Kerendia (finerenone) is a prescription medication approved to reduce the risk of serious events like kidney failure, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization for heart failure in adults who have chronic kidney disease associated with Type 2 diabetes. As a brand-name treatment, its price is a major factor for patients who need it to slow the progression of their condition. The cost varies dramatically depending on whether a patient pays the full cash price, uses commercial insurance, or utilizes government programs. This article details the costs of obtaining Kerendia with and without insurance and outlines strategies to make the treatment more accessible.
Understanding the Cash Price
The cash price is the amount a patient pays for Kerendia without insurance or discount programs. This cost is based on the list price set by the manufacturer, Bayer, which positions the drug as a premium therapeutic option. Since Kerendia is a brand-name drug with no generic version available, the price remains high. The retail cash price for a 30-day supply generally ranges between $640 and $850. This price fluctuates based on the specific pharmacy, including large retail chains and independent pharmacies.
The initial cost paid by wholesalers to the manufacturer was reported to be around $569 to $690 for a 30-day supply. The final price paid by an uninsured patient, or a patient with a high-deductible plan who has not met their deductible, will be the retail price, which includes the pharmacy’s markup. Uninsured individuals should budget for a monthly cost in the $650 to $850 range.
Navigating Costs with Health Insurance Coverage
Health insurance coverage significantly alters the final cost of Kerendia. However, because it is a high-cost, brand-name drug, Kerendia is commonly placed on a higher formulary tier, such as Tier 3 (non-preferred brand) or Tier 5 (specialty drug). This tier placement means that even with coverage, the patient has a greater out-of-pocket obligation through various cost-sharing mechanisms.
The deductible is the first factor impacting cost. Until the annual deductible is satisfied, a patient pays the negotiated price, which can be close to the full cash price. Once the deductible is met, the plan’s cost-sharing structure applies, either as a copayment (a fixed dollar amount) or co-insurance (a percentage of the drug’s cost).
Commercial insurance plans often require a co-insurance percentage, typically 20% to 50% for a high-tier drug. For a drug priced over $700 per month, a 30% co-insurance could still result in a patient paying more than $200 per fill. Government programs, such as Medicare Part D, also cover Kerendia, but the cost varies based on the plan and the phase of coverage.
Medicare Part D members benefit from the $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap implemented in 2025, which limits total yearly spending. Many insurance plans, both commercial and Medicare, also require prior authorization before covering Kerendia. This means the prescriber must submit documentation to justify the medical necessity of the drug. If prior authorization is denied, the patient may be responsible for the full cash price unless an appeal is successful.
Strategies for Reducing Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Patients have several avenues to pursue significant cost reduction for Kerendia, regardless of their insurance status. The manufacturer, Bayer, sponsors a specific copay assistance program for commercially insured patients. Through the Kerendia Copay Savings Card, eligible patients may pay as little as $0 per monthly prescription, with the program covering up to a specified maximum annual benefit, often around $3,000 per year.
Patients enrolled in government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE are explicitly ineligible for the manufacturer’s copay card. However, these patients have other options available to reduce their out-of-pocket costs.
Assistance Options
- Low-Income Subsidy (LIS): Those with low income and resources may qualify for the federal Extra Help LIS program under Medicare Part D. This can reduce the monthly copay for Kerendia to a low fixed amount, such as $12.15 per prescription in 2025.
- Patient Assistance Program (PAP): For uninsured individuals or those who do not qualify for the manufacturer’s program, the Bayer US Patient Assistance Foundation may provide the medication at no cost. This PAP is generally reserved for low-income patients who meet specific eligibility criteria related to income and insurance status.
- Charitable Foundations: Third-party organizations, such as the Patient Access Network (PAN) and HealthWell Foundation, offer financial assistance to help cover copayments, co-insurance, and deductibles for Kerendia.
- Prescription Discount Services: These services offer a reduction on the cash price, which is particularly useful for uninsured individuals or those with high deductibles. Utilizing these resources requires proactive research and enrollment.