How much is Velphoro without insurance?

In this article:

• How much does Velphoro cost without insurance?
• Is Velphoro covered by insurance?
• Is there a generic for Velphoro?
• How to get Velphoro without insurance

In this article

• How much does Velphoro cost without insurance?
• Is Velphoro covered by insurance?
• Is there a generic for Velphoro?
• How to get Velphoro without insurance

Velphoro is a brand-name prescription drug used to help control phosphate levels in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis. It belongs to a drug class called phosphate binders and contains the active ingredient sucroferric oxyhydroxide. Without insurance, Velphoro averages about $2,000 per month. Although there are no over-the-counter or generic alternatives to Velphoro, there are ways to make your prescription more affordable.

How much does Velphoro cost without insurance?

When not covered by insurance, the cost of Velphoro can vary. Factors such as dosage and pharmacy availability can affect out-of-pocket costs. Currently, the average retail price for Velphoro is $2,092 for 90, 500 mg chewable tablets. The typical dosage is one tablet taken by mouth three times per day. 

Here is a breakdown of the retail cost of a Velphoro prescription:

• Per tablet: $23
• Per day: $70
• Per month: $2,092
• Per year: $25,104

Velphoro usually costs less with insurance. However, Velphoro copays with insurance and Medicare vary by plan. 

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.

Is Velphoro covered by insurance?

According to Fresenius Medical Care North America, the drug’s manufacturer, Velphoro is included in most prescription drug formularies and Medicare Part D plans.

However, it’s important to know that coverage varies by plan. Coverage details, such as out-of-pocket copayments and deductibles, also vary by plan. 

Is there a generic for Velphoro?

There is no generic equivalent for Velphoro, according to Sue Ojageer, Pharm.D., founder of Pharmacy Mentors and a SingleCare Best of the Best Pharmacy Awards winner. 

Velphoro is currently protected by several patents, and the earliest the patent for the brand name might expire is July 2030. There is no guarantee that a generic version will be made available then. 

How to get Velphoro without insurance

It is not easy for the average person to pay for most brand-name prescription drugs without insurance. That’s true for Velphoro, too. Although it’s unlikely to get Velphoro for free, there are alternatives to paying the full retail price without insurance. Patient assistance programs can often dramatically reduce the out-of-pocket cost of prescription drugs, but not everyone is eligible. Here are a few ways to save money on Velphoro if you do not have insurance.

1. Use a SingleCare discount card

A SingleCare prescription discount card will likely reduce Velphoro’s out-of-pocket cost. At participating pharmacies, you can expect to pay around $1,557 instead of $2,092 for a one-month supply of Velphoro. While this is still a very high price for a prescription, it could save you around $535 per month—that’s $6,420 per year.

2. Consider switching medications

“While there is no generic equivalent for Velphoro, there are other phosphate binders available that could potentially be lower-cost alternatives,” Dr. Ojageer says, adding that cheaper alternatives may include calcium-based phosphate binders and non-calcium-based binders. However, she cautions that these alternatives “may not work exactly the same way as Velphoro.” Alternative drugs might also have different side effects and drug interactions. 

If you struggle to afford your Velphoro refills without insurance, ask your healthcare provider about switching to a different medication. This might be the most affordable way to continue managing your condition.

For instance, Sevelamer HcL is a generic prescription drug used to help control phosphorus levels in people with CKD on dialysis. With a SingleCare discount card, you could pay as little as $49 for 42, 800 mg tablets. Sevelamer dosage might differ from Velphoro dosage, so it’s not a one-to-one comparison, but switching to a generic phosphate binder like this and shopping for the best price could save you more than $1,000 per month.

RELATED:  Velphoro alternatives

3. Apply for financial assistance

“Both the manufacturer of Velphoro, Fresenius Medical Care, and third-party organizations may provide financial assistance programs to help patients afford the medication without insurance,” Dr. Ojageer says.

Patient assistance programs may cover all or some of the cost of Velphoro. Eligibility requirements vary by program:

• Velphoro Access Solutions: Fill out an application for Fresenius Medical Care’s Access Solutions to find out if you are eligible for any extra benefits for financial assistance from the drug manufacturers. Fresenius Medical Care’s Patient Access Solutions offers a copay savings card with a $0 copay. However, this Velphoro savings solution is only available to individuals with commercial insurance plans. 
• State kidney programs: Some dialysis patients are eligible to receive financial assistance for outpatient medications through state kidney programs, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider about programs in your area.

If you can’t afford your Velphoro prescription, you may be eligible for Medicare Extra Help, a Medicare program that helps people with limited income and resources pay Medicare drug coverage premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs. You can apply online through the Social Security Administration.