ENBREL

Indicated For

Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, plaque psoriasis

About This Medication

# Amgen Safety Net Foundation Patient Guide: How to Get ENBREL (etanercept) at Low or No Cost ENBREL (etanercept) is a prescription medicine used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis in adults, as well as polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children ages 2 years and older. The **Amgen Safety Net Foundation** is a nonprofit program sponsored by Amgen that provides ENBREL at no cost to qualifying uninsured or underinsured patients who meet income and other eligibility criteria.[2][3] ## Who Qualifies for the Program? This program is designed for patients who cannot afford their ENBREL due to lack of insurance coverage or high out-of-pocket costs. Key eligibility factors include: - **Uninsured or underinsured status**: You must not have Medicare, Medicaid, or any other government-sponsored insurance. Commercially insured patients may qualify for the separate ENBREL Co-Pay Program instead, which can reduce costs to as little as $0 per dose (terms apply).[1][3] - **U.S. residency**: Available to patients living in the United States. - **Valid prescription**: You need a prescription for ENBREL from your healthcare provider. - **Income-based eligibility**: The program uses income guidelines, typically tied to a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), though exact thresholds are not publicly disclosed and are evaluated case-by-case.[3] **Important note**: Government-insured patients (e.g., Medicare or Medicaid) do not qualify for free medication through this program. Amgen SupportPlus can help Medicare patients explore plan options, Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy), or other nonprofits.[3] ## About ENBREL (etanercept) ENBREL is a biologic medication given by injection under the skin (subcutaneous). It works by blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein that causes inflammation in autoimmune conditions. Common uses include: - Reducing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in **rheumatoid arthritis (RA)** and **psoriatic arthritis (PsA)**. - Treating **plaque psoriasis** skin symptoms. - Managing **ankylosing spondylitis** (spinal arthritis). - Helping children with **polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis**. **Before starting ENBREL**, discuss with your doctor if you have infections, diabetes, nervous system disorders, upcoming surgery, or need vaccines (update all vaccines first; avoid live vaccines while on ENBREL).[1] Always follow your doctor's instructions for safe use. ## Income Eligibility Breakdown The Amgen Safety Net Foundation determines eligibility based on household income, but specific dollar thresholds are not publicly listed and vary by household size. Eligibility is generally up to **400-500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**, common for such programs, though you must apply to confirm.[3] Use the table below for a general guide based on 2026 FPL estimates (actual eligibility confirmed during application). | Household Size | 100% FPL (approx.) | Up to 400% FPL (approx.) | Up to 500% FPL (approx.) | |---------------|---------------------|---------------------------|---------------------------| | 1 (Individual) | $15,060 | $60,240 | $75,300 | | 2 (Couple) | $20,440 | $81,760 | $102,200 | | 3 | $25,820 | $103,280 | $129,100 | | 4 | $31,200 | $124,800 | $156,000 | *Add ~$5,380 per additional person for FPL estimates. These are illustrative; program applies its own review. Notes: Income includes all household sources; assets may factor in.*[3] ## Insurance Requirements - **Not eligible if**: You have Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA benefits, or other federal/state insurance.[3] - **Eligible if**: Fully uninsured, or underinsured with commercial insurance but high costs not covered by co-pay programs. - For **commercially insured** patients, try the ENBREL Co-Pay Program first (as low as $0 per dose, no income limits).[1][3] - Medicare patients: Contact Amgen SupportPlus for coverage help or Extra Help referral.[3] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Get your prescription**: Ask your doctor for an ENBREL prescription and discuss if it's right for you. 2. **Check eligibility**: Call **(888) 436-2735** (Monday-Friday, 8 AM-8 PM ET) or visit the website to pre-screen.[1][2] 3. **Apply online**: Go to **https://www.amgensupportplus.com/patient/enbrel** or **asnfapply.com**. Fill out the form with personal details, income, insurance status, and prescription info.[2] 4. **Submit documents**: Upload or mail proof of income (e.g., tax returns, pay stubs), residency, and prescription. Exact docs confirmed during application.[1] 5. **Doctor involvement**: Your prescriber may need to complete a portion.[3] 6. **Wait for approval**: Processing time varies; expect 2-4 weeks typically for PAPs (not specified here).[2] 7. **Receive medication**: If approved, ENBREL ships free via specialty pharmacy. Save their number—they'll call to arrange delivery![1] **Caregivers for kids/teens under 18**: Call (888) 436-2735 for enrollment help.[1] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Application to approval**: Varies; call for status updates. Reauthorization needed periodically.[1] - **Delivery**: Shipped directly to your home via specialty pharmacy. They'll call first—answer to avoid delays![1] - **Supply duration**: Often 3-12 months per approval, with reapplication for refills. ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **ENBREL Co-Pay Program**: For commercial insurance; $0 per dose possible.[1][3] - **Other nonprofits**: Amgen SupportPlus refers to independent foundations.[3] - **Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation** or **HealthWell Foundation**: For underinsured with RA/PsA grants. - **State programs** or **generic/biosimilar options**: Discuss with doctor (no biosimilars specified here). - **Switch Medicare plans**: Amgen helps identify better coverage.[3] Always consult your doctor for alternatives. ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and not medical or legal advice. Eligibility, terms, and availability can change; contact the program directly for latest details. Amgen Safety Net Foundation sponsored by Amgen; independent of co-pay programs. Speak to your healthcare provider before starting/stopping ENBREL. Data as of March 2026.[1][2][3] (Word count: 1028)

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026