Evrysdi (risdiplam)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Genentech Patient Foundation
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $75,300 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured, underinsured, or government-insured (Medicare/Medicaid) who meet medical and financial criteria
Residency
U.S. resident with valid address
Income Limits (500% FPL)
Income threshold is typically 500% FPL or less than $150,000 per year
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Getting Evrysdi (Risdiplam) at No Cost Through the Genentech Patient Foundation
Who Qualifies for the Genentech Patient Foundation?
If you or your child has been prescribed Evrysdi (risdiplam) and you are struggling with the cost, you may be able to get it for free through the Genentech Patient Foundation. This program provides Evrysdi at no charge to patients who meet medical and financial criteria. For a single-person household, the maximum annual income limit is $75,300. In terms of insurance, the program is open to patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or covered by a government insurance program such as Medicare or Medicaid — as long as you meet the financial and medical requirements. Private insurance status alone does not automatically disqualify you.
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About Evrysdi (Risdiplam)
Evrysdi (risdiplam) is an FDA-approved oral medication used to treat Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in patients two months of age and older. It belongs to a drug class called SMN2-directed RNA splicing modifiers, meaning it works at the molecular level to address the underlying genetic cause of SMA. Evrysdi comes as a liquid solution taken by mouth or feeding tube, making it one of the few at-home SMA treatments available. Without insurance or assistance, Evrysdi carries a very high annual list price that puts it out of reach for many families. Patient assistance programs like the Genentech Patient Foundation exist specifically to help close that gap.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The Genentech Patient Foundation uses household size and annual income to determine financial eligibility. The general guideline is that your income should be at or below 500% of the Federal Poverty Level, or roughly under $150,000 per year for most households. The specific thresholds by household size are:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $75,300 |
| 2 persons | $102,200 |
| 3 persons | $129,100 |
| 4 persons | $156,000 |
Income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return, a W-2 form, or three months of recent pay stubs. If your household is larger than four people, you may still qualify — contact the foundation directly to ask about the threshold for your household size, as limits typically increase with each additional family member.
If your income is above these limits, you are not necessarily without options. The program may exercise some flexibility in unusual financial circumstances, and there are other resources listed at the end of this guide that may help. It is always worth applying or calling to ask, even if you are close to the limit.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance situation affects how the Genentech Patient Foundation can help you. Here is how different coverage scenarios are handled:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for free Evrysdi through the Genentech Patient Foundation:
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 Evrysdi, and the contact information for your prescribing physician.
2. Choose your application method. You can apply online, by phone, or by fax:
- Online: Visit https://www.genentechpatientfoundation.com/ to start your application.
- Phone: Call (888) 941-3331 to speak with a program representative who can walk you through the process.
- Fax: Submit completed paper forms to (833) 949-1888.
3. Complete all required signatures. The application requires both your signature as the patient (or caregiver) and your prescriber's signature. Make sure your doctor's office is aware you are applying so they can respond promptly.
4. Submit your application and documents. Whether applying online or by fax, attach your income verification and prescription information.
5. Wait for a determination. Processing typically takes 2 to 3 business days after your complete application is received.
6. Confirm approval and medication shipment. Once approved, you will be notified by the foundation. Your medication will be arranged for delivery — no trip to a pharmacy is required.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once you submit a complete application — including all required documents and signatures — the Genentech Patient Foundation typically processes it within 2 to 3 business days. You will be contacted with a decision. If approved, Evrysdi is shipped directly to your home, so you do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy or specialty clinic. There is nothing you need to do at the time of delivery beyond receiving the package.
Your approval is not permanent. The program requires annual reauthorization, meaning you will need to reapply each year, provide updated income documentation, and have your prescriber confirm the ongoing medical need. Mark your calendar before your approval period ends so there is no gap in your supply.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not qualify for the Genentech Patient Foundation, consider these options:
1. Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar alternatives to Evrysdi. This means there is no lower-cost generic or biosimilar version available at this time.
2. Manufacturer savings card (for insured patients): If you have commercial insurance, Genentech offers a co-pay assistance program that may reduce your out-of-pocket costs significantly. You can find details and enroll at https://www.evrysdi.com/financial-support/co-pay-program.html.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states run their own prescription assistance programs, particularly for residents who are elderly, disabled, or low-income. Search for your state's program through your state health department website.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database at https://www.needymeds.org lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, including disease-specific funds and foundation grants that may help cover the cost of SMA treatment.
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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 Roche / Genentech. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.evrysdi.com/patient/financial-support.html](https://www.evrysdi.com/patient/financial-support.html) 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)
Roche / 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
Once the foundation receives your complete application — including income documents, prescription information, and all required signatures — processing typically takes 2 to 3 business days. Incomplete applications may take longer, so make sure all documents are included before submitting.
Yes. Unlike some manufacturer programs, the Genentech Patient Foundation does accept patients with government insurance, including Medicare. You must still meet the income and medical eligibility requirements. Call (888) 941-3331 if you have questions about how your Medicare plan affects your application.
If you are approved through the Genentech Patient Foundation, Evrysdi is shipped directly to your home. You do not need to visit a pharmacy or specialty clinic to pick up your medication.
The program requires annual reauthorization. Before your approval year ends, you will need to submit a new application with updated income documentation and a renewed prescriber signature. It is important to start this process early to avoid any interruption in your medication supply.
If your income is close to but slightly above the listed threshold, it may still be worth applying or calling the foundation at (888) 941-3331. In some cases, programs can account for unusual financial circumstances. If you do not qualify, the Evrysdi co-pay card and resources like NeedyMeds.org may offer other forms of assistance.
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