Acthar Gel Is One of the Most Expensive Medications in America

Let's start with the number that probably brought you here: Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection) costs approximately $45,600 for a single 5 mL vial. Even the smaller SelfJect auto-injector packs run between $18,200 and $36,500.

At roughly $9,061 per milliliter, Acthar Gel is one of the highest-priced medications on the market. For most patients, paying out of pocket is simply not an option. The good news is that several financial assistance programs exist that can dramatically reduce — or even eliminate — your costs.

Here's a complete breakdown of every way to save money on Acthar Gel in 2026.

What Acthar Gel Costs Without Insurance

First, let's understand the full picture:

• 5 mL multi-dose vial (80 units/mL): ~$45,600
• SelfJect auto-injector 4-pack (80 units/1 mL each): ~$36,500
• SelfJect auto-injector 4-pack (40 units/0.5 mL each): ~$18,200
• Wholesale acquisition cost (WAC): ~$9,061 per mL

There is no generic version of Acthar Gel. The only other ACTH product, Purified Cortrophin Gel, is also a brand-name medication priced at roughly $6,961 per mL — still extremely expensive, though about 23% less than Acthar.

For context, a typical treatment course for an MS relapse (80-120 units daily for 2-3 weeks) could cost tens of thousands of dollars at list price. This is why financial assistance isn't just helpful — it's essential.

Acthar Gel Copay Assistance (Commercially Insured Patients)

Acthar Commercial Co-pay Program

Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals offers a copay assistance program for patients with commercial (private) insurance:

• Copay: As little as $0 per prescription
• Maximum savings: Up to $15,000 per calendar year
• Eligibility: Must have commercial insurance that covers Acthar Gel
• Enrollment: Register online at acthar.com/financial-assistance or call 1-888-435-2284

This program can eliminate your copay entirely for many prescriptions. If your annual out-of-pocket costs are under $15,000, you may pay nothing.

Important: This program is for commercially insured patients only. It cannot be used with Medicare, Medicaid, or other government insurance programs.

Patient Assistance Programs (Uninsured or Underinsured)

Acthar Patient Assistance Program (PAP)

If you don't have insurance or your insurance doesn't cover Acthar Gel, Mallinckrodt provides the medication at no cost to eligible patients:

• Cost: Free
• Income requirement: At or below 700% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $101,500/year for a single person or $210,000/year for a family of four in 2026)
• Requirements: Valid, on-label prescription from a US-licensed provider; US resident; uninsured or underinsured
• How to apply: Call 1-844-231-3050 or 1-888-435-2284

The 700% FPL threshold is significantly more generous than most patient assistance programs, which typically cap at 200-400% FPL. This means many middle-income patients who wouldn't qualify for other PAPs may be eligible for Acthar's program.

Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN)

PAN provides copay assistance for patients who have insurance but still face high out-of-pocket costs:

• Income requirement: Between 400-500% of the Federal Poverty Level
• Requirements: Must have health insurance that covers Acthar Gel; FDA-approved diagnosis; US resident
• How to apply: Call 1-866-316-7263 or visit panfoundation.org

PAN can help cover the portion of your Acthar Gel costs that your insurance doesn't — the copay, coinsurance, or deductible amount.

Other Ways to Save on Acthar Gel

Ask About Purified Cortrophin Gel

If your condition is covered by Cortrophin Gel's FDA-approved indications (most adult indications except infantile spasms), this competing ACTH product costs approximately 23% less than Acthar Gel:

• Cortrophin Gel WAC: ~$6,961/mL
• Acthar Gel WAC: ~$9,061/mL

ANI Pharmaceuticals also offers its own patient support and reimbursement assistance programs. Talk to your doctor about whether Cortrophin Gel is appropriate for your condition. For a full comparison, see our article on alternatives to Acthar Gel.

Maximize Your Insurance Benefits

• Understand your specialty drug tier: Acthar Gel is typically on the highest specialty tier. Know your coinsurance percentage — it's often 20-33% of the drug cost for specialty medications.
• Track your out-of-pocket maximum: Once you hit your plan's annual out-of-pocket maximum, your insurance covers 100% of costs. For expensive medications like Acthar Gel, you may reach this limit early in the year.
• Use the copay program strategically: The $15,000/year copay assistance from Mallinckrodt can help you reach your out-of-pocket maximum faster, after which insurance covers the full cost.

Medicare Patients: Extra Help and State Programs

Medicare patients cannot use manufacturer copay cards, but options exist:

• Medicare Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy): If you qualify, this program significantly reduces Part D copays and premiums
• State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer additional prescription cost assistance for Medicare beneficiaries
• Patient Access Network Foundation: PAN can assist Medicare patients in some cases — call to check eligibility

Acthar Patient Support: Your First Call

Regardless of your insurance situation, call Acthar Patient Support at 1-888-435-2284. Their team can:

• Investigate your insurance benefits
• Determine which financial assistance programs you qualify for
• Help complete enrollment paperwork
• Coordinate with your specialty pharmacy
• Navigate prior authorization and appeals

This is a free service provided by Mallinckrodt. Use it.

What About Discount Cards Like GoodRx?

Traditional discount cards and coupon programs (GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver, etc.) have limited utility for Acthar Gel because:

• Acthar Gel isn't stocked at retail pharmacies where these cards are typically used
• The medication's extreme cost means percentage-based discounts still leave enormous out-of-pocket amounts
• Specialty pharmacies may not accept all discount card programs

The Mallinckrodt copay program and patient assistance programs provide far more meaningful savings than third-party discount cards for this particular medication.

Summary: Your Savings Options at a Glance

• Commercially insured: Acthar Commercial Co-pay Program → as little as $0, up to $15,000/year
• Uninsured/underinsured (income ≤700% FPL): Acthar Patient Assistance Program → free medication
• Insured but struggling with costs (400-500% FPL): PAN Foundation → copay assistance
• Medicare: Extra Help, SPAPs, PAN Foundation
• Alternative medication: Purified Cortrophin Gel → ~23% less expensive
• All patients: Call Acthar Patient Support at 1-888-435-2284 as a starting point

Final Thoughts

No one should have to choose between their health and their financial stability. Acthar Gel's price tag is staggering, but the financial assistance programs available are among the most generous in the pharmaceutical industry. The Mallinckrodt copay program can reduce costs to $0 for commercially insured patients, and the patient assistance program's 700% FPL threshold is remarkably inclusive.

Start with a call to Acthar Patient Support at 1-888-435-2284. They'll help you figure out which programs you qualify for and guide you through the process. And if you're still searching for the medication itself, Medfinder can help you find Acthar Gel in stock near you.