Cubicin RF

Indicated For

MRSA bacteremia, complicated skin and skin structure infections

About This Medication

# Merck Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get Cubicin RF (daptomycin) at Low or No Cost Cubicin RF (daptomycin) is an injectable antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections like skin infections, bloodstream infections, and infections of the heart lining when other antibiotics fail. The **Merck Patient Assistance Program** provides this medication **free of charge** to eligible uninsured or underinsured U.S. patients who cannot afford it due to financial need.[1][2][3] ## Who Qualifies for Free Cubicin RF? You may qualify if you meet **all three** key criteria: 1. **U.S. Resident**: You must live in the United States and have a prescription from a U.S.-licensed healthcare provider.[3][8] 2. **Limited or No Insurance**: Primarily for those without prescription coverage. This includes no private insurance, HMO, Medicaid, Medicare Part D, veterans assistance, or other government programs. Underinsured patients with special financial/medical hardship may still qualify.[1][3][8] 3. **Financial Need**: Household income at or below program limits, typically around **400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**. Examples include: - Individual: ≤$79,800/year - Couple: ≤$108,200/year - Family of 4: ≤$165,000/year *Note: Exact thresholds adjust annually; call 800-727-5400 to confirm current limits.*[8] | Household Size | Max Annual Income (approx. 400% FPL) | |----------------|-------------------------------------| | 1 (Individual) | $79,800 | | 2 (Couple) | $108,200 | | 3 | $136,000 (estimated) | | 4 | $165,000 | | 5+ | Call for details | **Table notes**: Based on 2026 FPL estimates. Program verifies income via tax returns, pay stubs, or credit report (won't affect your score).[3][8] ## About Cubicin RF (daptomycin) **Cubicin RF** is a once-daily IV antibiotic that targets **gram-positive bacteria**, including tough ones like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). It's FDA-approved for: - Complicated skin infections - Bacteremia (bloodstream infections) - Right-sided endocarditis - Staphylococcus aureus infections **Common side effects**: Muscle pain, nausea, headache, rash, elevated kidney tests. **Serious risks**: Muscle damage (monitor CK levels), allergic reactions. Always follow your doctor's dosing—typically 4-6 mg/kg IV daily.[1] This program helps ensure you get treatment without cost barriers, especially critical for hospital-to-home transitions. ## Insurance Requirements - **Uninsured preferred**: No prescription drug coverage at all.[3] - **Underinsured OK**: If you have high copays/deductibles causing hardship, attest to special circumstances.[8] - **Medicare/Medicaid generally ineligible**: Medicare Part D or Medicaid patients typically don't qualify unless exceptional hardship proven.[6][8] - **Other coverage?** VA, state programs, or employer plans usually disqualify you.[3] **Pro tip**: If insured, explore Merck Access Program first for copay help (merck.com).[4] ## Step-by-Step Application Process **Multiple submission options**: Mail, fax, or electronic (check merckhelps.com).[1][5][9] 1. **Check eligibility**: Visit merckhelps.com or call **800-727-5400** (8AM-8PM ET, Mon-Fri).[2][3] 2. **Download form**: Get the enrollment form from merckhelps.com (under Cubicin RF or Merck PAP).[1][2] 3. **Patient completes Sections 1-3**: - Personal info, income, insurance status - Sign/date Sections 2 & 3 - Include **proof of income** (tax return, W-2, pay stubs, SSI award).[3] 4. **Doctor completes Sections 4-5**: - Prescription details for Cubicin RF - Diagnosis, sign/date - *Controlled substances need separate Rx.*[3] 5. **Attach documents**: - Valid Cubicin RF prescription - Proof of income - Photo ID if requested[1] 6. **Submit**: - **Mail**: Merck Patient Assistance Program, PO Box..., (full address on form) - **Fax**: Check form for number - Add email for receipt confirmation[5][9] **Both patient AND doctor must sign/date EVERY section**—incomplete forms delay processing.[1][3] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: 2 weeks typical; urgent cases call 800-727-5400. Fully complete forms: <7 business days.[3][5][9] - **Approval notice**: Via mail/email. - **Delivery**: Shipped free to **your home or doctor's office** (your choice).[Program details] - **Supply**: Up to **1 year** per application.[6][8] **Reauthorization required**: Reapply before supply ends (annual max).[Program details][6] ## If Denied or Need Alternatives **Common denial reasons**: - Income too high - Have insurance - Incomplete form **Next steps**: 1. Call 800-727-5400 for reason/exact income limits. 2. **Reapply** with better docs. 3. **Merck Access Program**: Copay cards for commercially insured.[4] 4. **Other PAPs**: RxAssist.org, NeedyMeds.org. 5. **Generic daptomycin**: Check 340B hospitals, state programs. 6. **Patient advocacy**: PAN Foundation, HealthWell Foundation (infection grants). **No biosimilars** available for Cubicin RF.[Program details] ## Important Disclaimer This guide summarizes the Merck Patient Assistance Program based on available info as of 2026. **Eligibility/rules change**—always verify at merckhelps.com or 800-727-5400. Merck reserves audit rights. Not medical/financial advice; consult your doctor/financial advisor. Program doesn't guarantee approval or supply. Income includes all household. FPL limits approximate—official verification required. Merck not liable for application errors.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026