Balversa (erdafitinib)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (JJPAF)
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $90,360 for a single person
Insurance
Must be uninsured or underinsured (denied coverage). Medicare Part D patients may qualify if they meet specific financial criteria and have exhausted other options.
Residency
U.S. resident with valid address (includes U.S. Territories and Puerto Rico)
Income Limits (600% FPL)
Income limit is set at 600% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for oncology and specialty medications like Balversa.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation (JJPAF): Your Guide to Getting Balversa at No Cost
Who Qualifies for the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (JJPAF)?
If you have been prescribed Balversa (erdafitinib) and are struggling to afford it, you may be able to get it at no cost through the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (JJPAF). This program provides free Balversa to eligible patients who meet income and insurance requirements. For a single-person household, the maximum annual income allowed is $90,360. To qualify, you must be uninsured or have insurance that does not adequately cover Balversa. Medicare Part D patients may also qualify under specific financial conditions. If approved, your medication is shipped directly to your home at no charge to you.
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About Balversa (erdafitinib)
Balversa (erdafitinib) is an oral prescription medication made by Janssen, a division of Johnson & Johnson. It is FDA-approved to treat adults with metastatic urothelial carcinoma — a type of bladder or urinary tract cancer — whose tumors have specific FGFR3 genetic alterations. Balversa belongs to a class of drugs called FGFR inhibitors, which are targeted kinase inhibitors. As a specialty oncology medication, Balversa carries a very high list price that can reach tens of thousands of dollars per month without insurance or assistance. For many patients, that cost is impossible to manage out of pocket, which is exactly why the JJPAF program exists.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
JJPAF uses income limits set at 600% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for specialty and oncology medications like Balversa. The table below shows the maximum annual income allowed based on your household size:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $90,360 |
| 2 persons | $122,640 |
| 3 persons | $154,920 |
| 4 persons | $187,200 |
Income is typically verified using your most recent U.S. Federal Income Tax Return, W-2 forms, 1099 forms, or recent pay stubs (generally covering the last three months). If your household size is larger than four people, the income limit increases with each additional person, following the federal poverty scale.
If your income is above these limits, you may not qualify for JJPAF. However, you should not assume you are ineligible without speaking with a program representative. Some cases are reviewed individually. Even if you fall slightly above the threshold, you can explore the alternatives listed later in this guide, including state pharmaceutical assistance programs and the Balversa savings card for insured patients.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a major 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 free Balversa through JJPAF:
1. Confirm your eligibility. Review the income limits and insurance requirements above. If you are unsure, call JJPAF at (800) 652-6227 before you begin gathering documents.
2. Gather your documents. You will need:
- A completed and signed application form (both the patient section and your prescriber's section must be filled out)
- Proof of income: your most recent Federal Income Tax Return, W-2, 1099, or three months of pay stubs
- A valid, current prescription for Balversa from your doctor
3. Get your doctor involved. Your prescriber must complete and sign their section of the application. Contact your oncologist's office early, as their participation is required before submission.
4. Choose how to apply. You have multiple options:
- Online: Visit https://www.jjpaf.org to submit your application electronically
- Phone: Call (800) 652-6227 to apply with assistance or ask questions
- Fax: Submit completed documents to (888) 526-5168
5. Submit and wait for confirmation. After submission, processing typically takes 2 to 5 business days. Keep a copy of everything you submit.
6. Follow up if needed. If you have not heard back within five business days, call JJPAF to check on your application status.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once your application is submitted, JJPAF typically processes it within 2 to 5 business days. You will be notified of the decision, and your prescriber's office may also receive confirmation. If approved, Balversa is shipped directly to your home — you do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy or your doctor's office. There is nothing you need to do at the time of delivery beyond being available to receive the shipment. Enrollment in the program is not permanent. You will need to reapply once per year to maintain your benefit. JJPAF or your prescriber's office may send a reminder when reauthorization is due, but it is a good idea to track your enrollment date yourself.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not qualify for JJPAF, there are still options worth exploring:
1. Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar alternatives to Balversa. Because Balversa is a small-molecule drug rather than a biologic, biosimilars do not apply in the traditional sense. A generic version is not yet available.
2. Savings card for insured patients: If you have commercial insurance and do not qualify for JJPAF, Janssen offers a savings card program that may reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Visit https://www.balversa.com/jandj-with-me to learn more and enroll.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states run their own programs to help residents afford prescription drugs. Eligibility rules vary by state. Search for your state's program through your state health department or benefits office.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, copay cards, and state programs by drug name or condition. Visit www.needymeds.org to search 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 Janssen. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.balversa.com/support](https://www.balversa.com/support) before applying.*
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Documents You'll Need
If You Don't Qualify for the Assistance Program
Manufacturer Savings Card (for insured patients)
Janssen 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
JJPAF typically processes applications within 2 to 5 business days after receiving a complete application. Make sure both the patient and prescriber sections are fully filled out and signed, and that your proof of income is included. Incomplete applications may take longer or require follow-up.
Yes. Enrollment in JJPAF is not automatic from year to year. You are required to reauthorize your enrollment once per year. You will need to submit updated income documentation and a new prescription at that time. It is a good idea to track your renewal date so your supply of Balversa is not interrupted.
You may be able to qualify, but Medicare Part D patients face additional requirements. JJPAF may consider you if you meet specific financial criteria and have already exhausted other options, such as the federal Extra Help program. Call JJPAF directly at (800) 652-6227 to discuss your situation before applying.
It is worth calling JJPAF at (800) 652-6227 to ask. Some cases are reviewed individually, and program representatives can tell you whether any flexibility applies to your situation. If you do not qualify, a program representative may be able to point you toward other assistance options.
Yes. If you have commercial insurance and do not qualify for the JJPAF free medication program, you may be able to reduce your out-of-pocket costs through the Balversa savings card program. Visit https://www.balversa.com/jandj-with-me to see if you are eligible and to enroll.
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