Cabenuva (cabotegravir/rilpivirine)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — ViiVConnect Patient Assistance Program
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $75,300 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured or underinsured (including those denied coverage by commercial plans); Medicare Part D patients may qualify if they meet low-income subsidy criteria or spend-down requirements.
Residency
Resident of the United States or Puerto Rico
Income Limits (500% FPL)
Calculated based on 500% FPL for 2025; thresholds may be adjusted if the manufacturer uses a lower 400% benchmark, but ViiV generally supports up to 500% for HIV medicines.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# ViiVConnect Patient Assistance Program: Your Guide to Getting Cabenuva at No Cost
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Who Qualifies for the ViiVConnect Patient Assistance Program?
If you have been prescribed Cabenuva (cabotegravir/rilpivirine) and cannot afford it, the ViiVConnect Patient Assistance Program may be able to provide it to you at no cost. This program is run by ViiV Healthcare, the manufacturer of Cabenuva. To qualify, you generally need to earn less than $75,300 per year if you live alone — with higher limits for larger households. You must also be uninsured, underinsured, or have insurance that does not adequately cover Cabenuva. Medicare Part D patients may also qualify under certain conditions. If you meet these requirements, you may receive your medication at no charge, shipped directly to your prescriber's office.
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About Cabenuva (cabotegravir/rilpivirine)
Cabenuva is a prescription injectable medication used to treat HIV-1 infection in adults. It combines two drugs — cabotegravir, an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), and rilpivirine, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) — into a long-acting injectable regimen typically given once monthly or every two months. Cabenuva was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first complete long-acting injectable HIV treatment regimen. Because it is a specialty biologic combination product, its list price can reach 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 alternatives available.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
ViiVConnect uses household size and annual income to determine whether you qualify. The program generally supports patients earning up to 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Here are the current income limits:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $75,300 |
| 2 persons | $102,200 |
| 3 persons | $129,100 |
| 4 persons | $156,000 |
Your household 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 varies — for example, because you are self-employed or work seasonal jobs — a combination of documents may be accepted.
If your income is above these limits, you may not qualify for the free medication program, but you might still be eligible for other forms of assistance, including ViiV's savings card for insured patients (described below). It is worth applying even if you are close to the limit, as ViiV reviews applications on a case-by-case basis. Household size flexibility matters — if you support dependents not listed on your tax return, be sure to document them clearly on your application.
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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 the ViiVConnect Patient Assistance Program:
1. Visit the application portal. Go to https://www.viivconnect.com/patient-assistance-program/ to access the online application. You can also request a paper application by calling (844) 588-3280.
2. Gather your documents before you start. You will need:
- A completed and signed application form (both the patient section and the prescriber section must be filled out)
- Proof of household income — your most recent federal tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs
- A valid prescription for Cabenuva from your healthcare provider
3. Complete the patient section. Fill out your personal information, household size, income, and insurance status accurately. Sign where indicated.
4. Have your prescriber complete their section. Your doctor or their office staff must sign the prescriber portion of the application. Many offices are familiar with this process and can handle it quickly.
5. Submit your application. You can submit online through the portal, by phone at (844) 588-3280, or by fax to (844) 208-7676.
6. Wait for confirmation. ViiVConnect typically reviews applications within two business days. You or your prescriber's office should receive notification of the decision.
7. Follow up if needed. If you have not heard back after three business days, call (844) 588-3280 to check your application status.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
After you submit your application, ViiVConnect typically completes its review within two business days. Once approved, your medication will be shipped directly to your prescriber's office — not to your home. You will pick up Cabenuva at your scheduled injection appointment. You do not need to do anything special at pickup beyond attending your appointment as planned. Your prescriber's staff will coordinate with ViiVConnect on the delivery.
Approval through this program is not permanent. You will need to reauthorize your enrollment once per year to continue receiving the medication at no cost. Your prescriber's office may help initiate this renewal, but it is a good idea to track your anniversary date and follow up proactively to avoid any gap in coverage.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not qualify for the ViiVConnect Patient Assistance Program, here are other options to explore:
1. Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar alternatives to Cabenuva, so this option is not available at this time.
2. ViiV Savings Card (for insured patients): If you have commercial insurance that covers Cabenuva but you still face high copays, ViiV offers a savings card that may reduce your out-of-pocket costs. You can access it at https://www.viivconnect.com/for-patients/savings-and-support/savings-card/. Note that this card is generally not available to Medicare or Medicaid patients.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states run their own programs to help residents afford HIV medications. Eligibility and benefits vary by state. Your local AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) may also be able to help cover Cabenuva costs.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database at https://www.needymeds.org lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, coupons, and disease-specific funds. It can help you find additional resources specific to your situation and state.
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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 ViiV Healthcare / GSK. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.viivhealthcare.com/en-us/our-medicines/patient-assistance](https://www.viivhealthcare.com/en-us/our-medicines/patient-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)
ViiV Healthcare / GSK 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
ViiVConnect typically reviews completed applications within two business days. Make sure both the patient and prescriber sections are fully filled out and that you have included all required income documents. Incomplete applications may take longer to process.
No. If your application is approved, Cabenuva will be shipped directly to your prescriber's office. You will receive your injection at your scheduled appointment. This is standard for injectable specialty medications like Cabenuva.
Yes, in some cases. Medicare Part D patients may qualify if they meet low-income subsidy criteria, also known as Extra Help, or if they face significant out-of-pocket costs due to spend-down requirements. Call ViiVConnect at (844) 588-3280 to discuss your specific Medicare situation before applying.
Yes. The ViiVConnect Patient Assistance Program requires annual reauthorization. You will need to submit updated income documentation and a renewed application each year to continue receiving Cabenuva at no cost. Ask your prescriber's office if they can help you track your renewal date.
It may still be worth applying. ViiV reviews applications individually, and household size and special circumstances can affect the outcome. If you do not qualify for the free medication program, you may be eligible for the ViiV savings card or other assistance programs listed in this guide.
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