Afinitor (everolimus)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF)
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $75,300 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured, underinsured, or Medicare patients with limited or no prescription coverage; commercial insurance patients are directed to the co-pay program.
Residency
U.S. resident, Puerto Rico, or U.S. Virgin Islands
Income Limits (500% FPL)
Calculated based on 500% FPL for oncology specialty medications; thresholds may vary depending on household cost of living.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Getting Afinitor (Everolimus) at No Cost Through the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF)
Who Qualifies for the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF)?
If you need Afinitor (everolimus) but cannot afford it, you may be able to get it at no cost through the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF). This program is designed specifically for patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or on Medicare with limited or no prescription drug coverage. If you are a single-person household earning up to $75,300 per year, you may meet the income threshold. Patients with commercial insurance that provides some coverage are typically directed to a separate co-pay assistance program rather than NPAF. The key rule is simple: if your insurance does not adequately cover Afinitor, this program exists to help fill that gap.
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About Afinitor (Everolimus)
Afinitor (everolimus) is an oral prescription medication in a class of drugs called mTOR inhibitors. It is FDA-approved to treat several serious conditions, including advanced hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative breast cancer, and certain conditions related to tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), including SEGA (a type of brain tumor), renal angiomyolipoma, and TSC-associated seizures. Without insurance or financial assistance, Afinitor can cost several thousand dollars per month, making it out of reach for many patients. The NPAF program was created to help eligible patients access this medication without bearing that financial burden on their own.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
NPAF uses your household size and annual income to determine whether you qualify. The thresholds below are calculated at approximately 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for oncology specialty medications. Your actual limit may vary slightly based on your cost of living.
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $75,300 |
| 2 persons | $102,200 |
| 3 persons | $129,100 |
| 4 persons | $156,000 |
Income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return, a W-2 form, or three months of recent pay stubs. If your income is close to the limit, it is still worth applying — program staff may consider additional factors such as high medical expenses or regional cost of living.
If your income is above the threshold, you will not automatically qualify for NPAF's free medication program. However, you may still have options. See the "Alternatives If You Don't Qualify" section below for other paths to savings.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance situation determines which type of assistance you may receive:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for free Afinitor through NPAF:
1. Gather your documents before you start. You will need a completed application form with your physician's signature, proof of income (a recent tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs), and a valid prescription for Afinitor.
2. Choose how you want to apply. NPAF offers multiple application methods:
- Online: Visit https://www.novartispaf.org to submit your application electronically.
- By phone: Call (800) 282-7630 to speak with a program representative who can walk you through the process.
- By fax: Send your completed application and supporting documents to (866) 817-0289.
3. Have your doctor complete their portion. The application requires a physician signature. Make sure your prescribing doctor is prepared to sign and, if applying by fax, that their office submits their section promptly.
4. Submit all documents together. Incomplete applications take longer to process. Double-check that your income documents and prescription are included before submitting.
5. Wait for a decision. Processing typically takes 2 to 5 business days after NPAF receives a complete application.
6. Receive confirmation. Once approved, you or your doctor's office will be notified. Medication will then be arranged for delivery.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
After you submit a complete application, NPAF typically processes it within 2 to 5 business days. You or your doctor's office will receive confirmation of your approval status. If approved, Afinitor will be shipped directly to your home address — you do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy. There is nothing additional you need to do at the time of delivery.
Your enrollment in NPAF is not permanent. Annual reauthorization is required, which means you will need to reapply each year to continue receiving the medication at no cost. NPAF will typically notify you when it is time to renew, but it is a good idea to track your renewal date so there is no gap in your medication supply.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not meet NPAF's eligibility requirements, you still have options worth exploring:
1. Generic alternatives: Everolimus, the generic form of Afinitor, is available and may be significantly less expensive. Ask your doctor whether the generic is appropriate for your treatment.
2. Novartis co-pay savings card (insured patients): If you have commercial insurance, Novartis offers a co-pay assistance program that may reduce your out-of-pocket costs. You can enroll or learn more at https://Copay.NovartisOncology.com.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states run their own drug assistance programs, especially for seniors or low-income residents. Your state health department's website is a good starting point to check availability.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, disease-specific funds, and drug discount options. Visit https://www.needymeds.org to search by medication name or condition at no cost.
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*This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Eligibility determinations are made solely by Novartis. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.afinitor.com/cancer/financial-support](https://www.afinitor.com/cancer/financial-support) before applying.*
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Documents You'll Need
If You Don't Qualify for the Assistance Program
Biosimilar / Generic Alternatives
FDA-approved alternatives to Afinitor: Everolimus. Ask your prescriber if one of these is clinically appropriate for your condition.
Manufacturer Savings Card (for insured patients)
Novartis offers a savings card that may reduce your out-of-pocket cost if you have commercial insurance. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist for current savings card details.
Common Questions
Once NPAF receives a complete application — including your physician's signature, proof of income, and a valid prescription — processing typically takes 2 to 5 business days. Incomplete applications may take longer, so make sure all documents are included before you submit.
Yes. Unlike many manufacturer assistance programs, NPAF does accept Medicare patients. If you have Medicare Part D but have limited or no prescription drug coverage for Afinitor, you may still be eligible. Contact NPAF at (800) 282-7630 to confirm based on your specific plan.
If you are approved through NPAF, Afinitor is shipped directly to your home. You do not need to visit a pharmacy or your doctor's office to pick it up.
NPAF requires annual reauthorization. You will need to reapply each year to continue receiving Afinitor at no cost. It is a good idea to track your renewal date and begin the process early so there is no interruption in your medication.
It is still worth applying or calling NPAF directly at (800) 282-7630. Program staff may consider factors such as high medical expenses or regional cost of living when reviewing applications. You will not know your eligibility for certain until you apply.
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