Acthar Gel

Indicated For

Infantile spasms, multiple autoimmune conditions

About This Medication

# Acthar Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get Acthar Gel at Low or No Cost Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) is a prescription medicine used to treat certain conditions like infantile spasms, multiple sclerosis relapses, and others by helping reduce inflammation and immune system overactivity. The **Acthar Patient Assistance Program** from Mallinckrodt offers **Acthar Gel at no cost** to eligible uninsured or underinsured patients with a valid prescription. ## Who Qualifies for the Program? This program is designed for **patients without insurance coverage or who are underinsured** and cannot afford their Acthar Gel prescription. You must be a permanent U.S. resident with a valid, on-label prescription for an FDA-approved use of Acthar Gel. Your doctor must confirm it's medically necessary. **Key eligibility points:** - Uninsured patients. - Underinsured patients (limited coverage that doesn't fully cover costs). - **No specific income limits** are publicly disclosed by Mallinckrodt; eligibility is determined case-by-case based on financial need. - Not available if you're enrolled in government-funded programs like Medicare, Medicaid, or others for Acthar Gel coverage (though Medicare Part D patients should call for details). **Income Eligibility Breakdown** Since income requirements are **not disclosed publicly**, Mallinckrodt assesses applications individually. Here's a summary table based on program details: | Household Size | Income Threshold | FPL % | Notes | |---------------|------------------|-------|-------| | Individual | Not disclosed | N/A | Case-by-case review | | Couple | Not disclosed | N/A | Financial need assessed | | Family of 3 | Not disclosed | N/A | No fixed limits published | | Family of 4 | Not disclosed | N/A | Contact program for personalized help | *Table note: Unlike many programs tied to Federal Poverty Level (FPL), Acthar's criteria focus on insurance status and overall need rather than strict income cutoffs.* ## About Acthar Gel **Acthar Gel** is a **repository corticotropin injection**, a man-made form of a hormone that acts on the adrenal gland to produce corticosteroids. These help manage inflammation in conditions such as: - Infantile spasms (a seizure disorder in babies). - Acute relapses of multiple sclerosis. - Rheumatoid arthritis. - Certain skin conditions like scleroderma. - Other inflammatory issues. It's injected under the skin, often requiring training from a Nurse Navigator provided by Acthar Patient Support. Always follow your doctor's instructions, as it has risks like high blood pressure, osteoporosis, or infection.[1][5] ## Insurance Requirements - **Primary for uninsured/underinsured**: Get Acthar Gel free if eligible.[1][2] - **Commercial/private insurance**: Apply for the **Acthar Gel Commercial Co-pay Program** instead—covers up to **$15,000 per calendar year** for copays, coinsurance, deductibles (not for government insurance).[4][9] - **Medicare Part D or government programs**: Contact the program at (888) 435-2284; may not qualify for patient assistance but options exist.[6][8] - **Patient consent** enhances support: Allows Acthar team to work with pharmacies/insurers on your behalf via www.ActharConsent.com.[2] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Get your prescription**: Ask your doctor for a valid Acthar Gel prescription for an FDA-approved use. 2. **Discuss with your doctor**: Have them complete the physician section of the application or referral form. 3. **Enroll online or call**: Visit **https://www.ActharConsent.com** for electronic enrollment or call **(888) 435-2284** (Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm ET; Saturday 9am-2pm ET).[2][5] 4. **Submit documents**: - Valid Acthar Gel prescription. - Insurance information (proof of uninsured/underinsured status). - Completed application (patient and physician parts). - Patient consent form.[1][8] 5. **Acthar Support contacts you**: A Case Manager and Nurse Navigator reach out to guide insurance verification, provide injection training, and process your request.[5] 6. **Approval and shipment**: If approved, medication ships **directly to your home**.[1] **Pro tip**: Fax forms to 1-877-937-2284 if needed. Your doctor can help start the referral.[8] ## Timeline and Delivery Processing time varies by case, but Acthar Patient Support works quickly—your Case Manager calls soon after submission. Expect medication shipped to your door once approved. Reauthorization is **required** for refills/continued supply; your doctor resubmits as needed. Track progress by calling (888) 435-2284.[2][5] ## Alternatives if Denied - **Appeal insurance denial**: Acthar Support helps with letters and appeals; patients have rights to challenge coverage decisions.[2] - **Switch programs**: Commercial insurance users try Co-pay Program ($15,000 cap).[4] - **Biosimilar alternative**: **Purified Cortrophin Gel** may be an option—discuss with your doctor. - **Other help**: Contact Case Manager for case-specific support; explore general resources like RxAssist.org.[6] - **Doctor involvement**: Involve your prescriber for prior authorization assistance.[5] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and not medical or legal advice. Eligibility, terms, and availability can change; Mallinckrodt may amend/revoke the program anytime. Always verify with Acthar Patient Support at (888) 435-2284 or your healthcare provider. Not for government-insured patients where prohibited. Consult your doctor before starting Acthar Gel. 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Program information last verified: March 30, 2026