How to get Enbrel cheap: Strategies for Affording Your Medication

October 10, 2025 •

3 min read

Without insurance, the average retail price of Enbrel can be more than $8,000 for a month's supply. Fortunately, several strategies exist to help eligible patients navigate these costs and find out how to get Enbrel cheap through manufacturer programs, discount cards, and nonprofit assistance.

Quick Summary

Understand the multiple pathways to reduce the cost of Enbrel, including enrollment in manufacturer copay and patient assistance programs, using pharmacy discount cards, leveraging government benefits like Medicare and Medicaid, and applying for grants from independent charitable foundations.

Key Points

Manufacturer Programs: The Amgen SupportPlus Co-Pay Program helps commercially insured patients with costs, potentially reducing them to $0, while the Amgen Safety Net Foundation provides free medication to eligible uninsured or underinsured individuals.
Discount Cards: Pharmacy discount cards like SingleCare offer coupons for significant savings on Enbrel's retail price.
Government Assistance: Medicare Part D and Medicaid may cover Enbrel, with costs depending on the specific plan and state.
Nonprofit Aid: Foundations such as the Patient Advocate Foundation and the PAN Foundation offer grants for medication costs.
Alternative Medications: Discussing alternative or biosimilar treatments with your doctor might reveal more affordable options.
Pre-tax Accounts: Using an HSA or FSA can reduce the overall cost of Enbrel by using pre-tax funds.

For many patients managing chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, Enbrel (etanercept) is a vital treatment. However, the high price of this biologic medication can create a significant financial burden. The key is to actively seek out and combine different savings methods based on your unique insurance and financial situation. From manufacturer-sponsored aid to independent nonprofits, here are the primary avenues to make your Enbrel prescription more affordable.

Manufacturer programs: Financial support directly from Amgen

As the manufacturer of Enbrel, Amgen offers two primary programs designed to help patients with costs.

Amgen SupportPlus Co-Pay Program

This program is for commercially insured patients. It can help eligible patients pay as little as $0 out-of-pocket for their Enbrel, covering costs like deductibles, co-insurance, and co-payments up to an annual maximum. It is not available for those with government insurance like Medicare or Medicaid. Enrollment is available online or by phone.

Amgen Safety Net Foundation

This patient assistance program provides Enbrel at no cost to eligible uninsured or underinsured patients residing in the U.S.. Eligibility is based on household income relative to federal poverty guidelines and lack of sufficient insurance coverage. Approved patients can receive medication for up to 12 months, with the possibility of re-enrollment. Applications can be submitted online or via paper form, potentially with help from a healthcare provider.

Using prescription discount cards

Prescription discount cards can provide immediate savings for those without qualifying insurance.

How pharmacy coupons work

Services like SingleCare and GoodRx offer free coupons. You can search for Enbrel on their websites or apps, compare prices at local pharmacies, and present the coupon with your prescription to potentially save significantly off the retail price. Savings vary by pharmacy, dosage, and location.

Government and nonprofit assistance programs

Additional support can be found through government plans and independent charitable foundations.

Medicare and Medicaid

Coverage for Enbrel under government plans varies. Medicare Part D may cover it, potentially requiring prior authorization. Amgen can assist Medicare beneficiaries in understanding costs. The "Extra Help" program aids low-income seniors with Part D expenses. State Medicaid plans may also cover Enbrel, with costs varying by state and plan. Amgen notes that many Medicaid beneficiaries have low out-of-pocket costs.

Charitable foundations

Independent organizations offer financial grants.

PAN Foundation: Offers grants for specific conditions treated by Enbrel.
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF): The Co-Pay Relief Program helps insured patients cover co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles.
HealthWell Foundation: Provides copay assistance for insured patients who meet certain criteria.

Comparison of financial assistance options


Savings Method	Best For	Typical Cost	Eligibility Requirements	Pros	Cons
Amgen Co-Pay Program	Commercially Insured Patients	As little as $0 out-of-pocket	Commercial insurance, Enbrel covered by plan	Significant savings, direct manufacturer support	Ineligible for government insurance plans, annual maximum benefit applies
Amgen Safety Net Foundation	Uninsured/Underinsured Patients	Free medication	Financial need, lack of sufficient insurance	Free medication, covers uninsured	Income limits, requires application process
Prescription Discount Cards	Uninsured or High-Deductible Patients	Variable, but significantly reduced retail price	Anyone can use them	Immediate savings, widely accepted at pharmacies	Not as substantial as full assistance programs
Government Programs (Medicare/Medicaid)	Medicare or Medicaid Beneficiaries	Variable (copay, deductible)	Based on income, state of residence, and plan rules	Comprehensive coverage for eligible patients	Potential prior authorization requirements, specific plan rules
Nonprofit Foundations	Insured Patients Facing High Costs	Variable (grant-based)	Diagnosis-specific, income limits	Targeted financial aid, helps with co-pays/deductibles	May have income caps, grants may run out

Other strategies for reducing costs

Other approaches can also help manage Enbrel costs.

Discussing alternatives with your doctor

Alternative medications, including biosimilars, may be more affordable. Discussing other TNF inhibitors or DMARDs with your doctor can help determine if they are suitable options.

Using HSA or FSA funds

Using a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows you to pay for Enbrel with pre-tax income, reducing your overall cost.

Asking for free samples

Your doctor may have free Enbrel samples available for new patients, providing a temporary supply while you explore long-term assistance.

Conclusion

Affording Enbrel is possible through various financial assistance options. Explore manufacturer programs, discount cards, government benefits, and nonprofit aid. Work with your healthcare provider and pharmacy to find the best approach for your situation. Visit the Amgen SupportPlus website for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria for the Amgen Safety Net Foundation, you may receive Enbrel at no cost. This program is for uninsured or underinsured patients who meet income requirements.

No, the Amgen Co-Pay Program is exclusively for patients with commercial insurance and does not apply to those with Medicare, Medicaid, or other government healthcare programs.

If you have commercial insurance with a high deductible, the Amgen SupportPlus Co-Pay Program can help cover deductible, co-insurance, and co-payment costs, potentially reducing your out-of-pocket expenses to as little as $0 per month.

Yes, there are biosimilar medications and other types of drugs like traditional DMARDs that treat similar conditions and may be less expensive. Discuss these options with your doctor.

Prescription discount cards offer coupons that can lower the retail price of Enbrel at participating pharmacies. You can typically find and use these coupons online or via mobile apps.

Yes, foundations like the PAN Foundation and Patient Advocate Foundation offer financial assistance and grants to eligible patients to help cover the cost of medications like Enbrel.

Enbrel may be covered by Medicare Part D plans and state-specific Medicaid programs, although coverage and costs vary depending on the specific plan and state.