Arimidex

Indicated For

Hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer

About This Medication

# AZ&ME Prescription Savings Program Patient Guide: How to Get Arimidex at Low or No Cost Arimidex (anastrozole) is a prescription medication used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women, and the **AZ&ME Prescription Savings Program** from AstraZeneca helps eligible patients get it at low or no cost if you meet income and insurance criteria. ## About Arimidex (Anastrozole) **Arimidex** is an aromatase inhibitor that lowers estrogen levels in the body, helping to slow or stop the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells. It's commonly prescribed after surgery or other treatments for early-stage breast cancer or for advanced cancer. Taken as a daily oral tablet (usually 1 mg), it doesn't cure cancer but can significantly extend remission periods and improve quality of life for many patients. Always follow your doctor's instructions, as side effects may include hot flashes, joint pain, bone thinning, or fatigue—discuss these with your healthcare provider. This guide focuses on the **AZ&ME Prescription Savings Program**, which provides free or low-cost Arimidex to uninsured, low-income U.S. residents (including Puerto Rico) who can't access government programs. It's a lifeline for those facing high drug costs, which can exceed $500 monthly without assistance. ## Who Qualifies? Eligibility hinges on residency, income, and lack of insurance. You must: - Live in the U.S. or Puerto Rico. - Have no prescription drug coverage from private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal/state programs. - Meet **income thresholds** based on household size (adjusted gross income). - Have a valid prescription for Arimidex from your doctor. Patients potentially eligible for Medicaid must apply and be denied first. This program targets those truly uninsured and under financial strain. ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Income limits are strict and based on annual adjusted gross household income. Here's a clear table: | Household Size | Maximum Annual Income | |---------------|-----------------------| | 1 (Individual) | $30,000 | | 2 (Couple) | $40,000 | | 3 | $50,000 | | 4 | $60,000 | *Add about $10,000 per additional family member.* These are approximate fixed thresholds; they align roughly with 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for primary medications like Arimidex, though exact FPL % isn't specified. Provide proof like tax returns, pay stubs, or benefit statements. Exceeding these disqualifies you—check your eligibility carefully. ## Insurance Requirements **No prescription insurance allowed.** You must be completely uninsured for medications and ineligible for programs like Medicare Part D, Medicaid, VA benefits, or state assistance. If you're on Medicare or could qualify for Medicaid, pursue those first and get denied. Underinsured patients (with high copays) typically don't qualify—it's for the fully uninsured. Healthcare providers can verify this during application. ## Step-by-Step Application Process Applying is straightforward and can be done **online** or by phone/mail. Your doctor or healthcare provider often handles much of it. 1. **Confirm Eligibility**: Review income, residency, and insurance status. Gather documents. 2. **Get Your Prescription**: Ask your doctor for a current Arimidex prescription. 3. **Start Application**: - **Online**: Visit the AZ&ME website (search 'AZ&ME Prescription Savings Program' or ask your doctor for the link). Select Arimidex, fill out patient details. - **Phone**: Call **(800) 292-6363** (Mon-Fri, 9 AM-6 PM ET) for help or to request forms. - Doctor can download/complete forms on your behalf. 4. **Submit Required Documents**: - Completed application form. - **Proof of income** (e.g., last year's tax return, W-2s, pay stubs, Social Security statements). - **Prescription** from your doctor. - Proof of residency and no insurance (e.g., denial letters). 5. **Doctor Faxes Forms**: Providers fax to 1-877-239-0867. 6. **Wait for Approval**: If approved, medication ships directly to your **pharmacy**, home, or doctor's office. **Reauthorization is required** periodically—your doctor will handle renewals with updated info. ## Timeline and Delivery Processing time isn't fixed but typically takes 1-2 weeks after submission, depending on completeness. Call the program for status updates. Once approved, Arimidex is delivered to your chosen **pharmacy** for pickup, or shipped free to your home/doctor's office. Refills follow the same reauthorization process; expect ongoing shipments as long as eligible. ## Alternatives if Denied If denied (e.g., income too high, insured, or Medicaid-eligible): - **Reapply** with corrected documents. - **Medicaid/CHIP**: Apply via healthcare.gov or state site—many low-income patients qualify. - **Medicare Extra Help**: For Part D enrollees. - **Other PAPs**: Check RxAssist.org or NeedyMeds.org for Arimidex alternatives like generic anastrozole programs. - **Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation** or CancerCare grants. - **Manufacturer Coupons**: AZ&ME may have savings cards for underinsured. - **Biosimilars**: None currently for Arimidex. Contact a social worker or your oncology team for personalized help. ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on program details as of 2026. Eligibility, terms, and income thresholds can change—always verify with AZ&ME at (800) 292-6363 or their website. AstraZeneca reserves the right to modify or end the program. Not legal/medical advice; consult your doctor for health decisions. Free meds don't replace insurance—explore all options. Word count: 950.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026