Januvia (sitagliptin)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Merck Patient Assistance Program
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $63,840 for a single person
Insurance
Primarily for the uninsured. Insured patients may qualify if they attest to special circumstances of financial and medical hardship and meet income criteria. Patients in alternative funding programs are ineligible.
Residency
US resident with a prescription from a licensed US healthcare provider; includes US Territories. Citizenship not required.
Income Limits by Household Size
Specific dollar amounts provided in source; income limits for Alaska and Hawaii require phone verification.
# Your Guide to Getting Januvia (Sitagliptin) Through the Merck Patient Assistance Program
Who Qualifies for the Merck Patient Assistance Program?
If you have been prescribed Januvia (sitagliptin) for type 2 diabetes and are struggling to afford it, the Merck Patient Assistance Program may be able to help you get it at no cost. This program is designed primarily for people who do not have prescription drug insurance. If you are a single-person household, you may qualify if your annual income is at or below $63,840. If you do have insurance, you may still be considered, but only if you can demonstrate serious financial and medical hardship and meet the income requirements. Patients enrolled in alternative funding programs are not eligible. RX Advantages can help you determine whether this program is the right fit for your situation before you begin the application process.
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About Januvia (Sitagliptin)
Januvia (sitagliptin) is an FDA-approved prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs called DPP-4 inhibitors, which work by helping the body regulate blood sugar levels. Januvia is typically taken once daily and is often prescribed alongside diet and exercise, sometimes in combination with other diabetes medications. Without insurance or financial assistance, the monthly cost of Januvia can be several hundred dollars, making it out of reach for many patients on fixed or limited incomes. The Merck Patient Assistance Program exists to help bridge that gap for those who meet the eligibility requirements.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
Your eligibility for the Merck Patient Assistance Program is based in part on your household income and household size. The income limits are as follows:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $63,840 |
| 2 persons | $86,560 |
| 4 persons | $132,000 |
If your household size falls between the figures listed — for example, three people — contact the program directly at (800) 727-5400 to confirm where you stand, as limits scale with household size. Residents of Alaska or Hawaii should also call to verify income limits, as these may differ.
If your income is above the listed thresholds, you may not qualify for free medication through this program. In that case, you may want to explore the savings card option for insured patients or look into state pharmaceutical assistance programs, both covered later in this guide.
To verify your income, you will typically need to provide your most recent federal tax return or three months of recent pay stubs. If your income has changed significantly since your last tax filing — due to job loss, reduced hours, or other circumstances — you may be able to document your current situation separately.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Understanding how your insurance status affects eligibility is important before you apply.
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility.
Review the income table and insurance requirements above. If you are unsure, call (800) 727-5400 to speak with a program representative before starting your application.
Step 2: Gather your documents.
You will need the following:
Step 3: Download or request the application form.
Visit https://www.merckhelps.com to access the form online or to apply directly through the website. You can also call (800) 727-5400 to request a paper form by mail.
Step 4: Have your doctor complete their section.
Your prescriber must sign the application and fill out the prescription section. Many doctor's offices are familiar with this process. RX Advantages can also help coordinate this step on your behalf.
Step 5: Submit your application.
You may submit your completed application:
Step 6: Wait for confirmation.
After submission, the program will review your application and notify you or your prescriber of the decision.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Processing time for this program is not publicly listed, so it is a good idea to apply as early as possible before your current supply runs out. Once approved, Januvia may be delivered directly to your home or to your prescriber's office, depending on what is arranged during the application process. You should confirm the delivery method with your doctor's office so you know where to expect the medication. You will not typically need to pay anything at pickup for approved patients. Your approval is valid for one year, after which annual reauthorization is required to continue receiving benefits. Watch for renewal 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 requirements for the Merck Patient Assistance Program, you still have options.
Biosimilar alternatives: A generic form of sitagliptin is now available. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether sitagliptin (generic) is appropriate for you, as it may cost significantly less than the brand-name Januvia.
Manufacturer savings card: If you have commercial insurance, Merck offers a savings card for Januvia that may reduce your out-of-pocket costs. You can find this offer at https://www.januvia.com/offers/. Note that this card is generally not available to Medicare or Medicaid patients.
State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer their own drug assistance programs, especially for seniors and people with disabilities. Search for your state's program through your state health department website.
NeedyMeds.org: This free online database lists hundreds of assistance programs by drug name, condition, and state. It is a useful 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 Merck. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.merckhelps.com/Januvia](https://www.merckhelps.com/Januvia) 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 Januvia: sitagliptin. 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 designed mainly for uninsured patients, but insured patients may qualify in some cases if they can demonstrate financial and medical hardship and meet the income requirements. Patients in alternative funding programs are not eligible. Call (800) 727-5400 to discuss your specific situation.
The Merck Patient Assistance Program requires annual reauthorization. You will need to reapply and provide updated income documentation each year to continue receiving free medication. Start the renewal process before your current approval expires to avoid a gap in your supply.
The program offers both delivery options. Medication may be sent directly to your home or to your prescriber's office. Confirm which method will be used when your application is submitted so you know where to expect your medication.
If your income is above the listed threshold, you may not qualify for free medication through this program. However, you may still have options, including the Januvia savings card for insured patients, generic sitagliptin, or state pharmaceutical assistance programs. RX Advantages can help you explore what is available to you.
Yes. A generic form of sitagliptin is available as a biosimilar alternative to brand-name Januvia. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether switching to the generic is appropriate for your treatment plan, as it may be available at a lower cost through standard pharmacy channels.
Ready to Apply for Januvia Assistance?
RX Advantages handles the entire Merck Patient Assistance Program 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