **No income limits** apply—it's eligibility-based on insurance type, not household income. This differs from traditional patient assistance programs (PAPs) that use **FPL thresholds** (e.g., 400-500% federal poverty level).[8] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Since this program has **no income requirements**, everyone eligible by insurance status qualifies. For context, here's how traditional PAPs compare (not applicable here): | Household Size | 400% FPL Example (2026 est.) | 500% FPL Example | VASCEPA Program | |---------------|------------------------------|-------------------|-----------------| | **Individual** | ~$60,000 | ~$75,000 | **No limit** | | **Couple** | ~$80,000 | ~$100,000| **No limit** | | **Family of 3**| ~$100,000| ~$125,000| **No limit** | | **Family of 4**| ~$120,000| ~$150,000| **No limit** | *Note: FPL examples for illustration; VASCEPA ignores income.*[8] ## Insurance Requirements - **Must have commercial insurance** or pay cash (uninsured). Use as **secondary payer** after insurance processes primary claim.[1][2][8] - **Excluded**: Government programs like **Medicare Part D**, Medicaid—**cannot use card**.[8] - Pharmacies: Submit **COB/split bill**—insurance first, then card via Change Healthcare (use code like '8'). Prescriber ID needed.[2][8] - BlinkRx: eRx to BlinkRX (Boise, ID) for $0 copay option, free delivery, prior auth help.[2] ## Step-by-Step Application 1. **Get prescribed Vascepa**: Ask your doctor for a valid Rx with prescriber ID.[2][8] 2. **Check eligibility**: Confirm commercial insurance (not gov't), age 18+, not MA/CA resident.[8] 3. **Get Savings Card**: - Visit **vascepa.com/getting-started/vascepa-savings/** or **vascepa.copaysavingsprogram.com**.[1][2] - Click 'Get savings card'—print or save digitally. 4. **At pharmacy**: - Present Rx + card. - Pharmacy processes insurance primary, card secondary.[8] - Pay **$9** (or $0 via BlinkRx).[1] 5. **Manual rebate** (if needed): Use form from ConnectiveRx—include Rx label copy, proof of payment. Mail to PO Box 2355, Morristown, NJ 07962. Takes 6-8 weeks.[9] 6. **Questions?** Call **1-855-497-8462** (card) or **1-855-VASCEPA (827-2372)** for AmarinConnect.[2] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Instant at pharmacy**: Card activates immediately if eligible—no prior approval needed.[1][8] - **BlinkRx**: Free home delivery; free 30-day supply while awaiting prior auth.[2] - **Rebate forms**: **6-8 weeks** processing.[9] - Covers **up to 12 months** ($2,250 max savings).[8] ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **Government insurance?** Check Amarin PAP (if exists via 1-855-VASCEPA) or NeedyMeds.org for generics/low-cost options.[9] - **Uninsured?** BlinkRx lowest cash price or GoodRx coupons.[1] - **Generic icosapent ethyl**: Cheaper but may cost more out-of-pocket than Vascepa with card; less formulary access.[1][3] - **Denials**: Verify eligibility; try BlinkRx; appeal insurance prior auth with HCP help.[2] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available data as of 2026. **Eligibility, terms, and savings can change**—always check **vascepa.copaysavingsprogram.com**. Not medical/financial advice. Consult your doctor/pharmacist. Program excludes government beneficiaries by law. Amarin/ConnectiveRx may verify info. See full terms.[1][2][8] (Word count: 982)

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026