Affordability Check
How to afford COMETRIQ
Generic name: cabozantinib
Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get COMETRIQ — 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 COMETRIQ and its cost
What is this medication? Cometriq is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient cabozantinib. It is specifically approved to treat patients with progressive, metastatic medullary thyroid cancer. This type of cancer originates in the thyroid gland but has begun to spread to other parts of the body. Because it is intended for a very specific type of thyroid cancer, it is not typically used for other types of thyroid malignancies unless specifically directed by a medical professional.
The medication works as a kinase inhibitor, which means it targets and blocks certain proteins that tell cancer cells to grow and divide. By interfering with these signals, the drug can help slow down the spread of the disease and potentially shrink tumors. It also targets the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to survive. It is administered in capsule form and should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor to manage the condition effectively.
COMETRIQ is made by Exelixis. 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 COMETRIQ?
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 COMETRIQ?
No — federal law (the Anti-Kickback Statute) prohibits manufacturer copay cards on Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, and VA prescriptions. But Exelixis has a separate Patient Assistance Program for Medicare beneficiaries. Check the options above.
Does my Medicare Part D plan cover COMETRIQ?
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 Cancer?
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 COMETRIQ
Full COMETRIQ drug page
FDA label, prior authorization rules, full indications list
More options for Cancer
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