Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) is a brand-name prescription medication. Doctors may prescribe it alongside dietary changes to reduce levels of triglyceride (a type of fat) in adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia.

If a person has a Part D drug plan or drug coverage through Medicare Advantage, their plan may cover Vascepa as a treatment for high triglycerides.

As of October 2022, Vascepa had coverage without restrictions for more than 90% of Medicare Part D enrollees, according to its manufacturer.

According to Optum Perks, 30 capsules of Vascepa cost as little as $91.84, depending on the pharmacy. The generic version — icosapent ethyl — costs $24.57.

Out-of-pocket costs will vary according to a person’s location, pharmacy, and whether their plan includes Vascepa in its formulary. If the formulary includes Vascepa, its drug tier will affect the cost of the copayment. Higher-tier drugs typically cost more.

If a plan does not include Vascepa, individuals may wish to speak with their doctor about their suitability for the generic version.

Drug coverage through Medicare Part D carries various other costs, including monthly premiums, a yearly deductible, and copayments or coinsurance.

Part D plans have a base premium of $36.78 and a maximum annual deductible of $590. However, as with many other aspects of Part D coverage, a person’s specific costs will vary according to their plan. This is because Medicare-approved private insurers offer Part D plans.

Typically, after a person reaches their deductible amount (if they have one), they are responsible for coinsurance on their medications. Coinsurance means they pay a percentage of the Medicare-approved amount for their drug.

In 2025, a person will pay a coinsurance of no more than 25% of the cost of their drug. When their annual out-of-pocket spending hits $2,000, they will get “catastrophic coverage,” meaning they pay no more out-of-pocket costs for their prescription drugs for the rest of the year.

To find a plan that covers Vascepa and learn its cost, people can use Medicare’s coverage finder tool.