Last Updated on January 30, 2025
Cancer treatment can be overwhelming, not just physically and emotionally, but financially too. If you or a loved one has been prescribed Keytruda (pembrolizumab), you might be wondering how to afford it. The good news is that help is available.
On World Cancer Day, it’s important to raise awareness about the financial resources that can make life-saving treatments like Keytruda more accessible. Whether you have private insurance, Medicare, or no insurance at all, there are programs that can help lower your costs. NeedyMeds, a nonprofit that connects people with financial assistance, is a great place to start your search.
Let’s walk through the options available and how you can get the support you need.
What is Keytruda?
Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is an immunotherapy drug that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer more effectively. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which attacks cancer cells directly, Keytruda works by blocking a protein called PD-1, which tumors use to hide from the immune system. By inhibiting PD-1, Keytruda allows the body’s natural defenses to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Doctors prescribe Keytruda for various types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and certain types of breast and colorectal cancer. It is often used as a first-line treatment or in combination with other therapies, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
Because Keytruda is a cutting-edge treatment, it comes with a high price tag. The cost per infusion can be tens of thousands of dollars, making financial assistance crucial for many patients. Fortunately, there are several programs available to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Lowering Keytruda Costs with Insurance: Copay Assistance Programs
If you have private or commercial insurance, the company that makes Keytruda offers the Merck Co-Pay Assistance Program. If eligible, patients may pay as little as $25 per infusion with savings of over $25,000 per year. This can be a major relief, considering how expensive these treatments can be.
This program is designed specifically for privately insured patients, so if you have Medicare, Medicaid, or any other government-funded insurance, this option won’t apply. But don’t worry–there are still other ways to reduce your costs.
If you qualify, signing up for this copay card is a quick and straightforward process. Use NeedyMeds to learn more about the program and check your eligibility.
What If You Don’t Have Insurance? Free Keytruda May Be an Option
If you don’t have health insurance, paying for Keytruda out-of-pocket probably isn’t realistic. Fortunately, Merck offers a Patient Assistance Program (PAP) that provides Keytruda at no cost for eligible patients.
To qualify, you’ll need to meet certain income and residency requirements, but for those who do, this program can completely eliminate the cost of the drug.
PAPs aren’t always straightforward, so we encourage you to check out our page on the program. This tells you everything you need to know about the application, from who’s eligible to the steps you need to take to complete it.
Medicare Patients: How to Reduce Out-of-Pocket Costs
For Medicare patients, coverage depends on the plan. If your plan doesn’t do well in covering your medications, you may have recourse with Medicare Part D Extra Help.
This program helps lower the cost of prescription drugs, copays, and deductibles for Medicare beneficiaries who meet income requirements. If you qualify, you may pay only $11.20 per prescription for Keytruda or any other expensive drug you take.
We usually encourage Medicare patients to contact their local State Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) office for guidance on how to navigate their plan.
Nonprofit Foundations That Provide Financial Assistance for Keytruda
Beyond manufacturer and government programs, several nonprofit organizations provide financial assistance to help patients afford Keytruda. Two of the most well-known are the HealthWell Foundation and the Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation.
Both organizations offer funding on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning that funds may not always be available. When financial aid programs reach their funding limits, they temporarily close to new applicants until additional funding becomes available. Because of this, it’s crucial to apply as soon as possible when funding is open.
Use NeedyMeds to Find the Right Financial Assistance Program
On World Cancer Day, spreading awareness about financial assistance for cancer treatment is more important than ever. No one should have to forgo life-saving treatment because of cost. Whether you have private insurance, Medicare, or no coverage at all, there are programs available to help you afford Keytruda.
The key is knowing where to look and taking action early. By using NeedyMeds, you can quickly find and apply for programs that match your financial situation, ensuring that cost doesn’t stand in the way of receiving critical cancer treatment. If you don’t know where to start, our helpline can steer you toward the right direction. Give us a call at 800-503-6897.
