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Affordability Check

How to afford Pegasys

Generic name: peginterferon alfa-2a

Pick how you're covered. We'll show you the cheapest legitimate way to get Pegasys — your insurance copay, manufacturer savings, charity grants, or cash price. It takes 30 seconds and we never ask for your personal information.

How are you covered for prescriptions?

Pick the one that fits you. We'll show you the cheapest way to get this drug.

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 Pegasys and its cost

What is this medication? Pegasys is an injectable prescription medicine that contains the active ingredient peginterferon alfa-2a. It is primarily used to treat chronic hepatitis C and chronic hepatitis B, which are viral infections that cause inflammation and damage to the liver. For hepatitis C, it is often prescribed for adults with compensated liver disease and is frequently used in combination with other antiviral medications. For hepatitis B, it can be used in both adults and children who show evidence of viral replication and liver inflammation.

The medication functions by mimicking the actions of natural interferons, which are proteins the body produces to fight off viral invaders. By enhancing the immune system response and interfering with the ability of the virus to reproduce, Pegasys helps to decrease the viral load in a patient's system. It is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection once per week, and the duration of treatment varies depending on the specific type of virus and the patient's individual response to the drug.

Pegasys is made by Roche. 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 Pegasys?

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 Pegasys?

No — federal law (the Anti-Kickback Statute) prohibits manufacturer copay cards on Medicare, Medicaid, TriCare, and VA prescriptions. But Roche has a separate Patient Assistance Program for Medicare beneficiaries. Check the options above.

Does my Medicare Part D plan cover Pegasys?

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 Chronic Hepatitis C?

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 Pegasys