Affordability Check
How to afford Alimta
Generic name: Pemetrexed disodium
Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get Alimta — your insurance copay, manufacturer savings, charity grants, or cash price. It takes 30 seconds and we never ask for your personal information.
Pick an option above to see your specific path.
Different insurance means different laws and different savings. For example, Medicare patients cannot use manufacturer copay cards (federal law) — but the manufacturer almost always has a Patient Assistance Program that gives the drug free.
About Alimta and its cost
What is this medication? Alimta, also known by its generic name pemetrexed, is a chemotherapy medication primarily used to treat certain forms of lung cancer. It is specifically indicated for patients with advanced or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer. Doctors may prescribe it as a first-line treatment in combination with other medications, or it may be used as a single agent for maintenance therapy after a patient has completed an initial course of chemotherapy.
In addition to lung cancer, Alimta is used to treat malignant pleural mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the chest lining that is often associated with exposure to asbestos. The drug functions as a folate antimetabolite, which means it interferes with the ability of cancer cells to synthesize DNA and proteins. By disrupting these essential processes, the medication helps to slow or stop the growth and spread of cancerous cells within the body. Patients are usually required to take specific vitamins before and during treatment to reduce the risk of side effects.
Alimta is made by Eli Lilly. Like most brand-name drugs, it's priced at a high list price — but patients rarely pay that list price. The options above are the real paths most people use to get it affordably.
Common questions
What's the cheapest way to afford Alimta?
It depends on your insurance. On Medicare, apply for the manufacturer's Patient Assistance Program (PAP) — it gives the drug free if you meet income requirements. With private insurance, the manufacturer copay card usually drops your copay to $0-$25. Uninsured patients should compare the PAP with Cost Plus Drugs cash price.
Can I use a copay card with Medicare for Alimta?
No — federal law (the Anti-Kickback Statute) prohibits manufacturer copay cards on Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, and VA prescriptions. But Eli Lilly has a separate Patient Assistance Program for Medicare beneficiaries. Check the options above.
Does my Medicare Part D plan cover Alimta?
Part D coverage varies by plan. We query the CMS Prescription Drug Plan file to show you what percentage of plans cover it and at what tier. For your exact copay, pick "Medicare" above and check your plan's Summary of Benefits, or log in to Medicare.gov.
How long does a Patient Assistance Program take?
Most PAPs take 2-6 weeks from application to first fill. Ask the manufacturer about a "bridge supply" — many will ship 30 days free while your application is being reviewed so you don't go without the drug.
What if I have a high-deductible plan?
For generics, Cost Plus Drugs cash price is often cheaper than your deductible-phase copay. For brand names, the manufacturer copay card almost always wins. A GoodRx coupon can be a last resort for uncovered drugs, but it doesn't count toward your deductible.
Are there charity grants for Mesothelioma?
Charities like HealthWell Foundation, PAN Foundation, Good Days, and the National Organization for Rare Disorders provide copay help for specific conditions. Funds often run out mid-year — apply early. We list the specific grants for your condition in the options above.
More about Alimta
Full Alimta drug page
FDA label, prior authorization rules, full indications list
More options for Mesothelioma
Drugs, grants, and assistance for this condition
Guide to Patient Assistance Programs
How PAPs work, who qualifies, typical wait times
If your insurance denied coverage
5-level appeal playbook — Medicare has a 60% win rate at Level 3