Ilaris (canakinumab)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF)
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $75,300 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured or underinsured; Medicare Part D patients may be eligible if they meet financial criteria and have been denied coverage or have significant out-of-pocket costs.
Residency
U.S. resident (includes 50 states, DC, and U.S. territories)
Income Limits (500% FPL)
Calculated based on 500% of the 2025 FPL for specialty/rare disease medications.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Getting Ilaris (Canakinumab) at No Cost Through the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF)
Who Qualifies for the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF)?
If you cannot afford Ilaris (canakinumab), you may be able to get it at no cost through the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF). This is Novartis's own free medication program for patients who meet financial and insurance requirements. To give you a quick benchmark: if you live alone, your household income must be $75,300 or less per year to potentially qualify. On the insurance side, you generally need to be uninsured or underinsured — meaning your current coverage does not adequately pay for Ilaris. Medicare Part D patients may also be eligible under certain conditions. If you meet these criteria, the NPAF may provide Ilaris to you free of charge.
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About Ilaris (Canakinumab)
Ilaris (canakinumab) is a biologic medication that belongs to a class of drugs called interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) blockers. It is FDA-approved to treat several serious inflammatory conditions, including Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS), TRAPS, HIDS/Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency (MKD), Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), Still's Disease (both the juvenile form, SJIA, and the adult-onset form, AOSD), and gouty arthritis. Because Ilaris is a specialty biologic drug used for rare diseases, its list price is extremely high — placing it out of reach for many patients without financial help. There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar versions of Ilaris available, which means there is no lower-cost generic or biosimilar alternative at this time.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The NPAF sets income limits based on your household size. The table below shows the maximum annual income allowed for each household size. These figures are based on 500% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for specialty and rare disease medications.
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $75,300 |
| 2 persons | $102,200 |
| 3 persons | $129,100 |
| 4 persons | $156,000 |
If your household has more than four people, the income limit continues to rise with each additional member — contact NPAF directly at (800) 277-2254 to ask about your specific household size.
To verify your income, the program typically asks for your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040), your most recent W-2, or three months of recent pay stubs. If your income has changed significantly from last year — for example, due to job loss — you may be able to use current pay stubs instead of a prior-year tax return.
If your income is above the limit for your household size, you may not qualify for free medication through NPAF. In that case, see the "Alternatives" section below for other options.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance situation matters just as much as your income. Here is how different scenarios are handled:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for free Ilaris through the NPAF:
1. Gather your documents first. You will need: (a) a completed NPAF application form with both your signature and your doctor's signature, (b) proof of income such as your most recent Form 1040, W-2, or three months of pay stubs, and (c) a valid current prescription for Ilaris from your doctor.
2. Get the application form. Visit the official program page at https://www.novartis.com/us-en/patients-and-caregivers/patient-assistance/novartis-patient-assistance-foundation-inc to download or complete the form online.
3. Choose how to submit. You have multiple options:
- Apply online at the link above
- Call NPAF at (800) 277-2254 for help applying by phone
- Fax your completed application and documents to (855) 817-2711
4. Your doctor's office is a key partner. Many patients find it easiest to complete this process with help from their prescriber's office, since the physician must sign the form and provide the prescription.
5. After you submit, NPAF will review your application. If they need more information, they will contact you or your doctor's office.
6. Wait for your decision. Processing typically takes 2 to 5 business days after all required documents are received.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once your application is approved, you can expect to hear back within 2 to 5 business days. NPAF will notify you — and typically your prescriber's office — of the approval decision. If approved, Ilaris will be shipped directly to your prescriber's office, not to your home. You will need to coordinate with your doctor's office to schedule your dose or pick up the medication. You will not be charged for the medication through this program. Approval is valid for one year, after which you must reapply and go through the reauthorization process to continue receiving Ilaris at no cost. Your doctor's office can often assist with annual renewals.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not qualify for NPAF, there are still options worth exploring:
1. Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilars for Ilaris (canakinumab), so this is not an available cost-saving option at this time.
2. Manufacturer savings card (for insured patients): If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible for a copay card through the Ilaris support program. Visit https://www.ilaris.com/copay-card-and-support to learn more. This option is typically not available for Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states run their own programs to help residents afford high-cost medications. Eligibility and benefits vary by state. Ask your doctor's office or local health department if a SPAP exists in your state.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database at www.needymeds.org lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, disease-specific funds, and other resources. It is a good starting point if you need to explore multiple options at once.
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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 Novartis. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.novartis.com/us-en/patients-caregivers/patient-assistance](https://www.novartis.com/us-en/patients-caregivers/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)
Novartis 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
Both you and your doctor are involved in the application. The form requires signatures from both the patient and the prescribing physician, and a valid prescription must be included. Many patients start the process themselves — online, by phone, or by fax — but your doctor's office will need to complete their portion before the application can be submitted.
If your income exceeds the NPAF threshold for your household size, you may not qualify for this specific program. However, you should explore the Ilaris copay card for insured patients at https://www.ilaris.com/copay-card-and-support, state pharmaceutical assistance programs in your state, or other resources listed at NeedyMeds.org. You can also call NPAF at (800) 277-2254 to ask whether any exceptions or alternative options apply to your situation.
No, you are not automatically disqualified. Medicare Part D patients may be eligible for the NPAF program if they meet the income requirements and have been denied coverage for Ilaris by their plan or face significant out-of-pocket costs they cannot afford. Call NPAF at (800) 277-2254 to discuss your specific Medicare situation before assuming you do not qualify.
After NPAF receives all required documents, processing typically takes 2 to 5 business days. Once approved, Ilaris is shipped directly to your prescriber's office. Shipping times may vary. Contact your doctor's office after approval to find out when the medication has arrived and to schedule your next appointment or pickup.
Yes. NPAF approval is valid for one year. You will need to go through a reauthorization process annually to continue receiving Ilaris at no cost. This typically involves submitting updated income documentation and a renewed prescription. Your doctor's office may be able to assist with the renewal paperwork to make the process easier.
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