Cortef
Generic: hydrocortisone
Manufacturer: Pfizer · Program: Pfizer RxPathways
Apply for AssistanceEligibility Criteria
Insurance Requirement
Uninsured or underinsured with no prescription coverage
Residency
US resident
Income Threshold
Up to 400% FPL
Individual Income Limit
$40,000/year
400% FPL for most programs; varies by specific Pfizer PAP
Program Information
Processing Time
2-4 weeks
Delivery Method
shipped to patient or physician office
Application Method
Multiple
Reauthorization
Required — annual
Typically Required Documents
ProvisionRX prepares and organizes all required documentation as part of your enrollment management. This list is provided for informational purposes.
- proof of income
- proof of residency
- prescription
- proof of insurance status
Indicated For
adrenal insufficiency, CAH
About This Medication
# Pfizer RxPathways Patient Guide: How to Get Cortef (Hydrocortisone) at Low or No Cost ## About This Program The **Pfizer RxPathways Patient Assistance Program** is a free service designed to help eligible patients access Pfizer medications, including Cortef (hydrocortisone), at no cost or significantly reduced prices. For more than 30 years, Pfizer RxPathways has connected millions of patients to assistance programs that offer insurance support, co-pay help, and free medications. If you're struggling to afford your Cortef prescription, this program may be able to help. ## Who Qualifies for Cortef Assistance You may be eligible for the Pfizer RxPathways program if you meet these criteria: - **U.S. resident** with a valid prescription for Cortef from a licensed healthcare provider - **Uninsured or underinsured** with no prescription drug coverage for your medication - **Income within program limits** (see income eligibility table below) - **FDA-approved diagnosis** requiring Cortef treatment - **Not eligible for Medicare Part D** or other government insurance programs that cover the medication **Important:** Commercially insured patients are not eligible for this assistance program. ## Income Eligibility The Pfizer RxPathways program uses income thresholds set at 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Your household income must fall below the limits shown in the table below to qualify: | Household Size | Maximum Annual Income | |---|---| | 1 person | $40,000 | | 2 people | $54,000 | | 3 people | $68,000 | | 4 people | $82,000 | If your household is larger than 4 people, contact Pfizer RxPathways directly at **(855) 242-9726** to determine your specific income limit. **What counts as household income?** Include all income before taxes from all household members, including wages, Social Security, disability benefits, unemployment, and other sources. ## Insurance Requirements To qualify for Cortef assistance through Pfizer RxPathways, you must be: - **Uninsured** (no health insurance at all), OR - **Underinsured** (have health insurance but no prescription drug coverage for Cortef) If you have Medicare Part D or other prescription drug coverage, Pfizer will be notified during the application process. You may still be eligible depending on your specific coverage situation—contact the program to discuss your circumstances. ## How to Apply for Cortef Assistance The application process involves four main steps: ### Step 1: Gather Your Information Before you start, collect the following documents: - **Proof of income** (recent pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security statements, or benefit letters) - **Proof of residency** (utility bill, lease agreement, or government-issued ID with current address) - **Current prescription** for Cortef from your doctor - **Proof of insurance status** (insurance card, denial letter, or statement showing no prescription coverage) ### Step 2: Contact Pfizer RxPathways You have two options to begin your application: **By Phone:** Call **(855) 242-9726** to speak with a Pfizer Medicine Access Counselor. They will ask you four questions to determine which programs you qualify for: - What is your medicine? (Cortef) - What type of prescription coverage do you have? - How many people are in your household? - What is your total household income before taxes? **Online:** Visit the Pfizer RxPathways website to use the Program Finder tool and begin your application online. ### Step 3: Complete Your Application Your application has two parts: - **Patient section:** You complete this with your personal information, income details, and household size - **Prescriber section:** Your doctor completes this to confirm the prescription and medical necessity You can fill out the application online, but you must print both sections and have your prescriber sign their portion. Attach copies of all required documents. ### Step 4: Submit Your Application Mail or fax your completed application and supporting documents to Pfizer. Keep photocopies for your records. Do not submit original documents—always send copies. ## Timeline and Medication Delivery **Processing Time:** Your application will typically be reviewed within **2-4 weeks**. You'll receive notification of approval or denial by mail or phone. **Medication Delivery:** Once approved, your Cortef will be shipped directly to you at home or to your prescriber's office, depending on what works best for your situation. Your prescriber may receive and secure the medication at their office until it's dispensed to you. **Reauthorization:** Your assistance is not permanent. You will need to reauthorize your enrollment periodically to continue receiving free or reduced-cost Cortef. Pfizer will notify you when reauthorization is required. ## What If Your Application Is Denied? If you don't qualify for the Pfizer Patient Assistance Program, you have other options: - **Ask about alternative Pfizer programs:** Pfizer RxPathways connects patients to multiple assistance programs beyond just the free medication program. Some programs offer co-pay assistance or insurance support. - **Explore other resources:** Contact your local health department, community health centers, or nonprofit organizations that help patients access medications. - **Discuss generic alternatives:** Ask your doctor if a generic version of hydrocortisone is available, which may be more affordable. - **Reapply:** If your circumstances change (income decreases, insurance coverage ends), you can reapply to the program. ## Important Disclaimers - This program is not health insurance and does not replace your need for medical care or insurance coverage. - Completing an application does not guarantee that assistance will be provided. Approval is based on eligibility criteria. - The Pfizer Patient Assistance Foundation is a separate legal entity from Pfizer Inc. with distinct legal restrictions. - Terms and conditions apply to all assistance programs. - Your prescriber's decision to prescribe Cortef must be based solely on their independent clinical judgment and the medication's FDA-approved indication. ## Need Help? If you have questions about the application process or your eligibility, contact Pfizer RxPathways: **Phone:** (855) 242-9726 (toll-free) **Website:** www.PfizerRxPathways.com A trained Pfizer Medicine Access Counselor is available to help you navigate the program and answer your questions.
Program information last verified: March 30, 2026
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