Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Gilead Advancing Access Patient Assistance Program
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $75,300 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured, underinsured, or Medicare Part D patients meeting financial criteria
Residency
U.S. resident with a valid U.S. address
Income Limits (500% FPL)
Calculated at 500% FPL; Gilead may consider higher income limits based on cost of living in certain areas.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Descovy Patient Assistance Guide: Gilead Advancing Access Program
Prepared by RX Advantages
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Who Qualifies for the Gilead Advancing Access Patient Assistance Program?
If you need Descovy but cannot afford it, the Gilead Advancing Access Patient Assistance Program may be able to get it to you at no cost. This program is designed for patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in Medicare Part D and who meet certain income requirements. For a single-person household, your annual income must be at or below $75,300 to qualify under standard guidelines. You do not need to have insurance to apply — in fact, many patients who qualify have no insurance at all. If you do have insurance, you may still be eligible depending on your coverage level and income. Gilead makes all final eligibility decisions, but many patients who feel they "make too much" are surprised to find they still qualify.
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About Descovy (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide)
Descovy is a prescription medication made by Gilead Sciences. It contains two active ingredients — emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide — and belongs to a drug class called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Descovy is FDA-approved for two uses: treating HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents, and as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV-1 in at-risk adults and adolescents who weigh at least 35 kilograms. Without insurance or assistance, Descovy can cost well over $2,000 per month at retail prices, placing it out of reach for many patients. The Gilead Advancing Access Program exists specifically to help close that gap.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
Gilead sets income limits at 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The table below shows the maximum annual income allowed based on household size:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $75,300 |
| 2 persons | $102,200 |
| 3 persons | $129,100 |
| 4 persons | $156,000 |
Your household size includes everyone in your home who shares finances, such as a spouse, partner, or dependents.
To verify income, Gilead typically accepts your most recent federal tax return, your last three months of pay stubs, or a W-2 form. If your income situation has changed recently — for example, you lost a job — current pay stubs may be more useful than last year's tax return.
If your income is above these limits, you may not automatically be disqualified. Gilead notes that it may consider higher income limits for patients living in areas with a higher cost of living. It is worth applying even if you are close to or slightly above the threshold. If you are denied, ask about any available appeals process or alternative assistance options.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a key role in determining how you qualify. Here is how the program applies to different situations:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the Gilead Advancing Access Patient Assistance Program:
1. Gather your documents before you start. You will need: proof of income (most recent tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs), a valid prescription for Descovy from your doctor, and your insurance card if you have one.
2. Choose your application method. You can apply in three ways:
- Online (fastest): Visit https://www.gileadadvancingaccess.com/ and look for the Patient Assistance Program section.
- By phone: Call (800) 226-2056 to speak with a program representative who can walk you through the process.
- By fax: Download a paper application from the program website and fax your completed form and documents to (800) 216-0070.
3. Complete the application fully. Incomplete applications can delay processing. Double-check that your income documents match the name and address on your application.
4. Have your prescriber involved. Your doctor may need to sign part of the application or submit the prescription directly. Let your prescriber's office know you are applying so they can respond quickly.
5. Submit and wait for confirmation. After submission, Gilead typically processes applications within 24 to 48 hours. You will be notified of your approval status by phone or mail.
6. After approval, your medication will be shipped directly to your home. No pharmacy pickup is required.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once you submit a complete application, Gilead typically reaches a decision within 24 to 48 hours. You will receive confirmation of your approval status, usually by phone or mail. If approved, Descovy will be shipped directly to your home address — you do not need to go to a pharmacy or prescriber's office to pick it up. Make sure your shipping address is correct on the application.
Your enrollment in the program is not permanent. Annual reauthorization is required, meaning you will need to reapply or renew your eligibility once a year. Gilead will typically notify you when your renewal is due. 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 qualify for the Patient Assistance Program, you still have options:
1. Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar alternatives to Descovy. This makes manufacturer assistance programs especially important for patients who cannot afford the brand-name medication.
2. Gilead Savings Card (for insured patients): If you have private insurance, you may qualify for a Gilead copay savings card, which can reduce your out-of-pocket costs significantly. Apply at https://www.gileadadvancingaccess.com/copay-coupon-card.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer their own prescription assistance programs, especially for HIV-related medications. Search your state's health department website or ask your doctor's office for a referral.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free online database at www.needymeds.org can help you find additional assistance programs, disease-specific funds, and other resources based on your medication and location. It costs nothing to search and is updated regularly.
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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 Gilead. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.gileadadvancingaccess.com/copay-assistance/patient-assistance-program](https://www.gileadadvancingaccess.com/copay-assistance/patient-assistance-program) 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)
Gilead 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, Medicare Part D patients may qualify for the Gilead Advancing Access Patient Assistance Program if they meet the income requirements. This is different from many other manufacturer assistance programs that exclude Medicare enrollees entirely. Contact Gilead at (800) 226-2056 to confirm your eligibility based on your specific plan.
Gilead typically processes completed applications within 24 to 48 hours. Once approved, Descovy is shipped directly to your home. The exact delivery time after approval will depend on your location and shipping method, so ask the program representative for an estimated arrival timeframe when you receive your approval notice.
If you are self-employed or have irregular income, your most recent federal tax return is usually the best document to submit. You may also be able to provide a signed statement of income or other financial records. Call Gilead at (800) 226-2056 to ask what documentation they will accept for your specific situation.
Yes. The Gilead Advancing Access Patient Assistance Program requires annual reauthorization. You will need to confirm that you still meet the income and insurance eligibility requirements each year. Gilead will typically notify you when your renewal is coming up, but it is a good idea to keep your income documents ready so the process does not cause a gap in your medication supply.
You may still qualify. Gilead notes that it can consider higher income limits for patients in areas with a higher cost of living. The income thresholds listed are the standard guidelines, not hard cutoffs for every situation. It is worth applying and letting Gilead review your case, especially if your housing or living costs are high.
Ready to Apply for Descovy Assistance?
RX Advantages handles the entire Gilead Advancing Access 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