How Much Is Keytruda Without Insurance?

Brand vs. generic availability

Keytruda and Keytruda Qlex are available only as reference (brand-name) medications. As biologics, they may eventually have highly similar versions called biosimilars (the biologic version of a generic).

At this time, there are no FDA-approved biosimilars for Keytruda or Keytruda Qlex available in the U.S.

Dosage and quantity

Your prescribed dose and treatment schedule can significantly affect your total cost. Some people receive Keytruda every 3 weeks, while others receive it every 6 weeks. Treatment duration also varies depending on the type of cancer being treated and how you respond to the treatment.

Location

Where you receive Keytruda can affect how much you pay. Hospital outpatient centers may charge more than independent infusion centers or clinics. Costs can also vary depending on your geographic region.

Insurance coverage

Insurance coverage can make a major difference in your out-of-pocket costs. Depending on your plan, you may still be responsible for deductibles, coinsurance, or copays. Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance plans may all handle coverage differently.

It’s also important to note that Keytruda is often billed under the medical benefit, though some plans may require billing under the pharmacy benefit. This detail can affect how much you pay. Check with your specific plan for details about how Keytruda is billed and covered.

1. See if you qualify for a copay savings card

If you have commercial insurance that covers Keytruda, you may qualify for the manufacturer’s copay savings card. Through the Merck Co-Pay Assistance Program, you could pay as little as $25 per infusion or injection, with a maximum benefit of $25,000.

To be eligible, you must: 

• Live in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico)

• Have commercial insurance that covers Keytruda

• Have a valid prescription for Keytruda or Keytruda Qlex for an FDA-approved use

• Not have government-funded insurance, such as Medicare or Medicaid

You and your prescriber will both need to complete the enrollment form, which can be submitted electronically or printed and mailed or faxed. You can also call 1-855-257-3932 to request a form.

2. Check if you’re eligible for a patient assistance program

If you don’t have insurance, or if your plan doesn’t cover Keytruda, you may be eligible for a patient assistance program. For example, the Merck Patient Assistance Program offers the medication at no charge for eligible people.

To qualify, you generally must:

• Be a resident of the U.S. or a U.S. territory

• Have a valid prescription for Keytruda or Keytruda Qlex from a healthcare professional licensed in the U.S.

• Be uninsured, or have insurance that doesn’t cover Keytruda

• Meet certain income requirements

As with the copay assistance program, you and your prescriber will need to complete the Merck Access Program enrollment form. You can complete the form online, download a copy to mail or fax, or call 1-855-257-3932 to request a form.

There are also patient assistance programs through independent charitable foundations. These organizations may help cover out-of-pocket costs related to cancer treatment. Eligibility and funding availability can vary throughout the year. Examples include:

• CancerCare

• Good Days

• HealthWell Foundation

• Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation

• Patient Advocate Foundation

• The Assistance Fund

3. Tap into your HSA, FSA, or HRA

If you have a health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), you may be able to use those tax-advantaged funds to help pay for eligible Keytruda treatment costs.

Keep in mind that these funds may only be available for a limited time. For example, FSA funds are often “use it or lose it,” meaning they must be used by a deadline, while HSA funds don’t expire and can be used at any time. If you have an HRA, check with your employer about its rules. 

4. Ask about payment plans or financial support

Many hospitals, infusion centers, and cancer clinics offer payment plans or financial assistance programs to help make treatment costs more manageable. Depending on your situation, you may be able to spread out payments over time or qualify for reduced-cost care.

Ask to speak with a financial counselor, billing specialist, or social worker at your treatment center. They may be able to help you estimate costs, identify assistance programs, or negotiate medical bills.

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Written by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD, MWC

Christina Aungst, PharmD, MWC is a senior pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019.

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