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The Cost of Keytruda with Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Keytruda?

Keytruda, also known as pembrolizumab, is a medication used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and classical Hodgkin lymphoma. It is a type of immunotherapy that works by boosting the body's natural defense system to fight cancer cells.

How Much Does Keytruda Cost with Insurance?

The cost of Keytruda with insurance can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the type of insurance plan, the patient's location, and the dosage and duration of treatment. According to a report by DrugPatentWatch.com, the average wholesale price (AWP) of Keytruda is around $12,500 per month.

Insurance Coverage for Keytruda

Keytruda is a prescription medication, and as such, it is typically covered by most insurance plans. However, the extent of coverage can vary depending on the plan. Some insurance plans may require patients to pay a copayment or coinsurance for each dose, while others may have a higher deductible or require patients to pay a percentage of the total cost.

Average Out-of-Pocket Costs for Keytruda

According to a report by GoodRx, a website that tracks prescription medication prices, the average out-of-pocket cost for Keytruda is around $1,500 to $2,000 per month. However, this cost can vary depending on the patient's insurance plan and location.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Keytruda

Several factors can affect the cost of Keytruda, including:

* Dosage and duration of treatment: The cost of Keytruda can vary depending on the dosage and duration of treatment. Patients who require higher dosages or longer treatment periods may pay more for the medication.
* Insurance plan: The type of insurance plan a patient has can significantly affect the cost of Keytruda. Patients with higher-deductible plans or those who are not covered by insurance may pay more for the medication.
* Location: The cost of Keytruda can vary depending on the patient's location. Patients who live in areas with higher costs of living or who have access to specialty pharmacies may pay more for the medication.
* Manufacturer discounts: Merck, the manufacturer of Keytruda, offers discounts and patient assistance programs to eligible patients. These programs can help reduce the cost of the medication for patients who are uninsured or underinsured.

Patient Assistance Programs for Keytruda

Merck offers several patient assistance programs for Keytruda, including:

* Merck Patient Assistance Program: This program provides free or discounted medication to eligible patients who are uninsured or underinsured.
* Merck Patient Assistance Foundation: This program provides financial assistance to eligible patients who are uninsured or underinsured.
* Keytruda Co-Pay Program: This program offers discounts on copays for eligible patients who have commercial insurance.

Conclusion

The cost of Keytruda with insurance can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the type of insurance plan, the patient's location, and the dosage and duration of treatment. While the average wholesale price of Keytruda is around $12,500 per month, the average out-of-pocket cost for patients with insurance is around $1,500 to $2,000 per month. Patients who are uninsured or underinsured may be eligible for patient assistance programs offered by Merck, which can help reduce the cost of the medication.

Key Takeaways

* The cost of Keytruda with insurance can vary significantly depending on several factors.
* The average wholesale price of Keytruda is around $12,500 per month.
* The average out-of-pocket cost for patients with insurance is around $1,500 to $2,000 per month.
* Patients who are uninsured or underinsured may be eligible for patient assistance programs offered by Merck.

FAQs

1. What is the average wholesale price of Keytruda?

The average wholesale price of Keytruda is around $12,500 per month.

2. How much does Keytruda cost with insurance?

The cost of Keytruda with insurance can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the type of insurance plan, the patient's location, and the dosage and duration of treatment. The average out-of-pocket cost for patients with insurance is around $1,500 to $2,000 per month.

3. Are there any patient assistance programs available for Keytruda?

Yes, Merck offers several patient assistance programs for Keytruda, including the Merck Patient Assistance Program, the Merck Patient Assistance Foundation, and the Keytruda Co-Pay Program.

4. How can I get financial assistance for Keytruda?

Patients who are uninsured or underinsured may be eligible for patient assistance programs offered by Merck. Patients can contact Merck's patient assistance program directly to learn more about eligibility and application requirements.

5. Can I get a discount on Keytruda if I have commercial insurance?

Yes, Merck offers a Keytruda Co-Pay Program that provides discounts on copays for eligible patients who have commercial insurance.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-824-942-1/pembrolizumab-keytruda-patent-expiration>
2. GoodRx. (2022). Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) Prices. Retrieved from <https://www.goodrx.com/keytruda>
3. Merck. (2022). Keytruda Patient Assistance Programs. Retrieved from <https://www.merck.com/product/usa/picirculars/k/keytruda/keytrudapp.pdf>