See the DrugPatentWatch profile for keytruda

Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is a medication used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and classical Hodgkin lymphoma. The patient assistance program (PAP) for Keytruda is managed by Merck, the manufacturer of the medication. While there are no strict income restrictions for the Keytruda PAP, there are eligibility criteria that patients must meet to be considered for assistance.

According to the Merck Patient Assistance Foundation website, the program is designed to provide access to Keytruda for patients who are uninsured or underinsured and have a limited income. To be eligible, patients must have a household income at or below 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For example, in 2022, the FPL is $25,520 for a single person, so the income limit for a single person would be $127,600.

However, the program also considers other factors, such as the patient's medical expenses, insurance coverage, and financial situation. Patients who are uninsured or underinsured and have a financial need may be eligible for assistance, regardless of their income level.

DrugPatentWatch.com, a website that tracks pharmaceutical patents and pricing, notes that Merck's patient assistance program for Keytruda is designed to help patients who are unable to afford the medication. The program provides free or reduced-cost medication to eligible patients.

In addition to the Keytruda PAP, Merck also offers a co-pay program for patients who are insured but have high out-of-pocket costs for the medication. The program provides a maximum co-pay of $25 per month for eligible patients.

In summary, while there are no strict income restrictions for the Keytruda PAP, patients must meet certain eligibility criteria, including having a limited income and being uninsured or underinsured. The program considers a range of factors, including medical expenses and financial situation, to determine eligibility.

Sources:

1. Merck Patient Assistance Foundation. (n.d.). Patient Assistance Program. Retrieved from <https://www.merck.com/about/our-philosophy/patient-assistance-program/>
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Pembrolizumab (Keytruda). Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-Patent-8,630,443>
3. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Federal Poverty Guidelines. Retrieved from <https://www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/Statistics-Trends-and-Reports/Market-Intelligence/Downloads/FederalPovertyGuidelines.pdf>

Note: The sources cited above are subject to change and may not reflect the current eligibility criteria or income limits for the Keytruda PAP. Patients should contact the Merck Patient Assistance Foundation or a healthcare provider for more information.