6 Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) savings tips

In this article:

• Vascepa cost
• Can I get Vascepa for free?
• How to save
• Vascepa alternatives

In this article

• Vascepa cost
• Can I get Vascepa for free?
• How to save
• Vascepa alternatives

The American College of Cardiology estimates that approximately one in five Americans has above-average triglyceride levels. Studies have shown that high triglycerides are a risk factor for a variety of health conditions, especially cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis. Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) is a prescription-strength omega-3 fatty acid that can help lower high triglyceride levels by reducing the liver’s production. However, Vascepa can also be expensive, especially without assistance from insurance or other sources, so we’ve outlined several ways to help reduce those costs. 

How much does Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) cost?

The average retail price of Vascepa is $506 for 120, 1g capsules for cash-paying patients. The average dosage is 2g, twice per day, so this amounts to a 30-day supply. At that price, Vascepa costs just under $17 per day, and may add up to more than $6,000 per year.

That’s for people paying entirely out of pocket, however, without insurance coverage. According to the manufacturer, Vascepa is covered by most health plans with no prior authorization, and more than 90% of Medicare Part D beneficiaries receive coverage. Medicaid may also cover it, but policies vary by state. Even when insurance covers Vascepa, you might still have a copay, but the amount of that copay will vary based on the specific insurance plan.

Sometimes, health plans might also require prior authorization, which is how the insurance company determines whether a prescription drug is actually medically necessary. Often, it requires additional paperwork or phone calls for your healthcare provider, but it might also require step therapy—trying other drugs first before prescribing Vascepa.

“I recommend that patients ask their doctor’s office to submit a prior authorization for Vascepa or generic icosapent ethyl and include levels of the patients’ triglyceride levels, statin use, and risk of heart disease. Your doctor should ensure that your chart clearly shows your diagnosis and that you have had failure or insufficient response to cheaper or over-the-counter options,” says Dr. Brian Honeyman, MD, Ph.D., a clinical advisor at iRely Recovery. “Patients can also call their plan and ask about preferred omega-3 or icosapent products and their criteria for coverage. If you are denied, I suggest asking your doctor to submit an appeal and include supporting lab work and thorough notes.”

Can I get Vascepa for free?

The best-case scenario would be to get Vascepa without spending a dime. While it’s possible to get it for free, these options are either short-term solutions or have strict eligibility requirements.

For example, healthcare providers may be able to request free sample packs of Vascepa from the manufacturer, so patients can try it before committing. These trial runs are free, but they typically only contain a few doses, so they won’t necessarily help you save money in the long run.

There’s a chance that, after you meet your insurance plan’s deductible, you’ll get the full cost of your Vascepa prescription covered. However, this depends entirely on your insurance plan—some may only continue covering a certain percentage, leaving you with a copay. Check your insurance plan’s formulary, or contact the company directly, to see how they cover Vascepa.

How to save money on Vascepa (icosapent ethyl)

Methods for getting free Vascepa might be few and far between, but there are still several ways to get it for less. Here are a few of the most reliable.

1. Free Vascepa coupons

Coupons have long been a great way to save money on various products—and coupons from SingleCare are no exception. By signing up for free, you can use the SingleCare coupon card to get discounts on thousands of prescription medications, including Vascepa. Instead of paying the average retail price of $506, you can get generic Vascepa for as low as $52 at CVS.

The coupon card is valid at any participating pharmacy, although the discounted prices may vary depending on the quantity, strength, form, and pharmacy. You can find the lowest prices near you on the SingleCare website.

Save up to 80% on Vascepa with SingleCare

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.

Vascepa 1 gm (120 Capsules)

23666 - Hampton, VA

$51.84

i Price with signup

Get free coupon

$53.10

i Price with signup

Get free coupon

See Vascepa prices at all pharmacies

2. Vascepa savings card

Vascepa’s manufacturer (Amarin Pharma) says that by using their discount card, you can get the medication for as little as $9 for a 90-day supply. This sounds ideal, and for some people it is—but not everyone is eligible for the card. Eligible patients must be adults with valid prescriptions for Vascepa and must have either commercial health insurance or no insurance at all. Anyone who receives benefits from government-funded programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or the VA, is ineligible.

Additionally, the savings are limited to $150 for each 30-day prescription or $450 for each 90-day prescription, with a maximum annual savings of $ 2,250. So, while some people might pay $9 per prescription, as advertised, others might pay more.

3. Medicaid or Extra Help

Federal and state governments offer various programs designed to assist individuals who need assistance paying for their prescription drugs. The first is Medicaid, which you can receive whether you have Medicare coverage or not. You just need to meet certain income requirements, which vary by state. Medicare also offers a program called Extra Help (also known as Low-Income Subsidy), which can help reduce out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Part D beneficiaries. For individuals, the annual income limit is $23,475, and for married couples, it’s $31,725.

Medicaid copays are capped at $4 for preferred drugs and $8 for non-preferred drugs, while Extra Help copays can’t exceed $4.90 for generic drugs and $12.15 for brand-name ones.

4. 90-day prescriptions

Sometimes, a longer prescription can mean lower costs, and research has shown that 90-day prescriptions can help people save money on their medications. So it’s worth asking your healthcare provider if they’re open to writing a longer prescription for Vascepa.

5. Comparing prices

Drug retail prices are the result of several different variables, but one of those variables is the pharmacy itself. You could potentially visit three different pharmacies and receive three different prices for your Vascepa prescription—even pharmacies in the same town. So spending a little time shopping around could help you save money.

6. Nonprofit organizations

Certain nonprofit organizations offer funds and grants to individuals with specific medical conditions or those in need of financial assistance. The Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief and the PAN Foundation are two good examples. Or, you can search for other savings programs on a site like NeedyMeds.

Is there a cheaper alternative to Vascepa (icosapent ethyl)?

If none of the methods above work, you could always look into Vascepa alternatives—and there are several available. “I recommend talking to your doctor about cheaper options like generic icosapent ethyl, prescription strength omega-3s, or over-the-counter fish oils,” Dr. Honeyman says. “Generic prescriptions are just as effective and can be much cheaper than branded drugs. Omega-3s with EPA and DHA, or over-the-counter fish oils, can be great, cheaper options, but do not have the same strength or benefits for your heart health. Therefore, do not make these substitutions without seeing your doctor.”

These substitutes won’t always be cheaper than Vascepa, but some might be, and others might be the preferred option for your insurance plan. Here are a few of the most common:

• Generic icosapent ethyl: Generic drugs are usually more affordable than their brand-name counterparts, but not always. Generic icosapent ethyl’s average retail price is around $452 for 120, 1g capsules, but it can be $52 with a SingleCare coupon.
• Lovaza (Omega-3-Acid Ethyl Esters): This prescription supplement provides two types of omega-3 fatty acids, while Vascepa has just one. That may be helpful for some people, and less helpful for others. Brand-name Lovaza can be fairly expensive, but its generic version is often available for around $308 per 120 1g capsules, or just $30 with SingleCare coupons.
• Zetia (ezetimibe): This drug works by preventing the small intestine from absorbing cholesterol. While the brand-name version can cost $1,525 for 90 10mg tablets, the generic version is around $849—or $14 with coupons.
• Tricor (fenofibrate) is a fibric acid that helps to lower triglycerides and LDL (“bad cholesterol”) and elevate HDL (“good cholesterol”). The average price is around $216, while its generic version, with a coupon, is approximately $19 for a 90-day supply.
• Lopid (gemfibrozil): Another fibric acid, a month of Lopid usually costs around $243, while generic gemfibrozil is approximately $9 with a coupon.

Remember that your healthcare provider should have the final say in which option is right for you and your health conditions. Consult them if you’re considering switching, or if you’re having trouble affording your Vascepa. They might even have some money-saving tips for you.

The SingleCare prices in this article are accurate as of 12/01/25 for the ZIP code 23666 at the time of publication. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our Vascepa coupon page for updated Vascepa prices near you.