Enbrel (etanercept)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Amgen Safety Net Foundation
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $75,300 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured, underinsured, or Medicare Part D patients who meet specific financial and clinical criteria and cannot afford their cost-sharing.
Residency
U.S. resident or resident of U.S. territories with a valid address
Income Limits (500% FPL)
Calculated at 500% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level. Income is based on adjusted gross income.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Getting Enbrel at No Cost Through the Amgen Safety Net Foundation
Who Qualifies for the Amgen Safety Net Foundation?
If you cannot afford Enbrel (etanercept), you may be able to get it at no cost through the Amgen Safety Net Foundation. This is Amgen's free medication program for patients who meet income and insurance requirements. For a single-person household, your annual income must be at or below $75,300 to qualify. You must also be uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in Medicare Part D — and you must be unable to afford your out-of-pocket costs. If you meet these criteria, the program may provide Enbrel to you free of charge, shipped directly to your home.
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About Enbrel (etanercept)
Enbrel (etanercept) is a biologic medication in the TNF inhibitor class. It is FDA-approved to treat several chronic inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Enbrel is manufactured by Amgen and Pfizer. Because it is a biologic — meaning it is derived from living cells rather than standard chemical synthesis — it is significantly more expensive to produce than traditional drugs. Without insurance or financial assistance, the annual cost of Enbrel can reach tens of thousands of dollars, putting it out of reach for many patients who rely on it for ongoing treatment.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The Amgen Safety Net Foundation uses income thresholds set at 500% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level. Your eligibility is based on your adjusted gross income (AGI), which is the figure found on your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040). If you have not filed taxes yet this year, the program typically accepts three months of recent pay stubs or other income documentation instead.
Here are the maximum income limits by household size:
| Household Size | Max Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $75,300 |
| 2 persons | $102,200 |
| 3 persons | $129,100 |
| 4 persons | $156,000 |
If your household has more than four people, the income limit continues to increase — contact the program directly at (888) 762-6436 to confirm the threshold for your household size.
If your income is above these limits, you will not qualify for the Safety Net Foundation's free medication program. However, you may still have other options, which are covered in the final section of this guide. Do not assume you are locked out of help entirely — other savings programs may still be available to you.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a major role in whether you qualify. Here is how the program applies to different situations:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for free Enbrel through the Amgen Safety Net Foundation:
1. Gather your documents before you start. You will need: a completed application form, a valid prescription for Enbrel from your doctor, and proof of income (your most recent federal 1040 tax return, a W-2, or at least three months of pay stubs).
2. Choose your application method. You can apply online, by phone, or by fax.
- Online: Visit https://www.amgensafetynetfoundation.com to start your application.
- By phone: Call (888) 762-6436 to apply with the help of a program representative. This is also a good option if you have questions before applying.
- By fax: Complete a paper application and fax it to (866) 549-7239.
3. Have your prescriber involved. Your doctor or their office staff will likely need to sign part of the application or submit the prescription directly. Many offices are familiar with this process — ask your prescriber's office if they can help submit the application on your behalf.
4. Submit your income documents along with the application through whichever method you choose.
5. Wait for a decision. The program typically completes its review within two business days of receiving a complete application.
6. After approval, your medication will be shipped directly to your home. No pharmacy pickup is required.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once the Amgen Safety Net Foundation receives your complete application, the review process typically takes two business days. You or your prescriber's office will be notified of the decision. If approved, Enbrel is shipped directly to your home address — you do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy or prescriber's office. Make sure someone is available to receive temperature-sensitive shipments, as biologics like Enbrel require proper storage.
Your approval is not permanent. The program requires annual reauthorization, meaning you must reapply each year to continue receiving your medication at no cost. Watch for renewal notices and begin the reauthorization process before your current approval period ends to avoid any gaps in your supply.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not qualify for the Amgen Safety Net Foundation, here are other options worth exploring:
1. Biosimilar alternatives: Enbrel has FDA-approved biosimilar versions that may cost less. These include Erelzi (etanercept-szzs) and Eticovo (etanercept-ykro). Talk to your doctor about whether switching to a biosimilar is appropriate for your treatment.
2. Savings card for insured patients: If you have commercial insurance, Enbrel offers a separate savings card program that can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Visit https://www.enbrel.com/support/financial-assistance for details. This program is not available to Medicare or Medicaid patients.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer their own drug assistance programs for residents who do not qualify for manufacturer programs. Search your state's health department website to see what may be available.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free online database lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, copay cards, and disease-specific funds. It is a reliable starting point if you are exploring multiple options at once.
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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 Amgen / Pfizer. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.enbrel.com/financial-assistance](https://www.enbrel.com/financial-assistance) before applying.*
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Documents You'll Need
If You Don't Qualify for the Assistance Program
Biosimilar / Generic Alternatives
FDA-approved alternatives to Enbrel: Erelzi (etanercept-szzs), Eticovo (etanercept-ykro). Ask your prescriber if one of these is clinically appropriate for your condition.
Manufacturer Savings Card (for insured patients)
Amgen / Pfizer 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
Yes. The Amgen Safety Net Foundation accepts Medicare Part D patients who meet income requirements and cannot afford their cost-sharing costs. This is different from many other patient assistance programs that exclude Medicare enrollees entirely.
The program typically completes its review within two business days of receiving a complete application. After approval, Enbrel is shipped directly to your home. Make sure to account for shipping time when planning your supply.
The program typically accepts your most recent federal 1040 tax return, a W-2, or three months of recent pay stubs. Income is based on adjusted gross income (AGI). If you are self-employed or have irregular income, contact the program at (888) 762-6436 to ask about acceptable documentation.
Yes. The Amgen Safety Net Foundation requires annual reauthorization. You will need to resubmit an application and updated income documentation each year to continue receiving your medication at no cost. Starting the renewal process early can help you avoid gaps in your supply.
If your income exceeds the program's threshold, you may still have options. Insured patients may qualify for Enbrel's savings card program. Biosimilar versions of etanercept may also be available at lower cost. NeedyMeds.org and your state's pharmaceutical assistance program are also worth checking.
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