Benlysta (belimumab)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — GSK For You (Patient Assistance Program)
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $90,360 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured or underinsured; Medicare Part D patients may qualify if they meet specific hardship and eligibility criteria.
Residency
U.S. resident or Puerto Rico resident with a valid address
Income Limits (600% FPL)
Calculated at 600% FPL, which GSK typically uses for specialty medications like Benlysta.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Getting Benlysta (Belimumab) at No Cost Through GSK For You: A Complete Patient Guide
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Who Qualifies for the GSK For You (Patient Assistance Program)?
If you have been prescribed Benlysta (belimumab) and cannot afford it, you may be able to get it at no cost through the GSK For You Patient Assistance Program. This program is run directly by GlaxoSmithKline, the company that makes Benlysta. For a single-person household, your annual income must be at or below $90,360 to potentially qualify. In general, you must be uninsured or underinsured — meaning your current coverage does not adequately cover the cost of this medication. Medicare Part D patients may also qualify in certain hardship situations. If you meet the income and insurance requirements, GSK For You may provide Benlysta to you free of charge.
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About Benlysta (Belimumab)
Benlysta is a prescription biologic medication approved by the FDA to treat adults and some pediatric patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Lupus Nephritis. It belongs to a drug class called B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS)-specific inhibitors. Benlysta is available as both an intravenous (IV) infusion and a subcutaneous self-injection. As a biologic specialty drug, Benlysta carries a high list price — often tens of thousands of dollars per year — making it unaffordable for many patients without insurance coverage or financial assistance. There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar versions available, which means patients have no lower-cost generic alternative to turn to at this time.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
GSK For You uses income thresholds set at approximately 600% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). 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 |
Your income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return, W-2 forms, or three months of recent pay stubs. If your household size is larger than four people, you may still qualify — contact GSK For You directly to ask about your specific situation, as thresholds generally continue to increase with each additional household member.
If your income is above these limits, you may not qualify for the free medication program. However, you may still have options — see the "Alternatives If You Don't Qualify" section below. It is always worth applying or calling to confirm, as program guidelines can be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance situation plays a major role in whether you qualify:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the GSK For You Patient Assistance Program:
1. Gather your documents. You will need: a valid Benlysta prescription signed by your doctor, proof of income (prior year tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs), and a completed enrollment form signed by both you and your prescriber.
2. Choose your application method. You can apply online, by phone, or by fax:
- Online: Visit https://www.gskforyou.com/ to complete and submit your application digitally.
- Phone: Call (866) 728-4368 to apply with a program representative or ask questions before submitting.
- Fax: Submit your completed documents by fax to (855) 304-6101.
3. Have your prescriber involved. Your doctor or their office staff must sign the enrollment form. Many practices handle this routinely — ask your provider's office if they are familiar with the GSK For You program.
4. Submit all documents together. Incomplete applications can cause delays. Make sure your prescription, proof of income, and signed enrollment form are all included before submitting.
5. Wait for confirmation. GSK For You typically processes applications within 2 to 3 business days. You will be contacted once a decision has been made.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
After you submit your application, GSK For You typically processes it within 2 to 3 business days. Once approved, you will be notified — usually by phone or mail — and the medication will be arranged for delivery. Benlysta can be delivered either to your home or to your prescriber's office, depending on your treatment method (self-injection vs. infusion). If you receive infusions at an infusion center or clinic, the medication may be sent directly there. For reauthorization, you will need to renew your enrollment once per year. Your doctor's office will typically need to be involved again at that time. Keep your income documents updated so the renewal process goes smoothly.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not meet the eligibility requirements for GSK For You, here are other options to explore:
1. Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar versions of Benlysta, so this option is not available at this time.
2. GSK Savings Card for insured patients: If you have private insurance, you may qualify for a copay savings card that reduces your out-of-pocket cost. Visit https://www.benlysta.com/cost-and-savings/copay-program/ to learn more and enroll.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer their own drug assistance programs, especially for Medicare beneficiaries. Eligibility and benefits vary by state. Contact your state's department of health or aging to ask about available programs.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database lists patient assistance programs, disease-specific funds, and other resources. Visit https://www.needymeds.org and search for Benlysta to find additional options that may apply to your 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 GlaxoSmithKline. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.benlysta.com/patient-support/financial-assistance](https://www.benlysta.com/patient-support/financial-assistance) 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)
GlaxoSmithKline 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
GSK For You typically processes applications within 2 to 3 business days after they receive your completed paperwork. Make sure all required documents — your prescription, proof of income, and signed enrollment form — are submitted together to avoid delays.
Yes. The GSK For You Patient Assistance Program requires annual reauthorization. Before your enrollment period ends, you will need to submit updated income documentation and have your prescriber sign off again. It is a good idea to start the renewal process a few weeks before your current enrollment expires.
Possibly. While many patient assistance programs exclude Medicare Part D patients due to federal rules, GSK For You may make exceptions for patients who can show specific financial hardship. Call (866) 728-4368 to speak with a program representative about your specific situation.
No. As of now, there are no FDA-approved biosimilar versions of Benlysta (belimumab). This means there is no lower-cost generic or biosimilar alternative currently available. If this changes in the future, your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on whether switching would be appropriate.
It is still worth contacting GSK For You directly. Program representatives can review your full financial picture, including household size and specific circumstances. If you do not qualify, a representative may be able to point you toward other resources such as the Benlysta copay savings card or state assistance programs.
Ready to Apply for Benlysta Assistance?
RX Advantages handles the entire GSK For You (Patient Assistance Program) application on your behalf — paperwork, physician coordination, and refill tracking. It takes about 15 minutes to get started.
No SSN required on the web form · From $49.95/month