Keytruda

Indicated For

urothelial carcinoma, melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell cancer, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, renal cell carcinoma, endometrial carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, microsatellite instability-high cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, cervical cancer

About This Medication

# Merck Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get Keytruda (pembrolizumab) at Low or No Cost Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is a powerful immunotherapy drug used to treat certain types of cancer, and the **Merck Patient Assistance Program** offers it **free of charge** to eligible uninsured patients or those with financial hardship who meet income limits.[3][1] This guide explains everything you need to know about qualifying, applying, and getting your medication—written in simple terms to help you navigate the process confidently. ## About Keytruda (pembrolizumab) **Keytruda** is an intravenous injection medication that helps your immune system fight specific cancers, such as melanoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancers, and others approved by the FDA.[1][3] It's given every 3, 4, or 6 weeks at your doctor's office or infusion center, depending on your treatment plan. While highly effective for many patients, Keytruda can be very expensive without insurance—often tens of thousands of dollars per dose. That's where the Merck Patient Assistance Program (Merck PAP) comes in, providing the drug **at no cost** for up to one year to those who qualify, with the option to reapply.[3][1] This program is part of Merck's broader support, including **The Merck Access Program**, which helps with enrollment and answers insurance questions (call 855-257-3932).[2][4] Always talk to your doctor about whether Keytruda is right for you. ## Who Qualifies for the Merck Patient Assistance Program? To qualify, you must meet **all three** key conditions:[3] - Be a **U.S. resident** with a prescription for Keytruda from a U.S.-licensed healthcare provider.[1][3] - Lack insurance coverage for Keytruda (uninsured preferred; insured patients may qualify under financial/medical hardship).[1][3] - Have household income below the program's limits (detailed below).[3] **Primarily for uninsured patients**, but insured individuals can qualify if they attest to **special circumstances of financial and medical hardship** and meet income criteria.[3] You cannot get reimbursement from government programs like Medicare or Medicaid while receiving free medication.[1] Fraud or changes in prescription/end in eligibility.[1] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Eligibility is based on **household income** (before taxes). Here's a clear table of 2026 thresholds (call 1-800-727-5400 for Alaska/Hawaii adjustments):[3] | Household Size | Maximum Annual Income | |----------------|-----------------------| | 1 (Individual) | $79,800 | | 2 (Couple) | $108,200 | | 3 | $137,580 | | 4 | $165,000 | *Add about $27,420 per additional family member.* These are **not** tied to Federal Poverty Level (FPL) percentages but are specific program limits.[3] Provide proof like tax returns or pay stubs. Income is verified during application.[1] ## Insurance Requirements - **Uninsured patients** are priority and most likely to qualify.[3][1] - **Insured patients**: You may still apply if you attest to **financial and medical hardship** (e.g., high copays, underinsured for this drug). However, private insurance eligibility expires after one year, requiring re-enrollment.[1] - **No government coverage**: Cannot participate if on Medicare Part D, Medicaid, VA benefits, etc., for the medication.[1][3] The **Merck Access Program** can investigate your benefits first (call 855-257-3932).[2][6] Complete their enrollment form to request PAP referral.[1][4] ## Step-by-Step Application Process Applying is straightforward but requires your doctor. **Multiple methods** available: online, phone, download/print.[3][4] 1. **Contact Merck Access Program**: Call **855-257-3932** (Mon-Fri, 8 AM-8 PM ET) or visit **merckaccessprogram-keytruda.com**. Request an enrollment form and PAP referral.[2][3][4] 2. **Complete Patient Enrollment Form**: Fill patient sections (name, address, income, insurance status, US residency). Select Keytruda. Sign to authorize info sharing.[1][4] 3. **Doctor Completes Healthcare Provider Form**: Your provider fills/signs their section (prescription, diagnosis confirmation). Download from site.[4][5] 4. **Gather Required Documents**: - **Proof of income** (e.g., 2025 tax return, W-2, pay stubs, SSI award).[1] - **Proof of residency** (utility bill, lease).[1] - **Prescription** for Keytruda.[1] - **Proof of insurance status** (if applicable, denial letter or explanation of benefits).[1] 5. **Submit**: Upload securely online, fax (855-755-0518 or 480-663-4059), mail, or as instructed. Both forms needed.[1][2][4] 6. **Wait for Approval**: 2-4 weeks typical.[3] Spanish forms available.[10] Nurse Educators can assist (call above).[2] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: 2-4 weeks after complete submission.[3] - **Eligibility Period**: Up to **12 months** from approval. Reapply annually if needed.[1][3] - **Delivery**: Medication **shipped free to your physician's office** (not home).[3] - **Refills**: **Reauthorization required** yearly or if circumstances change. Doctor resubmits as needed.[1] Track status via Merck Access portal after registering.[4] ## Alternatives if Denied or Denied Coverage - **Appeal**: Contact Merck Access for prior auth/appeals help.[2] - **Co-pay Program**: If commercially insured, check Merck Co-pay Assistance (up to $25,000/year, 12-month terms).[1] - **Other Help**: Merck Access does benefit investigations, billing/coding support.[2][6] - **State Programs**: Check NeedyMeds.org or state pharmacy assistance. - **Generic/Biosimilars**: None currently available for Keytruda.[3] - **Reapply**: Fix issues (e.g., income proof) and resubmit. Call 855-257-3932 for personalized guidance.[6] ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on current program details (as of 2026) and is not medical/financial advice. Eligibility determined by Merck; completing forms doesn't guarantee approval.[1][3] Income limits/residency verified. Program can change; verify at merckhelps.com or merckaccessprogram-keytruda.com. Consult your doctor/pharmacist. Merck not liable for issues. Free meds can't be resold/reimbursed.[1] For full terms, review enrollment form.[1] *Word count: 1028*

Program information last verified: March 25, 2026