How to Get Cimzia Copay Assistance and Lower Your Costs

How to Get Help Paying for Cimzia with Copay Cards and Assistance Programs

Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) is a biologic medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. It works by blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF), an inflammation-causing protein in the body. By neutralizing excess TNF, Cimzia can reduce joint pain, swelling and damage from rheumatoid arthritis.

While Cimzia can be highly effective, it is also expensive. The average monthly cost of Cimzia is over $5,000 without insurance. Even with coverage, paying the Cimzia copay or coinsurance costs can be difficult. Fortunately, financial assistance is available through copay cards, patient assistance programs and other resources.

Who Makes Cimzia?

Cimzia is manufactured by the global biopharmaceutical company UCB. It was initially approved by the FDA in 2008 to treat Crohn’s disease, followed by approvals for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. UCB offers a copay program and patient assistance for people prescribed Cimzia.

Cimzia Copay Card

The Cimzia copay card is called CIMplicity®. It is a point-of-sale program that can lower your out-of-pocket costs for Cimzia. The CIMplicity® copay card provides up to $4,800 in annual copay savings. With this copay card, some people may pay $5 or less per dose.

To get the Cimzia copay discount, your doctor’s office will provide an activation code and instructions for the card. You present the card when picking up your Cimzia prescription to receive instant savings at the pharmacy counter. The discount applies to copays and coinsurance costs. There are no income requirements or enrollment forms.

Requirements for the Cimzia Copay Card

You must meet certain criteria to qualify for the CIMplicity® copay card program:

• Have a valid prescription for an FDA-approved indication such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Have commercial prescription insurance such as a private plan, employer plan or Obamacare
• Cannot be enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid or Tricare
• Live in the United States or Puerto Rico
• Be 18 years or older

The Cimzia copay card cannot be combined with any free trial or medication sample offers. It also does not cover costs to give you the injections. Make sure your pharmacist processes the copay card before submitting the claim to your health insurance provider.

How to Sign Up for the Cimzia Copay Card

Follow these steps to start using the Cimzia copay card:

1. Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for Cimzia.
2. If your doctor decides Cimzia is right for you, their office will provide the activation code and instructions for the copay card.
3. Take the activation code and your prescription to the pharmacy.
4. Present the CIMplicity® copay card when picking up your Cimzia medication.
5. The pharmacy will apply the discount to lower your out-of-pocket costs.

You can use the copay card for each Cimzia prescription refill for one year. Make sure to provide the card to receive savings every time.

Other Ways to Lower Cimzia Costs

In addition to the copay card program, UCB offers other resources to lower your Cimzia costs:

• CIMbate® Program - Helps with insurance coverage and prior authorizations for Cimzia.
• Copay Installment Program - Breaks copay costs into smaller monthly payments.
• Bridge Program - Provides Cimzia at no cost if there is a gap in insurance coverage.

UCB Patient Assistance Program

If you do not have insurance or cannot afford Cimzia even with the copay card, you may qualify for the UCB Patient Assistance Program. This program provides Cimzia for free to eligible patients.

You must meet certain income requirements based on the Federal Poverty Level guidelines. Proof of household income is required. The medication is shipped at no cost directly to your doctor’s office or an authorized treatment center.

Patient assistance is available for up to one year. You will need to reapply annually to continue receiving free medication. This program does not cover costs for giving the injections.

Applying for the UCB Patient Assistance Program

To apply for the Cimzia patient assistance program:

1. Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for Cimzia.
2. Have your doctor's office fill out and submit the program application forms.
3. Complete the patient section of the application and provide income documentation.
4. The program reviews the application and notifies you if approved.
5. If approved, Cimzia is shipped to your doctor’s office at no cost.

Independent Charitable Copay Assistance Organizations

If you don’t qualify for UCB’s patient assistance program, independent nonprofit organizations offer copay assistance for certain medications, including Cimzia. Examples include:

• HealthWell Foundation - Provides copay assistance up to $15,000 per year.
• PSI - Offers copays as low as $15 per prescription.
• Good Days - Provides assistance depending on financial need.

Each organization has its own eligibility criteria based on diagnosis, income, insurance status and other factors. The funding comes from individual donations rather than pharmaceutical companies.

Medicare Options for Affording Cimzia

If you have Medicare, you cannot use the Cimzia copay card. However, here are options to lower costs:

• Medicare Part D - Helps pay prescription drug costs, but can have high copays for specialty meds.
• Medigap - Supplemental plans cover Medicare copays and coinsurance.
• Extra Help - An Medicare program providing prescription assistance for limited-income beneficiaries.
• State pharmaceutical assistance programs (SPAPs) - Offer help paying prescription costs based on financial need.

Nonprofit foundations like the ones mentioned above may also provide financial assistance for Medicare beneficiaries who need help affording Cimzia copays.

Shop Around for the Best Cimzia Prices

Cimzia prices can vary between different pharmacies. It pays to comparison shop. Online pharmacy savings cards or prescription discount apps can also help you find the lowest available price. Always make sure to present any copay card or discount to the pharmacy for added savings.

Get Help Paying for Cimzia

While expensive, Cimzia can greatly improve symptoms and quality of life for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Don’t let the cost stand in the way. Take advantage of resources like the Cimzia copay card, patient assistance programs, Medicare plans and more. With the right assistance, managing the cost of this beneficial medication is possible.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.