Vascepa Aid Program Basics
Vascepa (icosapent ethyl), made by Amarin, has a patient assistance program called Vascepa Savings Card and a separate Vascepa Patient Assistance Program (PAP) for uninsured or underinsured patients. The Savings Card offers copay help up to $18 per fill (max 12 fills/year, or $216 annually), but requires commercial insurance and excludes government plans like Medicare. The PAP provides free meds for eligible uninsured/low-income patients.[1][2]
Who Qualifies for Vascepa Aid?
Eligibility hinges on income, insurance status, residency, and household size:
- Must be 18+, U.S. resident (or dependents).
- Household income typically ≤400-500% of federal poverty level (FPL), adjusted yearly—e.g., ~$60,000 for one person, ~$128,000 for four in 2024.
- No commercial insurance (PAP); Savings Card needs it but not government coverage.
- Doctors confirm diagnosis (e.g., high triglycerides).[1][3]
Are There Limits on Aid Duration or Quantity?
Yes, strict caps apply:
- Savings Card: Max 12 fills (180-day supply) per year. Resets January 1; unused fills don't roll over. Lifetime cap possible after review.
- PAP: Up to 12 fills/year (90-day supply each). Renewable annually if still eligible; no lifetime limit stated, but requires reapplication and income verification each time. Free shipping via specialty pharmacy.
Enrollment lasts 1 year max before reapplying. Aid ends if income rises, insurance changes, or program updates occur.[2][4]
What If You Hit the Aid Limits?
Patients maxing out can reapply next year, switch to generic icosapent ethyl (available since 2020, often cheaper), or explore state programs/GoodRx discounts (~$300/month vs. Vascepa's $400+ list). No bridge beyond annual caps.[3][5]
Common Reasons Aid Gets Denied or Limited