Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Merck Patient Assistance Program
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $79,800 for a single person
Insurance
Primarily for uninsured patients. Exceptions may be made for insured patients (including Medicare Part D) facing financial/medical hardship if income criteria are met and they are not enrolled in alternative funding programs.
Residency
U.S. resident or legal resident of U.S. Territories; does not require U.S. citizenship.
Income Limits (530% FPL)
Income limits calculated based on source text for individuals, couples, and family of 4. Family of 3 is interpolated. Higher limits apply in Alaska and Hawaii.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) Patient Assistance Guide
Merck Patient Assistance Program | Provided by RX Advantages
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Who Qualifies for the Merck Patient Assistance Program?
If you need Keytruda (pembrolizumab) and cannot afford it, you may be able to get it at no cost through the Merck Patient Assistance Program. This program is designed primarily for patients who have no health insurance, though some insured patients facing serious financial hardship may also qualify. For a single-person household, the maximum annual income allowed is $79,800. Larger households have higher limits. To qualify, you must also be a U.S. resident, have a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber, and meet the program's financial hardship requirements. If you are enrolled in a government-funded alternative assistance program, you will generally not be eligible. This guide walks you through every step of the process so you know exactly what to expect before you apply.
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About Keytruda (Pembrolizumab)
Keytruda is a prescription medicine made by Merck. It belongs to a class of drugs called PD-1 inhibitors, which are a type of monoclonal antibody. It is FDA-approved for a wide range of serious cancers, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, urothelial carcinoma, cervical cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, and several others. Because Keytruda is a biologic drug — meaning it is derived from living cells and requires a highly specialized manufacturing process — it carries a very high list price. Without insurance or assistance, the annual cost can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars, putting it out of reach for many patients. The Merck Patient Assistance Program exists to help close that gap.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
Merck uses household size and annual income to determine whether you qualify financially. The current income thresholds are:
| Household Size | Max Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $79,800 |
| 2 persons | $108,200 |
| 3 persons | $136,600 |
| 4 persons | $165,000 |
Higher income limits apply for residents of Alaska and Hawaii.
If your household is larger than four people, you may still qualify — contact Merck directly at (855) 257-3932 to ask about limits for your household size.
Income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return or three months of recent pay stubs. If your income has changed significantly since last year — for example, due to job loss or a major medical expense — you may be able to document your current financial situation instead. If your income is above these limits, you may not qualify for free medication through this program, but other options exist (see the Alternatives section below). The program requires annual reauthorization, so your income will be reviewed again each year.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a major role in whether you qualify. Here is how each situation is handled:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the Merck Patient Assistance Program for Keytruda:
1. Gather your documents first. You will need: a completed Enrollment Form (with both patient and prescriber sections filled out), a valid prescription for Keytruda, documentation of your income (prior year tax return or three months of pay stubs), a signed attestation of financial hardship, and your patient authorization and consent signatures.
2. Download or request the Enrollment Form. Visit https://www.merckhelps.com to access the form online. You can also call (855) 257-3932 to have a form mailed or faxed to you.
3. Complete the patient section. Fill in your personal information, household size, income details, and insurance status. Sign the consent and hardship attestation sections.
4. Have your prescriber complete their section. Your doctor or their office staff must fill out and sign the prescriber portion, and attach a current prescription for Keytruda.
5. Submit your application. You can apply online at https://www.merckhelps.com, or submit by fax to (855) 329-8722. You may also call (855) 257-3932 for assistance with submission options.
6. Wait for confirmation. After submission, Merck will review your application and contact you or your prescriber with a decision. Keep a copy of everything you submit.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Processing times are not publicly specified by Merck for this program, so it is a good idea to apply as early as possible and ask your prescriber's office to follow up if you have not heard back within two weeks. Once approved, Keytruda will be shipped directly to your prescriber's office — not to your home. Your care team will notify you when the medication has arrived and schedule your infusion appointment. You do not need to pick up or handle the shipment yourself. Keep in mind that approval is valid for one year. Before your annual renewal date, you will need to resubmit income documentation and updated forms to continue receiving the medication without interruption.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not qualify for the Merck Patient Assistance Program, there are still options worth exploring.
Biosimilars: As of the time this guide was written, there are no FDA-approved biosimilar versions of Keytruda available. This may change in the future, so ask your doctor to check for updates.
Merck Savings Card (for insured patients): If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible for a co-pay savings card that reduces your out-of-pocket costs. Visit https://www.keytruda.com/financial-support/ to learn more and enroll.
State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer programs that help residents pay for high-cost medications. Eligibility and benefits vary widely. Search for your state's program through your state health department website.
NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database lists hundreds of assistance programs by drug name, diagnosis, and state. It is a useful starting point if you need to explore multiple options quickly.
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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/KEYTRUDA](https://www.merckhelps.com/KEYTRUDA) 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)
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. Medicare Part D patients are not automatically eligible, but Merck may make exceptions for those who can show financial or medical hardship and who meet the income limits. You must not be enrolled in an alternative funding program. Call Merck at (855) 257-3932 to discuss your situation before applying.
If your application is approved, Keytruda will be shipped directly to your prescriber's office. You do not need to arrange delivery yourself. Your care team will let you know when the medication has arrived and schedule your infusion.
Enrollment must be renewed every year. Before your renewal date, you will need to resubmit income documentation and updated enrollment forms. It is a good idea to start the renewal process at least four to six weeks before your current approval expires to avoid any gap in coverage.
If your income is above the listed thresholds, you may not qualify for free medication through this program. However, you may still be able to reduce costs through the Keytruda savings card for insured patients, state pharmaceutical assistance programs, or other resources listed at NeedyMeds.org.
RX Advantages helps you navigate the application process for programs like the Merck Patient Assistance Program. The underlying medication assistance from Merck is provided at no drug cost to qualifying patients. Contact RX Advantages directly for details about any service fees or support options.
Ready to Apply for Keytruda 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.
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