Trikafta (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Vertex GPS: Guidance & Patient Support
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $75,300 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured or underinsured (denied coverage); commercially insured patients are typically eligible for copay assistance regardless of income.
Residency
U.S. resident (including Puerto Rico and US territories) with a valid address
Income Limits (500% FPL)
Calculated based on 500% of 2025 FPL; Vertex GPS evaluates income based on net adjusted gross income.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Vertex GPS: Guidance & Patient Support — Your Guide to Getting Trikafta at Low or No Cost
Who Qualifies for the Vertex GPS: Guidance & Patient Support?
If you have cystic fibrosis and need help affording Trikafta, you may be able to get it free or at a significantly reduced cost through the Vertex GPS: Guidance & Patient Support program. This program is run directly by Vertex, the maker of Trikafta. If you are a single person living in a household with an annual income of $75,300 or less, you may qualify for free medication through this program. Patients who are uninsured or whose insurance has denied coverage for Trikafta are the primary focus of the free drug benefit. However, if you have commercial (private) insurance, you may still qualify for copay assistance regardless of your income level. This program covers patients of all ages who have cystic fibrosis with at least one F508del mutation in the CFTR gene.
---
About Trikafta (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor)
Trikafta is a triple-combination prescription medicine approved by the FDA to treat cystic fibrosis (CF) in patients who have at least one F508del mutation in the CFTR gene. It belongs to a class of drugs called CFTR modulators, meaning it targets the underlying protein defect that causes CF rather than just managing symptoms. Trikafta is available only by prescription and has no FDA-approved generic or biosimilar version, which makes it extremely expensive without insurance or assistance. The list price can reach tens of thousands of dollars per month, putting it out of reach for most patients who pay out of pocket. That is why programs like Vertex GPS exist.
---
Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
Vertex GPS uses your net adjusted gross income to determine eligibility for free medication. The income limits below are based on 500% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level (FPL):
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $75,300 |
| 2 persons | $102,200 |
| 3 persons | $129,100 |
| 4 persons | $156,000 |
Your household size matters. A family of four can earn up to $156,000 per year and still qualify. Vertex typically verifies income using your most recent federal tax return, W-2 forms, or three months of recent pay stubs. If your income situation has changed since last year — for example, you recently lost a job — you may be able to use current pay stubs rather than last year's tax return to reflect your actual financial situation.
If your income is above these limits, you may not qualify for free medication through the patient assistance portion of the program. However, you should not stop there. Vertex GPS also offers copay assistance for commercially insured patients, which is not subject to the same income thresholds. See the "Alternatives" section below for more options if you fall above the income limit.
---
Insurance Requirements Explained
---
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
1. Gather your documents before you start. You will need: a completed enrollment form, your prescriber's signature, proof of household income (such as a recent tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs), and your insurance card if you have insurance.
2. Choose your application method. You have three options:
- Online (fastest): Visit https://www.vertexgps.com/ to complete and submit your application digitally.
- By phone: Call (877) 752-5933 to speak with a Vertex GPS program specialist who can guide you through the process.
- By fax: Submit a completed paper application and all supporting documents to (888) 250-9883.
3. Have your prescriber complete their section. The enrollment form requires your doctor's signature. Many practices can submit this electronically or by fax directly to Vertex GPS.
4. Submit your application. If applying online, upload your documents directly through the portal. If faxing, confirm receipt by calling the program phone number.
5. Wait for a decision. Vertex GPS typically reviews applications within 24 to 48 hours of receiving all required documents.
6. Receive your approval notice. Once approved, a program representative will contact you or your prescriber with next steps.
---
What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
After submitting a complete application, Vertex GPS typically issues a review decision within 24 to 48 hours. Approval notifications are generally sent to both the patient and the prescribing doctor. If approved, Trikafta is shipped directly to your home address — you do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy or prescriber's office. Make sure someone is available to receive the shipment, as temperature-sensitive medications may require a signature. Your enrollment is valid for one year. Before that year ends, you will need to reauthorize your enrollment by submitting updated income documentation and a renewed prescriber confirmation. Vertex GPS will typically reach out to remind you when reauthorization is approaching.
---
Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved generic or biosimilar versions of Trikafta. This is not expected to change in the near term, so biosimilars are not an option at this time.
Savings card for insured patients: If you have commercial insurance, Vertex GPS offers a separate copay assistance card that may significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs, regardless of income. You can enroll at https://www.vertexgps.com/copay-assistance.
State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer their own drug assistance programs for residents who do not qualify for manufacturer programs. Search your state's health department website or ask your pharmacist about available SPAPs in your area.
NeedyMeds.org: This free, nonprofit database at https://www.needymeds.org lets you search for additional patient assistance programs, disease-specific foundations, and other cost-saving resources for Trikafta and other CF medications. It is a helpful starting point if other options have not worked out.
---
*This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Eligibility determinations are made solely by Vertex. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.vertex.com/en-us/support/assistance-programs](https://www.vertex.com/en-us/support/assistance-programs) before applying.*
---
Documents You'll Need
If You Don't Qualify for the Assistance Program
Manufacturer Savings Card (for insured patients)
Vertex offers a savings card that may reduce your out-of-pocket cost if you have commercial insurance. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist for current savings card details.
Common Questions
Vertex GPS typically reviews completed applications within 24 to 48 hours. This clock starts once all required documents have been received, including your enrollment form, prescriber signature, proof of income, and insurance card if applicable. Incomplete applications may cause delays.
Yes. Patients whose commercial insurance has denied coverage for Trikafta may qualify for the free medication portion of the Vertex GPS program. You will likely need to provide documentation of the denial as part of your application. Call (877) 752-5933 if you have questions about your specific situation.
Commercially insured patients are typically eligible for Vertex GPS copay assistance regardless of their income. This is separate from the free medication patient assistance program, which does have income limits. You can apply for the copay card at https://www.vertexgps.com/copay-assistance.
You will need to reauthorize your enrollment each year to continue receiving assistance. This typically involves submitting updated proof of income and a renewed prescriber confirmation. Vertex GPS will usually contact you before your enrollment expires to let you know what is needed.
No. As of now, there are no FDA-approved generic or biosimilar versions of Trikafta. This means the manufacturer patient assistance and copay programs offered through Vertex GPS are among the most important cost-saving options currently available for this medication.
Ready to Apply for Trikafta Assistance?
RX Advantages handles the entire Vertex GPS: Guidance & Patient Support application on your behalf — paperwork, physician coordination, and refill tracking. It takes about 15 minutes to get started.
No SSN required on the web form · From $49.95/month