Gilotrif (afatinib)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — BI Cares Patient Assistance Program
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $60,240 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured, underinsured, or Medicare Part D patients who meet financial criteria and lack coverage for the medication
Residency
U.S. resident or legal permanent resident
Income Limits (400% FPL)
Calculated based on 400% FPL; actual limits may vary based on cost of living or household size
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# BI Cares Patient Assistance Program: A Complete Guide to Getting Gilotrif (Afatinib) at No Cost
Who Qualifies for the BI Cares Patient Assistance Program?
If you have been prescribed Gilotrif (afatinib) and cannot afford it, the BI Cares Patient Assistance Program from Boehringer Ingelheim may be able to help you get it at little or no cost. Patients with a household size of one person may qualify if their annual income is $60,240 or less. Income limits are higher for larger households. To be eligible, you must be uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in Medicare Part D, and your current insurance — if you have any — must not adequately cover the cost of Gilotrif. Meeting these basic criteria is the first step toward receiving this medication through the program.
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About Gilotrif (Afatinib)
Gilotrif (afatinib) is a prescription oral medication made by Boehringer Ingelheim. It belongs to a class of drugs called tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Gilotrif is FDA-approved to treat two forms of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): cases with certain non-resistant EGFR mutations as a first-line treatment, and metastatic squamous NSCLC that has progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy. Because Gilotrif is a brand-name specialty medication with no FDA-approved generic or biosimilar version currently available, the out-of-pocket cost can be extremely high for patients without adequate insurance coverage, making assistance programs like BI Cares especially important.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The BI Cares Patient Assistance Program uses income thresholds based on approximately 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The limits below reflect the maximum gross annual household income allowed for each household size:
| Household Size | Max Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $60,240 |
| 2 persons | $81,760 |
| 3 persons | $103,280 |
| 4 persons | $124,800 |
Actual limits may vary based on cost of living or other factors.
Income is typically verified using your prior year's federal tax return, a W-2 form, or three months of recent pay stubs. If your income is slightly above the limit shown for your household size, it is still worth applying or calling the program — some situations, such as recent job loss or significant medical expenses, may be considered.
If you are clearly above the income limits, you may not qualify for this program, but do not give up. The final section of this guide covers alternative options that may still be able to help you.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a major role in determining eligibility. Here is how different situations are typically handled:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the BI Cares Patient Assistance Program:
1. Gather your documents. You will need a completed and signed application form, proof of income (your prior year's federal tax return, a W-2, or three months of pay stubs), and a valid prescription for Gilotrif from your doctor.
2. Choose your application method. You have multiple ways to apply:
- Online: Visit https://www.becaring.com to complete and submit your application electronically.
- By phone: Call (800) 555-4641 to speak with a program representative who can walk you through the process.
- By fax: Fax your completed application and supporting documents to (866) 851-2827.
3. Complete the application form. Make sure all fields are filled out and that your prescriber has signed where required. Incomplete forms can delay processing.
4. Submit your income documentation. Attach your proof of income to your application. If submitting online, scan or photograph your documents clearly before uploading.
5. Confirm receipt. After submitting, follow up by phone at (800) 555-4641 if you do not receive a confirmation within one to two business days.
6. Wait for a decision. The program typically completes its review within two business days of receiving a complete application.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once your completed application is submitted, the BI Cares program typically completes its review within two business days. If approved, you will receive confirmation, and your medication will be shipped directly to your home address — you do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy or your doctor's office. There is nothing additional you need to do at the time of delivery. Your approval is valid for one year, after which you will need to reauthorize annually by submitting updated income documentation and a new prescription. Plan ahead so your medication supply is not interrupted around your renewal date.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not meet the eligibility requirements for the BI Cares Patient Assistance Program, you still have options:
1. Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar or generic versions of Gilotrif (afatinib) available, so this is not an option at this time.
2. Manufacturer savings card (for insured patients): If you have commercial insurance, Boehringer Ingelheim offers a savings card that may reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Visit https://www.gilotrif.com/support-and-resources/financial-support to learn more and enroll.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer their own drug assistance programs, particularly for older adults and people with disabilities. Search for your state's SPAP through your state health department website.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, nonprofit database at https://www.needymeds.org lists hundreds of assistance programs by drug name or condition. It is a useful starting point if other options have not worked out.
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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 Boehringer Ingelheim. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.gilotrif.com/support](https://www.gilotrif.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)
Boehringer Ingelheim 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
The program typically completes its review within two business days after receiving your completed application and all required documents. Make sure your application is fully filled out and signed, and that your income proof and prescription are included, to avoid delays.
If you are approved, Gilotrif will be shipped directly to your home. You do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy or visit your prescriber's office to receive it.
Yes. The BI Cares Patient Assistance Program does accept Medicare Part D patients who meet the income requirements and whose Part D plan does not adequately cover Gilotrif. Many manufacturer programs exclude Medicare patients, but BI Cares is an exception to that general rule.
You will need to reauthorize your enrollment annually. This means submitting updated proof of income and a new valid prescription. It is a good idea to start the renewal process a few weeks before your current approval expires so you do not experience a gap in your medication supply.
It may be worth contacting the program directly by calling (800) 555-4641. In some cases, factors such as recent job loss, large medical expenses, or other financial hardships may be considered. A program representative can help you understand your options before you decide not to apply.
Ready to Apply for Gilotrif Assistance?
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