Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — UCB Patient Assistance Program (CIMplicity)
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $90,360 for a single person
Insurance
Must be uninsured or underinsured; may include Medicare Part D patients who meet specific hardship criteria and lack coverage for the product.
Residency
U.S. resident or resident of U.S. territories with a valid address
Income Limits (600% FPL)
Calculated based on 600% of the 2025 FPL. UCB typically uses this threshold for Cimzia to accommodate high specialty drug costs.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# UCB Patient Assistance Program (CIMplicity): Your Complete Guide to Getting Cimzia at No Cost
Who Qualifies for the UCB Patient Assistance Program (CIMplicity)?
If you need Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) but cannot afford it, you may be able to get it at little or no cost through the UCB Patient Assistance Program (CIMplicity). This program is designed specifically for patients who lack adequate insurance coverage for Cimzia. If you are a single-person household, you may qualify if your annual income is at or below $90,360. Larger households may qualify at higher income levels. To be eligible, you must be either uninsured or underinsured — meaning your current coverage does not adequately pay for Cimzia. Some Medicare Part D patients who meet specific financial hardship criteria may also qualify. RX Advantages can help you determine whether this program is the right fit for your situation.
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About Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)
Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) is a biologic medication made by UCB. It belongs to a class of drugs called TNF inhibitors, which work by targeting a specific protein involved in inflammation. The FDA has approved Cimzia to treat several conditions, including Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and plaque psoriasis. Because Cimzia is a specialty biologic, it carries a very high list price — often thousands of dollars per month without insurance or assistance. This cost puts it out of reach for many patients, which is exactly why UCB created the CIMplicity program to help qualifying individuals access the medication they need.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The CIMplicity program uses income thresholds based on 600% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level (FPL). UCB applies this higher threshold to account for the significant cost of specialty biologic medications like Cimzia. The limits by household size are:
| Household Size | Max Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $90,360 |
| 2 persons | $122,640 |
| 3 persons | $154,920 |
| 4 persons | $187,200 |
If your household is larger than four people, income limits continue to increase — contact CIMplicity directly at (844) 246-7542 to ask about your specific household size.
To verify your income, UCB typically accepts your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040), W-2 forms, or three months of recent pay stubs. If you are self-employed or have irregular income, speak with a program representative about acceptable alternatives.
If your income is above the listed limits, you may not qualify for free medication through this program. However, you may still be eligible for other forms of assistance — see the Alternatives section below.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a key role in determining your eligibility for CIMplicity. Here is how different situations are handled:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for free Cimzia through the UCB CIMplicity program:
1. Gather your documents. You will need: a completed and signed application form (with both patient and prescriber sections filled out), proof of household income (1040, W-2, or three months of pay stubs), and a valid prescription for Cimzia from your doctor.
2. Get the application. Visit https://www.cimzia.com/cimplicity-program to access the online application or download a paper form.
3. Choose your application method. You can:
- Apply online at the link above
- Call (844) 246-7542 to apply by phone or request a paper application
- Fax a completed paper application to (866) 438-2321
4. Have your prescriber sign. The application includes a prescriber section that your doctor or their office staff must complete and sign. Many offices are familiar with this process and can help coordinate.
5. Submit your income documentation along with the signed application by your chosen method (online upload, fax, or mail).
6. Wait for a determination. Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days after UCB receives a complete application.
7. Confirm your approval. UCB or a CIMplicity representative will contact you with your eligibility decision. If approved, you will receive instructions on how your medication will be delivered.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once UCB receives your complete application, the review process typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You will be notified of your approval status by UCB or the CIMplicity program team. If approved, your Cimzia will be shipped directly to your home address — you do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy or your doctor's office. Make sure someone is available to receive the shipment, as specialty biologics often require refrigeration and signature upon delivery.
Your enrollment in CIMplicity is valid for one year. Before that period ends, you will need to reauthorize your enrollment by submitting updated income documentation and a renewed prescription. UCB may send you a reminder, but it is a good idea to track your renewal date yourself.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not qualify for CIMplicity, you still have options:
1. Biosimilars: As of the publication of this guide, there are no FDA-approved biosimilar alternatives to Cimzia currently available. This makes access programs like CIMplicity especially important for cost savings.
2. Manufacturer savings card (insured patients): If you have commercial insurance, UCB offers a CIMplicity savings card that may reduce your out-of-pocket costs significantly. Learn more at https://www.cimzia.com/cimplicity-program/financial-support.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer programs to help residents afford high-cost medications. Eligibility and benefits vary by state. Contact your state health department or ask RX Advantages to help identify programs available in your area.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, nonprofit database lists hundreds of patient assistance programs and drug discount options. Visit www.needymeds.org to search by medication or condition at no cost.
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*This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Eligibility determinations are made solely by UCB. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.cimzia.com/support/financial-support](https://www.cimzia.com/support/financial-support) before applying.*
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Documents You'll Need
If You Don't Qualify for the Assistance Program
Manufacturer Savings Card (for insured patients)
UCB offers a savings card that may reduce your out-of-pocket cost if you have commercial insurance. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist for current savings card details.
Common Questions
After UCB receives your complete application — including signed forms, income proof, and a valid prescription — the review process typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Incomplete applications may take longer, so double-check that all sections are filled out before submitting.
If you are approved through the CIMplicity patient assistance program, Cimzia is shipped directly to your home. Because it is a specialty biologic that requires refrigeration, make sure someone is available to receive the package and that you have proper storage ready.
Possibly. Most patient assistance programs cannot serve Medicare Part D patients due to federal rules. However, UCB may make exceptions for Part D patients who face specific financial hardship and have no coverage for Cimzia under their plan. Call CIMplicity at (844) 246-7542 to discuss your situation directly.
Yes. Enrollment in the CIMplicity program must be reauthorized annually. You will need to submit updated income documentation and a renewed prescription each year to maintain your eligibility. It is a good idea to keep track of your renewal date rather than waiting for a reminder.
If your income exceeds CIMplicity's thresholds, you may still have options. Insured patients can look into the UCB CIMplicity savings card for commercial insurance. You can also explore state pharmaceutical assistance programs (SPAPs) or search NeedyMeds.org for additional resources. RX Advantages can help you identify the best available alternative for your situation.
Ready to Apply for Cimzia Assistance?
RX Advantages handles the entire UCB Patient Assistance Program (CIMplicity) application on your behalf — paperwork, physician coordination, and refill tracking. It takes about 15 minutes to get started.
No SSN required on the web form · From $49.95/month