Last Updated on June 3, 2025
If you’ve been prescribed Orencia, the first thing you probably noticed is the price.
The cost of Orencia shouldn’t keep you from accessing the treatment you need. At NeedyMeds, we connect people with programs that offer financial assistance, so they don’t have to choose between paying bills and managing their health. We believe access to medications like Orencia shouldn’t depend on your income or insurance plan.
This article breaks down the true cost, what kind of help is available, and how to apply for it. Whether you’re looking for an Orencia coupon, a free medication program, or wondering how to afford Orencia on Medicare, we’ll walk you through your options.
What Is Orencia?
Doctors prescribe Orencia (abatacept) to treat autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.
Some doctors also use Orencia off-label to treat systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), especially when it affects the joints or causes persistent inflammation.
The medication works by blocking a signal that activates T-cells, a type of immune cell that causes inflammation and joint damage. Patients can take Orencia either as a subcutaneous injection at home or as an IV infusion in a clinic.
How Much Is Orencia Without Insurance?
Without insurance, Orencia can cost between $4,000 and $5,000 a month. That doesn’t include extra fees if you get the drug through an IV at a hospital or clinic.
The price depends on your dose, whether you take it as a shot at home or get it through an infusion, and where you receive treatment.
Orencia costs more because it’s a biologic drug, which means it’s made from living cells. There are no generic versions, so there’s less competition to lower the price. Most insurance plans list Orencia as a specialty drug, which often comes with higher copays and coinsurance—even if you have coverage.
Thankfully, the manufacturer offers 2 programs to help with the cost for both insured and uninsured patients. There is also a program to
Orencia $5 Coupon For Commercially Insured Patients
For patients with commercial insurance, Bristol Myers Squibb offers the Orencia On Call program. You may qualify if your insurance covers the drug but not the full cost. If eligible, patients may pay as little as five dollars for a 30-day supply.
For patients using the subcutaneous form of Orencia, simply present the card at your pharmacy. For those receiving infusions, reimbursement is available after submitting an Explanation of Benefits form.
This program is not available to individuals with government-funded insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or Veterans Affairs coverage. It also does not apply to patients who pay cash. Patients can use the card up to 13 times per year, up to a maximum benefit of $15,000.
We always encourage patients to check our page on Orencia coupons for the latest and most current offers available.
Does Medicare Cover Orencia?
Orencia is covered under Medicare Part D, but the cost depends on your plan. Some plans list Orencia on a higher tier, which can mean higher copays. If you qualify for Extra Help, a Medicare program for people with limited income and resources, you may be able to lower your costs significantly.
In 2025, Extra Help eliminates your Part D premium and deductible. You’ll pay no more than $4.90 for generics and $12.15 for brand-name drugs like Orencia. Once your drug costs reach $2,000, covered medications will cost $0 for the rest of the year.
You may automatically qualify if you have full Medicaid, get help paying your Medicare Part B premium, or receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Others can apply through the Social Security Administration. For help, contact your local Medicaid office or State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
How To Get Help With Orencia If You’re Uninsured
If you do not have insurance or you have Medicare Part D and still face high drug costs, you may qualify for free Orencia through the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF). This nonprofit program helps eligible patients get their medication at no cost, as long as they meet certain income and insurance requirements.
To apply, you must:
- Be treated by a licensed healthcare provider in the U.S.
- Show that your household income is within the program’s limits
- Provide proof that you’ve been denied Medicaid or the Medicare Extra Help program, if eligible
If you have Medicare Part D, you also need to show that you’ve spent at least 3% of your yearly income on prescription drugs.
You’ll need to send in paperwork, including proof of income, a signed prescription, and copies of any insurance cards. Your healthcare provider must complete part of the application. If approved, you can get Orencia free for up to one year. You’ll need to reapply each year and report any changes to your insurance or income.
To learn more about how to apply, we encourage you to visit the BMSPAF section on our website. This page includes everything you need to know about the program and everything you need to apply.
NeedyMeds Can Help With Drug Costs
If you are struggling with the cost of Orencia, we’re here to help.
At NeedyMeds, we provide a free, easy-to-use database of programs that can help you save on medications, including Orencia.
You can search for the drug by name on our website to find links to manufacturer copay savings programs, patient assistance applications, and nonprofit resources that may offer additional support.
Our mission is to make healthcare more affordable for everyone, whether you have insurance or not. Exploring assistance options can help you access the medication you need without overwhelming your finances.
