Praluent cost and access?

Praluent (alirocumab) – Cost & How to Get It

| Item | What to Know |
|------|--------------|
| Typical retail price | Roughly $3,200–$4,300 per month (150 mg monthly dose). Prices can vary by pharmacy, region, and whether you’re buying the drug “as‑is” or via a specialty pharmacy. |
| Insurance coverage | • Most commercial plans (Blue Cross, Kaiser, etc.) cover Praluent as a specialty drug, but you’ll usually need prior authorization.
• Medicaid coverage varies by state; many states list it as a covered benefit.
• Medicare Part D plans may cover it, but patients often pay a copay or coinsurance that can be high. |
| Copay help | • AstraZeneca’s Patient Assistance Program (PAP) – free for qualifying patients with no insurance or inadequate coverage.
• AstraZeneca’s Copay Card – provides a discount of up to $300 per month (check eligibility).
• Pharmacy discount cards (e.g., GoodRx, Blink) can shave $50–$200 off the list price. |
| Eligibility & application | • To qualify for the PAP you need a prescription, proof of income, and no competing insurance that covers the drug.
• The Copay Card requires an active prescription and proof of insurance.
• You can apply online (via the drug’s manufacturer site or pharmacy) or through a healthcare provider’s office. |
| Other avenues | • Some hospitals or specialty pharmacies offer “cost‑sharing” programs that reduce monthly out‑of‑pocket costs.
• If you have a large health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), you can use those funds to pay for the drug.
• Discuss with your pharmacist or prescriber if a lower‑dose schedule (e.g., 75 mg every 2 weeks) might still meet your needs and reduce cost. |
| Generic status | No generic version exists yet. The drug is still under brand protection, so the price is set by the manufacturer. |
| What to do next | 1. Ask your doctor for the prescription and a copy of any prior‑authorization paperwork.
2. Contact your insurance to confirm coverage and the needed authorization steps.
3. Apply for assistance:
 • PAP: https://patient-assistance.astera.com
 • Copay Card: https://www.asterazepay.com/copaycard
4. Use discount cards or specialty pharmacy services to see if you can lower the out‑of‑pocket cost. |

Bottom line:
Praluent is a high‑cost specialty drug, but most patients can obtain it through insurance (with prior authorization), manufacturer assistance programs, or discount cards. If you’re unsure about your coverage, call your insurance’s member services, bring your prescription, and ask your pharmacist or doctor about all the available cost‑saving options.