Avastin (bevacizumab)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Genentech Patient Foundation
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $75,300 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured, underinsured, or Medicare patients with high out-of-pocket costs or coverage denial.
Residency
U.S. resident or inhabitant of a U.S. territory (PR, USVI, Guam)
Income Limits (500% FPL)
Calculated based on 500% FPL threshold standard for Genentech oncology products.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Getting Avastin for Free or at Low Cost: Your Guide to the Genentech Patient Foundation
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Who Qualifies for the Genentech Patient Foundation?
If you have been prescribed Avastin (bevacizumab) and cannot afford it, the Genentech Patient Foundation may be able to provide it to you at no cost. This is Genentech's own patient assistance program, designed specifically for people who need help paying for their medications.
To qualify, your household income generally must be at or below $75,300 per year for a single person. Larger households may qualify at higher income levels.
On the insurance side, this program is open to patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in Medicare — particularly if you are facing high out-of-pocket costs or have received a coverage denial. Having some form of insurance does not automatically disqualify you.
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About Avastin (bevacizumab)
Avastin (bevacizumab) is a prescription biologic medication made by Genentech. It belongs to a class of drugs called VEGF inhibitors, which work by targeting a specific protein involved in tumor blood vessel growth. It is FDA-approved to treat several serious cancers, including metastatic colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, glioblastoma, metastatic renal cell carcinoma, cervical cancer, and epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer.
Because Avastin is a complex biologic drug administered by infusion, it carries a very high price tag — often tens of thousands of dollars per year. Without insurance or financial assistance, most patients cannot afford it on their own.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The Genentech Patient Foundation uses 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) as its income threshold for Avastin. Here is how that breaks down by household size:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $75,300 |
| 2 persons | $102,200 |
| 3 persons | $129,100 |
| 4 persons | $156,000 |
If your household is larger than four people, the income limit continues to increase. Contact the program directly at (888) 941-3331 to ask about your specific household size.
Your income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return, your W-2 forms, or three months of recent pay stubs. If your income has changed significantly since last year — for example, due to job loss or a medical leave — you may be able to use current pay stubs rather than last year's tax return. Ask the program representative about this when you call.
If your income is above the listed limits, you are not automatically out of options. See the final section of this guide for alternatives, including biosimilars and savings cards.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a key role in whether you qualify. Here is how different situations are handled:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the Genentech Patient Foundation for Avastin:
1. Gather your documents before you start. You will need: a completed application form with your physician's signature, proof of household income (tax return, W-2, or recent pay stubs), a signed patient authorization form, and copies of any insurance cards you have.
2. Choose how you want to apply. You can apply online, by phone, or by fax.
- Online: Visit https://www.genentech-access.com/patient/brands/avastin/genentech-patient-foundation.html
- Phone: Call (888) 941-3331 to speak with a foundation representative who can walk you through the process.
- Fax: Completed paper applications can be sent to (888) 249-4919.
3. Have your doctor's office involved. Your physician or their staff must sign the application. Many oncology offices are familiar with this process and may be willing to handle the submission on your behalf.
4. Submit your income documentation. Make sure your proof of income is current and matches the household size listed on your application.
5. Wait for your confirmation. After submission, the program typically completes its review within 2 business days.
6. Follow up if needed. If you have not heard back within 3 business days, call (888) 941-3331 to check your application status.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once your application is reviewed — which typically takes about 2 business days — you or your doctor's office will be notified of the decision. If approved, Avastin is shipped directly to your prescriber's office, not to your home. This is because Avastin is given as an intravenous infusion and must be administered in a clinical setting.
You do not need to pick up or handle the medication yourself. Your care team will coordinate the infusion as usual.
Your approval is valid for one year. Before that period ends, you will need to submit a reauthorization to continue receiving the medication. Your doctor's office may receive a reminder, but it is a good idea to track your approval date and follow up proactively.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not meet the income or insurance requirements for the Genentech Patient Foundation, you still have options:
Biosimilars: Several FDA-approved biosimilar versions of bevacizumab are available and may be significantly less expensive than the brand-name Avastin. These include Mvasi (bevacizumab-awwb), Zirabev (bevacizumab-bvzr), Alymsys (bevacizumab-maly), and Vegzelma (bevacizumab-adcd). Ask your doctor if a biosimilar is appropriate for your treatment.
Savings card for insured patients: If you have commercial insurance, Genentech offers a separate copay savings card for Avastin. You may be able to reduce your out-of-pocket costs significantly. Visit https://www.avastincopay.com/ to learn more and enroll.
State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer their own drug assistance programs, particularly for older adults or people with disabilities. Check your state health department website for details.
NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database lists hundreds of patient assistance programs and can help you find additional options based on your specific medication and situation.
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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 Genentech. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.genentech-access.com/patient/brands/avastin.html](https://www.genentech-access.com/patient/brands/avastin.html) 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 Avastin: Mvasi (bevacizumab-awwb), Zirabev (bevacizumab-bvzr), Alymsys (bevacizumab-maly), Vegzelma (bevacizumab-adcd). Ask your prescriber if one of these is clinically appropriate for your condition.
Manufacturer Savings Card (for insured patients)
Genentech 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
Yes. The Genentech Patient Foundation accepts Medicare patients, including those with Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage. You may qualify if you are facing high out-of-pocket costs or if your Medicare plan has denied coverage for Avastin. Call (888) 941-3331 to discuss your specific situation.
The Genentech Patient Foundation typically completes its review within 2 business days of receiving your completed application. If you have not received a response after 3 business days, follow up by calling (888) 941-3331.
Avastin is shipped directly to your prescriber's office, not to your home. Because Avastin is given as an IV infusion in a clinical setting, your care team will receive and administer it as part of your regular treatment schedule.
You will need to reauthorize your enrollment annually to continue receiving Avastin through the program. This means submitting updated income documentation and a new application with your doctor's signature. It is a good idea to start this process a few weeks before your approval expires to avoid any gap in your medication.
If your income is above the listed threshold, you may not qualify for free medication through the Genentech Patient Foundation. However, you may still be able to lower your costs through the Avastin copay savings card (for commercially insured patients) at avastincopay.com, a biosimilar alternative, or a state pharmaceutical assistance program. NeedyMeds.org is also a free resource for finding other assistance options.
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