Janumet

Indicated For

Type 2 diabetes

About This Medication

# Merck Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get Janumet at Low or No Cost ## About This Program The **Merck Patient Assistance Program (Merck Helps)** provides free or low-cost Janumet (sitagliptin and metformin HCl) to eligible patients who cannot afford their medication. Janumet is a combination diabetes medication that helps control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. If you meet the program's eligibility requirements, you can receive your medication at no cost through this assistance program. ## Who Qualifies for This Program? To be eligible for the Merck Patient Assistance Program, you must meet ALL of the following requirements: **Residency and Prescription Requirements:** - You are a U.S. resident[1] - You have a valid prescription for Janumet from a healthcare provider licensed in the United States[1] **Insurance Status:** You do **not** have insurance or other coverage for your prescription medication[1]. This includes: - Private insurance - HMOs - Medicaid - Medicare - State pharmacy assistance programs - Veterans assistance - Any other social service agency support[1] If you have any of these types of coverage, you are not eligible for this program. **Income Eligibility:** Your household income must be at or below **400% of the federal poverty guideline**. The specific income limits depend on your household size and are updated annually. For example, in 2024, 400% of the federal poverty line for a single individual is approximately $55,200 per year, while for a family of four it is approximately $113,880 per year. These thresholds adjust each year. | Household Size | Approximate 400% FPL (2024) | |---|---| | Individual | $55,200 | | Couple (2 people) | $74,400 | | Family of 3 | $93,600 | | Family of 4 | $113,880 | *Note: These figures are approximate and based on 2024 federal poverty guidelines. Current limits may vary. Contact the program for exact current thresholds.* ## About Janumet Janumet is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It combines two active ingredients: - **Sitagliptin**: A DPP-4 inhibitor that helps your pancreas produce more insulin when blood sugar is high - **Metformin HCl**: A biguanide that reduces the amount of glucose your liver produces and improves how your body uses insulin Janumet is typically taken by mouth, usually twice daily with meals. The program also covers Janumet XR (extended-release formulation). ## How to Apply: Step-by-Step Instructions **Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility** Before applying, confirm that you meet all eligibility criteria listed above. You can check your eligibility at MerckHelps.com or by calling the program at **1-800-727-5400** (8 AM to 8 PM ET).[1] **Step 2: Obtain the Enrollment Form** Download the enrollment form from MerckHelps.com, or call 1-800-727-5400 to request a form be mailed to you. You can fill out the form online and print it, or print it and complete it by hand using a black ballpoint pen.[1] **Step 3: Complete Your Section of the Form** Fill out ALL information in Section 1 of the enrollment form with your personal details. You must also complete Sections 2 and 3, which include income verification. You have two options for income verification:[7] - Allow the program to verify your income electronically (this will not affect your credit rating), OR - Provide one document from the list on the application cover page that verifies your income eligibility Sign and date all designated areas of Sections 1, 2, and 3.[1] **Step 4: Have Your Healthcare Provider Complete the Form** Take the completed form to your physician or prescriber. Your healthcare provider must: - Fill out Sections 4 and 5 of the enrollment form - Write your prescription(s) in Section 4 - Sign and date all designated areas[1] Important notes about prescriptions: - A single enrollment form may include prescriptions for up to 3 Merck medicines - Each prescription may not exceed a 90-day supply at a time, with a maximum of 3 refills - All controlled substance prescriptions must be written separately from the enrollment form in accordance with state dispensing laws[7] **Step 5: Submit Your Completed Form** Submit the original, fully completed and signed enrollment form using one of these methods:[5] - **Mail**: Merck Patient Assistance Program, PO Box 1206, Wilkes Barre, PA 18703-1206 - **Fax**: 1-800-419-8371 (for Januvia and Janumet) - **Online**: Apply directly at MerckHelps.com If you provide your email address on the application, you will receive an email confirming that the program received your enrollment form. ## Processing Timeline and Medication Delivery **Processing Time:** If your enrollment form is fully completed, properly signed by both you and your healthcare provider, and you are eligible, the Merck Patient Assistance Program can typically process your application in **less than 7 business days**.[8] However, the program notes that it takes about 2 weeks to fully process each enrollment form.[7] Processing times may vary if your form is incomplete or if additional information is required. For urgent needs, call the program at 1-800-727-5400. **Medication Delivery:** Once approved, your Janumet will be shipped directly to you or to your physician's office, depending on what you arrange with the program. ## Prescription Refills and Reauthorization **Refills:** Each prescription on your enrollment form may include up to 3 refills. You must contact the program to request refills.[10] **Reauthorization:** Your enrollment form is valid for up to 12 months. After 12 months, you will need to submit a new enrollment form to continue receiving assistance.[1] Under certain circumstances, enrollment may be limited to a calendar year, so check with the program about your specific reauthorization date. ## What If Your Application Is Denied? If your application is denied, the program will notify you of the reason. Common reasons for denial include: - Not meeting income eligibility requirements - Having insurance or other prescription drug coverage - Not being a U.S. resident - Incomplete or unsigned application forms - Not providing required documentation If denied, you have several options: 1. **Appeal**: Contact the program at 1-800-727-5400 to discuss your situation and determine if you can provide additional information 2. **Explore other assistance programs**: Ask your healthcare provider about other patient assistance programs, state pharmaceutical assistance programs, or nonprofit organizations that help with medication costs 3. **Discuss alternatives with your doctor**: Your healthcare provider may recommend generic alternatives or other diabetes medications that might be more affordable 4. **Contact pharmaceutical patient advocacy organizations**: Organizations like Patient Advocate Foundation or NeedyMeds.org maintain databases of assistance programs ## Important Reminders - **Original forms only**: Mail or fax the original enrollment form, not copies - **Both signatures required**: The form must be signed and dated by both you and your healthcare provider in all designated areas - **Complete all sections**: Incomplete forms will delay processing - **No additional documentation needed initially**: A completed, signed enrollment form is typically all that's required, though the program reserves the right to request documentation to verify information or conduct periodic audits - **Contact for questions**: If you have questions at any point, call 1-800-727-5400 (8 AM to 8 PM ET) ## Disclaimer This guide provides general information about the Merck Patient Assistance Program for Janumet. Program eligibility, requirements, and benefits may change. For the most current and complete information, visit MerckHelps.com or call 1-800-727-5400. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your diabetes treatment and medication options. The availability and terms of this assistance program are subject to change at Merck's discretion.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026