KEYTRUDA

Indicated For

Metastatic or unresectable recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer, melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, other FDA-approved indications

About This Medication

# Merck Access Program Patient Guide: How to Get KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) at Low or No Cost KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) is an immunotherapy drug used to treat certain cancers, and the **Merck Access Program** helps eligible patients access it through co-pay assistance or free medication via the Merck Patient Assistance Program (PAP).[1][2][6] This guide explains eligibility, application steps, and support options in simple terms. ## About KEYTRUDA and Why Assistance Matters **KEYTRUDA** is a prescription immunotherapy that helps your immune system fight cancers like melanoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and others approved by the FDA.[1][5] Treatments are given as an IV infusion every 3, 4, or 6 weeks, depending on your doctor's plan. One dose can cost over $10,000 without help, making programs like Merck Access essential for affordability.[8] The Merck Access Program offers two main tracks: - **Co-pay Assistance**: Reduces out-of-pocket costs for commercially insured patients. - **Patient Assistance Program (PAP)**: Free KEYTRUDA for uninsured or underinsured patients meeting income limits.[6][9] ## Who Qualifies? Eligibility depends on your insurance and income: - **Co-pay Program**: Privately insured patients whose plan covers KEYTRUDA. Not for government insurance like Medicare or Medicaid.[5][10] - **PAP**: Uninsured patients (or insurance doesn't cover KEYTRUDA) with household income below limits. Must live in the US and have a valid prescription for an FDA-approved use.[6][9] **Income Eligibility Breakdown** For the PAP (uninsured patients), limits are based on household size. Higher limits apply in Alaska and Hawaii. | Household Size | Annual Income Limit (Continental US) | |----------------|--------------------------------------| | 1 (Individual) | $79,800 | | 2 (Couple) | $108,200 | | 3 | Varies; contact program | | 4+ | Varies; contact program | *Notes*: Exact limits for families of 3+ aren't listed online—call (855) 257-3932 for details. Income is gross household (before taxes). Provide proof like tax returns.[1][10] ## Insurance Requirements - **Co-pay Assistance**: Must have private/commercial insurance covering KEYTRUDA. Program covers co-pays, deductibles, or co-insurance up to limits (e.g., $17,000/year per patient, with 90-day lookback for some).[5] - **PAP**: For uninsured, or insured but plan denies coverage. Medicare patients may not qualify for co-pay help but could for PAP referral if income-eligible.[10] If insured, include front/back of insurance card. Program checks benefits and handles prior authorizations (PA).[3][6] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Talk to Your Doctor**: They prescribe KEYTRUDA and complete the **Healthcare Provider Enrollment Form** (includes prescription). Download from merckaccessprogram-keytruda.com.[2][5] 2. **Complete Patient Enrollment Form**: Fill patient/insurance sections, sign. Check boxes for co-pay help or PAP referral. Download or submit electronically.[1][9] 3. **Gather Documents**: - Prescription from US-licensed provider.[6] - Enrollment form (both patient and provider parts).[3] - Insurance info (if applicable, front/back cards).[10] - Financial docs for PAP: Tax returns, pay stubs, W-2s.[10] 4. **Submit**: Doctor faxes to 855-755-0518 or uploads online. Or call (855) 257-3932 (Mon-Fri 8AM-8PM ET) for help. Patients can upload docs securely.[8] 5. **Approval**: Program reviews (benefit investigation, eligibility). You'll get a welcome letter or status update.[4] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: Varies; often days to weeks. Call for status.[8] - **Co-pay Card**: Issued quickly for pharmacy/infusion use. - **PAP Delivery**: Free meds shipped to doctor's office or pharmacy for pickup. Outpatient use only.[5][6] Re-enrollment needed yearly or as treatment continues—check re-enrollment letters.[4] ## Alternatives if Denied - **Appeal Insurance Denial**: Program helps with PA/appeals.[1] - **Other Assistance**: State programs, nonprofits like PAN Foundation, or Merck's KEY+YOU support.[10] - **Patient Access Network (PAN)**: For underinsured. - **NeedyMeds** or **RxAssist** for more options. - **Contact Merck**: (855) 257-3932 for referral to other Merck programs.[7] If income slightly over, ask about exceptions or bridges. ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on available program details as of 2026. Eligibility, terms, and limits can change—always verify with Merck at (855) 257-3932 or merckaccessprogram-keytruda.com. Not medical/financial advice. Consult your doctor and advisor. Program excludes long-term care, punitive damages, etc. See full terms on enrollment form.[5][9] (Word count: 942)

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026