Last Updated on May 2, 2025
Zenpep can be life-changing for people with Cystic Fibrosis. But for many, the cost makes staying on treatment feel impossible. Insurance coverage gaps, high copays, and outright denials leave patients unsure where to turn. Skipping medication isn’t safe, yet affording it isn’t always simple.
At NeedyMeds, we connect people to programs that lower or eliminate the cost of prescription drugs and healthcare expenses. We work with patients, caregivers, and providers who need practical solutions to real financial barriers.
In this blog, we’ll explain how to get help paying for Zenpep, including copay assistance, free medication programs, and resources for Medicare and state program enrollees.
Why Does Zenpep cost so much
Zenpep is a pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) used by people with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, including those with Cystic Fibrosis. Unlike many medications, there is no generic version of Zenpep. That keeps the price high and leaves patients with limited options for lowering costs at the pharmacy.
Currently, Zenpep is protected by multiple patents that are set to expire on February 20, 2028. Until then, generic alternatives cannot be released. Unless a court decision or patent extension changes that timeline, the cost of Zenpep is likely to remain the same for several more years.
If insurance does not cover enough or if you are paying out of pocket, this can make staying on treatment difficult. Fortunately, assistance programs exist to help cover the cost and ensure continued access.
How the Zenpep Copay Savings Program Works
If you have private or employer-sponsored insurance, you may qualify for the Zenpep Copay Savings Program. This program is designed to reduce your cost to as little as $5 per fill, depending on your coverage.
Here’s what to know:
- Only available to those with commercial insurance
- Covers up to 12 monthly fills or 4 90-day fills
- Not valid for prescriptions that are already fully covered or paid for out-of-pocket
- Runs through April 30, 2026 and must be used at participating pharmacies
To check eligibility or ask about using the card, call 1-833-742-0707 or speak with your pharmacist.
What If You’re on Medicare Part D?
If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part D, the Zenpep Copay Card can’t be used due to federal program restrictions. But there are still ways to reduce your costs. The first place to look is the Extra Help program, also called the Low-Income Subsidy. If you qualify, your copays for Zenpep may be reduced to as low as $11 per fill.
If your application is denied and your income is below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, you can use that denial letter to apply for the Zenpep Patient Assistance Program. Even though Medicare patients don’t qualify for the copay card, PAP may still provide free medication if you meet the income guidelines and submit all required documents.
To apply for Extra Help, visit the Social Security Administration website or call 800-772-1213.
Getting Zenpep for Free Through the Patient Assistance Program
If you don’t have insurance, or your insurance doesn’t cover Zenpep, you may qualify for free medication through the Zenpep Patient Assistance Program. This program helps individuals who meet certain income and eligibility requirements.
To apply, you’ll need:
- A completed application signed by you and your doctor
- Proof of income and a prescription for a 90-day supply
- A denial letter from Medicare Extra Help, if you’re on Medicare and below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level
Approved patients receive a 30- or 90-day supply shipped to the prescriber’s office. Refills are available every three months, and coverage lasts up to 12 months, or through the end of the year if you’re on Medicare.
Call 1-855-210-6228 or visit the website to get started.
State Programs That Can Help You Pay For Zenpep
Some states offer their own drug assistance programs, known as State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs). These programs are designed to help residents — often older adults or people with disabilities — lower their out-of-pocket medication costs, including premiums and copays under Medicare Part D.
Each state sets its own rules, eligibility guidelines, and covered medications. While using an SPAP will make you ineligible for the Zenpep Copay Card, it may still provide meaningful financial help depending on your coverage needs. SPAPs are especially helpful for people who fall just outside of eligibility for Extra Help but still need assistance affording their prescriptions.
To find out if your state offers an SPAP and how to apply, check this page for more information.
Final Thoughts
If Zenpep costs are getting in the way of treatment, don’t wait to ask for help. Whether you’re insured, uninsured, on Medicare, or receiving state assistance, there may be a program that fits your situation.
Visit the Zenpep resource page on NeedyMeds to explore both savings options and download forms. Or call our helpline at 1-800-503-6897 for step-by-step support. Staying on treatment matters—and cost shouldn’t be the reason it stops.
