Does Blue Cross cover Vraylar?

In this article:

• Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover Vraylar?
• How much does Vraylar cost?
• How to check whether your BCBS plan covers Vraylar
• What to do if insurance won’t cover Vraylar
• How to get Vraylar without insurance

In this article

• Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover Vraylar?
• How much does Vraylar cost?
• How to check whether your BCBS plan covers Vraylar
• What to do if insurance won’t cover Vraylar
• How to get Vraylar without insurance

Vraylar (cariprazine) is a brand-name prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat schizophrenia, bipolar depression, and bipolar I disorder. It can also be used with other medications for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). Vraylar is an atypical, or second-generation, antipsychotic. The way Vraylar works isn’t completely understood, but it is believed to regulate serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters in the brain. Although it can be expensive for some, averaging about $70 per capsule, Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance can make it much more affordable, but individual plans vary, and prior authorization may be required.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover Vraylar?

Blue Cross Blue Shield may cover Vraylar, but coverage details and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan. And these costs are determined by factors such as whether Vraylar is a preferred drug and which tier it is on in your prescription drug formulary (list of covered drugs). Lower-tier drugs are cheaper than higher-tier drugs. Generic drugs are typically on tier 1, while brand-name drugs like Vraylar are on higher tiers. Vraylar does not currently have a generic version.

Insurance is complicated, and every health plan is different, even plans from the same company. Also, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a system comprised of independent, community-based companies, each with its own policies. For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina puts Vraylar on tier 2 of its essential formulary but tier 4 for its Blue Medicare PPO plan. It also has quantity limits of 30 capsules every 30 days. Check with your plan’s formulary, or call the member services phone number on the back of your insurance card for an exact idea of how much you’ll be expected to pay. 

RELATED: Does Medicaid cover Vraylar? │ How much does Vraylar cost with Medicare? 

How much does Vraylar cost?

The average retail price of a one-month supply of Vraylar is around $2,113 for 30, 1.5 mg capsules, but Vraylar costs vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. Your cost for Vraylar will depend on the dosage, quantity, and pharmacy. 

How to check whether your Blue Cross Blue Shield plan covers Vraylar 

You can find out how much Vraylar will cost you in a couple of different ways. Since BCBS has many independent licensees, it also has many formularies. Each formulary has its own requirements and tier system. If you log in to your plan online, you may access your formulary under “Resources” or “Benefits.” Once you access the formulary for your plan, scroll down to find Vraylar. 

Another way to find out if your Vraylar is covered by insurance is to call your insurance company and ask. Have your insurance card handy since the representative will probably ask for information like your account and group numbers. 

You can also have your healthcare provider send a prescription to your preferred pharmacy. The pharmacy staff will process the claim and can tell you right away whether Vraylar is covered under your plan and how much you would pay.

What to do if insurance won’t cover Vraylar

If your Vraylar prescription claim is initially denied, you may still have other options. Your healthcare provider can submit a prior authorization to your plan. With a prior authorization, your provider sends clinical information to your plan about why a drug is medically necessary for you. For example, they may submit your diagnosis, drugs you have previously tried, and other supporting clinical notes.

If the prior authorization request is denied, your healthcare provider may submit an appeal. If the appeal is also denied, you may want to explore savings options, such as prescription discount programs (like SingleCare) or manufacturer programs. You can also ask your provider about Vraylar alternatives that may be effective but more affordable. Some of these alternative medications are available in generic formulations, so their cost could be significantly lower.

“There are not many other drugs on the market that work quite the same way as Vraylar, but there are other medications that are FDA-indicated for the adjunctive treatment of depression or the treatment of bipolar 1 disorder in the atypical antipsychotic class,” says Bethanie Simmons-Becil, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and assistant professor of nursing at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida. “People should speak with their healthcare provider about all options to help them find a treatment plan that is right for them.”

How to get Vraylar without insurance

There are several ways that you may be able to save on your Vraylar prescription if you are paying without insurance. You could pay $1,445 for 30, 1.5 mg capsules when you use a Vraylar coupon from SingleCare, depending on which pharmacy you choose. You can’t combine SingleCare prescription discount card benefits with insurance, but it may be an affordable option if your coverage is limited. What’s more, you can use the discount on your initial Vraylar prescription as well as refills. 

You may also qualify for various manufacturer offers, such as patient assistance or savings programs. Contact the Vraylar manufacturer, AbbVie, to find out if you qualify for any savings opportunities. 

The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of March 15, 2026. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our Vraylar coupon page for updated Vraylar prices near you.