Diabetes

Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin)

Patient Assistance Program Guide — Merck Patient Assistance Program

Verified: February 27, 2026
Merck Patient Assistance Program
Program name
Processing time
both
Medication delivery
$63,840
1-person income limit

Do You Qualify?

Income

Up to $63,840 for a single person

Insurance

Primary focus on uninsured. Insured individuals may qualify via exception for financial or medical hardship if income criteria are met and they are not enrolled in alternative funding programs.

Residency

U.S. resident or resident of U.S. Territories

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Income Limits (425% FPL)

Household SizeMax Annual Income
1 person$63,840
2 persons$86,560
3 persons$109,280
4 persons$132,000

Income limits are approximately 425% of FPL; specific dollar amounts for 1, 2, and 4 persons provided in text. Family of 3 is calculated based on the consistent increment between levels.

Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.

# Janumet (Sitagliptin/Metformin) Patient Assistance Guide

### Merck Patient Assistance Program — Brought to You by RX Advantages

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Who Qualifies for the Merck Patient Assistance Program?

If you need Janumet but cannot afford it, the Merck Patient Assistance Program may be able to help you get it at little or no cost. The program is designed primarily for people who do not have prescription drug insurance, but some insured patients may also qualify under certain conditions.

To be eligible, you generally need to meet income guidelines. For a single-person household, your annual income must be $63,840 or less. Larger households have higher limits, which are covered in detail below.

If you are uninsured, you are the primary focus of this program. If you have insurance, you may still qualify through a hardship exception — but you must meet the income criteria and cannot be enrolled in certain other assistance programs.

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About Janumet (Sitagliptin/Metformin)

Janumet is a prescription combination medication used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It combines two separate drug classes — sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, and metformin, a biguanide — into a single tablet taken by mouth. Merck manufactures Janumet, and it is available in multiple dosage strengths.

Without insurance or assistance, Janumet can cost several hundred dollars per month, putting it out of reach for many patients. Because it is a brand-name combination drug, its price does not yet reflect the lower costs typically associated with generics. The Merck Patient Assistance Program exists specifically to address this gap for eligible patients.

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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown

Merck uses household size and annual income to determine whether you qualify. The income limits are set at approximately 425% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Here is how the thresholds break down:

| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |

|---|---|

| 1 person | $63,840 |

| 2 persons | $86,560 |

| 3 persons | $109,280 |

| 4 persons | $132,000 |

For households larger than four people, the income limit increases by approximately $22,720 for each additional person, though you should confirm the exact figure with Merck directly.

When you apply, you will typically need to document your income using your most recent federal tax return or three months of recent pay stubs. If you are self-employed or have irregular income, other documentation may be accepted.

If your income is above the limit for your household size, you will likely not qualify for free medication through this program. However, you are not out of options — see the "Alternatives" section below for other ways to reduce your costs.

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Insurance Requirements Explained

Your insurance status plays a major role in whether you qualify. Here is a simple breakdown:

If you are uninsured: You are the primary candidate for this program. You can apply directly without needing to demonstrate a hardship exception. Meeting the income limit is typically sufficient.
If you have Medicare Part D: Most patient assistance programs, including this one, do not cover patients enrolled in Medicare Part D. Merck's program generally excludes Medicare Part D enrollees. You should explore the Medicare Extra Help program or your plan's Low Income Subsidy instead.
If you have private insurance that covers Janumet partially or poorly: You may qualify through a financial or medical hardship exception, provided your income falls within the program limits and you are not enrolled in any alternative funding programs. A financial hardship attestation will be required as part of your application.
If you have Medicaid: Medicaid-covered patients are typically excluded from manufacturer patient assistance programs, as Janumet may be covered directly through your state plan. Contact your Medicaid caseworker first.

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Step-by-Step: How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility.

Review the income table above. Make sure your household income falls within the limit for your household size before you invest time in gathering documents.

Step 2: Gather your required documents.

You will need:

A completed Merck Enrollment Application Form (available at https://www.merckhelps.com)
A prescription written by your licensed prescriber in Section 4 of the form — this section must be completed by your doctor
Signatures from both you and your physician
If you are insured, a financial hardship attestation must also be included

Step 3: Prepare your income documentation.

Locate your most recent federal tax return or gather three months of recent pay stubs. Have these ready before submitting.

Step 4: Choose your application method.

You can apply in one of several ways:

Online: Visit https://www.merckhelps.com and complete the application digitally
By phone: Call (800) 727-5400 to speak with a program representative
By fax: Submit your completed paperwork to (800) 419-8371

Step 5: Submit and follow up.

After submission, keep a copy of everything you sent. If you applied by fax, confirm receipt by calling the program phone number. A representative can tell you what additional information, if any, is needed.

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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery

Merck does not publish a specific processing time for this program, so timelines can vary. Once approved, Merck will notify you or your prescriber. Medication may be delivered directly to your home or to your prescriber's office, depending on how your application was set up. If delivery goes to your doctor's office, you will need to contact them to arrange pickup — no co-pay is required at pickup for approved patients.

Your enrollment is not permanent. Annual reauthorization is required, which means you will need to reapply each year and re-confirm your eligibility. Watch for expiration notices and plan ahead to avoid a gap in your medication supply.

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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify

If you do not meet the program's criteria, you still have options:

1. Generic alternatives: Both sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride are available as separate generic medications. Ask your doctor whether switching to generic versions of each drug individually would be appropriate for your treatment plan.

2. Janumet Savings Card: If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible for a manufacturer savings card that can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Visit https://www.janumet.com/special-offers/ to see current offers.

3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states run their own drug assistance programs, especially for seniors and people with disabilities. Search for your state's program through your state health department website.

4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, nonprofit database lists hundreds of assistance programs by drug name, diagnosis, and state. It is a useful starting point if Merck's program is not a fit for your situation.

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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 Merck. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.merckhelps.com/Janumet](https://www.merckhelps.com/Janumet) before applying.*

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Documents You'll Need

Completed Enrollment Application Form
Prescription written in Section 4 of form by licensed prescriber
Physician and patient signatures
Financial hardship attestation (for insured applicants)

If You Don't Qualify for the Assistance Program

Biosimilar / Generic Alternatives

FDA-approved alternatives to Janumet: sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride generic. Ask your prescriber if one of these is clinically appropriate for your condition.

Manufacturer Savings Card (for insured patients)

Merck 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

Possibly. The program is primarily designed for uninsured patients, but insured patients may qualify through a financial or medical hardship exception if they meet the income limits and are not enrolled in alternative funding programs such as Medicare Part D or Medicaid. You will need to submit a financial hardship attestation with your application.

The Merck Patient Assistance Program requires annual reauthorization. You will need to reapply each year and reconfirm your income and other eligibility information. It is a good idea to start the renewal process several weeks before your current enrollment expires to avoid a gap in your Janumet supply.

If your income exceeds the program's threshold, you will likely not qualify for free medication through this program. Consider asking your doctor about generic sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride as separate prescriptions, checking the Janumet savings card at janumet.com/special-offers, or searching NeedyMeds.org for other assistance options.

Yes. Your licensed prescriber must complete Section 4 of the enrollment application form, which includes writing the prescription directly on the form. Both you and your physician must sign the application. The process works best when you coordinate with your doctor's office before submitting.

The program offers both delivery options. Medication may be sent directly to your home or to your prescriber's office, depending on how your application is set up. If it is sent to your doctor's office, contact them to arrange pickup. There is no co-pay required at pickup for approved patients.

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