Herceptin (trastuzumab)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Genentech Patient Foundation
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $75,300 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured, underinsured, or denied coverage by commercial or government insurance (including Medicare/Medicaid).
Residency
U.S. resident with a valid physical address in the U.S. or its territories.
Income Limits (500% FPL)
Threshold is generally 500% of FPL or a $150,000 annual household income limit, whichever is higher for oncology products.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Herceptin (Trastuzumab) Patient Assistance Guide
Genentech Patient Foundation — Powered by RX Advantages
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Who Qualifies for the Genentech Patient Foundation?
If you are prescribed Herceptin (trastuzumab) and cannot afford it, you may be able to receive it at no cost through the Genentech Patient Foundation. This program is designed specifically for patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or have been denied coverage by their insurance plan. For a single-person household, your annual income must generally be at or below $75,300 to qualify. Patients with Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance may still be eligible depending on their coverage situation. Income limits scale upward based on how many people live in your household. If you meet the financial and insurance criteria, Genentech may provide your medication free of charge, shipped directly to your prescribing doctor's office.
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About Herceptin (Trastuzumab)
Herceptin (trastuzumab) is a prescription monoclonal antibody that belongs to a class of drugs called HER2/neu receptor antagonists. It is FDA-approved to treat two conditions: HER2-overexpressing breast cancer and HER2-overexpressing metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. Herceptin is typically administered by intravenous infusion, often on a recurring schedule, which makes the cumulative cost significant. Without insurance or assistance, the annual cost of Herceptin treatment can reach tens of thousands of dollars or more, placing it out of reach for many patients. The Genentech Patient Foundation exists to help bridge that financial gap for eligible individuals who need ongoing access to this medication.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The Genentech Patient Foundation uses household size and annual income to determine whether you qualify. For oncology products like Herceptin, the income threshold is generally set at 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), or $150,000 in annual household income, whichever is higher. The income limits based on household size are as follows:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $75,300 |
| 2 persons | $102,200 |
| 3 persons | $129,100 |
| 4 persons | $156,000 |
For households larger than four people, income limits typically continue to increase. Contact the program directly to confirm thresholds for your household size.
Your income is usually verified using your most recent federal tax return, a W-2 form, or three months of recent pay stubs. If your income has changed significantly since last year — for example, due to job loss or reduced hours — you may be able to use current pay stubs rather than last year's tax return to better reflect your situation.
If your income is above the listed limits, you may not qualify for free medication through this program. However, there are alternative options available, which are covered in a later section of this guide.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays an important role in determining your eligibility. Here is how different situations are handled:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for free Herceptin through the Genentech Patient Foundation:
1. Gather your documents. You will need proof of household income (a federal tax return, W-2, or at least three months of pay stubs), a valid prescription for Herceptin from your doctor, and your insurance card(s) if you have coverage of any kind.
2. Choose your application method. You can apply online, by phone, or by fax. Most patients find the online route fastest.
3. Apply online. Visit the official program page at https://www.genentech-access.com/patient/brands/herceptin.html. Follow the prompts to complete your application and upload your documents.
4. Apply by phone. Call (866) 422-2377 to speak with a program representative who can guide you through the process and answer questions about your specific situation.
5. Apply by fax. If you prefer to submit paper documents, fax your completed application and supporting materials to (877) 329-4363.
6. Wait for a decision. Processing typically takes 2 to 3 business days after your complete application is received.
7. Your prescriber will be notified. Once approved, Genentech will coordinate directly with your doctor's office. You do not need to take additional action to initiate delivery.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
After submitting a complete application, most patients receive a decision within 2 to 3 business days. You or your prescriber's office will be notified of the outcome. If approved, your Herceptin will be shipped directly to your prescriber's office — not to your home. Your care team will let you know when the medication has arrived and schedule your infusion appointment accordingly. You do not need to pick up or handle the shipment yourself.
This program requires annual reauthorization. Before your approval period expires, you will need to reapply and resubmit updated income documentation. Your prescriber or the Genentech Patient Foundation team will typically alert you when renewal is approaching.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not meet the eligibility requirements for the Genentech Patient Foundation, consider these options:
1. Biosimilar alternatives. Several FDA-approved biosimilars to Herceptin are available and may cost less. These include Ogivri, Kanjinti, Trazimera, Herzuma, and Ontruzant. Ask your doctor whether a biosimilar may be appropriate for your treatment plan.
2. Herceptin co-pay savings card. If you have commercial insurance, you may qualify for a co-pay assistance card that reduces your out-of-pocket costs. Visit https://www.herceptin.com/patient/financial-support/co-pay-card.html for details. This option is typically not available to Medicare or Medicaid patients.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs). Many states offer their own drug assistance programs for residents who do not qualify for federal programs. Search for your state's SPAP through your state health department or ask your social worker for a referral.
4. NeedyMeds.org. This free, nonprofit database at www.needymeds.org lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, co-pay cards, and disease-specific resources 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 Genentech. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.genentech-access.com/patient/brands/herceptin.html](https://www.genentech-access.com/patient/brands/herceptin.html) before applying.*
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Documents You'll Need
If You Don't Qualify for the Assistance Program
Biosimilar / Generic Alternatives
FDA-approved alternatives to Herceptin: Ogivri, Kanjinti, Trazimera, Herzuma, Ontruzant. Ask your prescriber if one of these is clinically appropriate for your condition.
Manufacturer Savings Card (for insured patients)
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
Most applications are processed within 2 to 3 business days after Genentech receives your complete application and all required documents. Missing documents can delay this timeline, so make sure to include your income proof, valid prescription, and insurance cards before submitting.
No. If your application is approved, Herceptin is shipped directly to your prescriber's office, not to your home address. Your doctor's care team will contact you to schedule your infusion once the medication has arrived.
Yes, you may still apply. The Genentech Patient Foundation accepts Medicare patients, including those with Medicare Part D, if you have a financial need. Be sure to include your Medicare card with your application. A program representative can help you understand how your coverage affects your eligibility.
The Genentech Patient Foundation requires annual reauthorization. Before your approval period ends, you will need to reapply and submit updated income documentation. It is a good idea to start the renewal process a few weeks before your current approval expires to avoid any gap in your medication supply.
If your income exceeds the program's threshold, you may not qualify for free medication through the Genentech Patient Foundation. However, you should still explore options such as the Herceptin co-pay savings card for insured patients, FDA-approved biosimilar alternatives, state pharmaceutical assistance programs, or the NeedyMeds.org database for other resources that may be available to you.
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