Imbruvica (ibrutinib)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (JJPAF)
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $90,360 for a single person
Insurance
Must be uninsured, underinsured, or have Medicare Part D and meet specific financial/coverage criteria. Commercial insurance users are typically directed to the co-pay savings card.
Residency
U.S. resident or resident of a U.S. territory (Puerto Rico, USVI, etc.) with a valid address.
Income Limits (600% FPL)
Income threshold for Imbruvica oncology indication is typically 600% FPL; patients must meet specific out-of-pocket requirements if insured.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Getting Imbruvica (Ibrutinib) at No Cost Through the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (JJPAF)
A Patient Guide from RX Advantages
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Who Qualifies for the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (JJPAF)?
If you cannot afford Imbruvica, you may be able to get it at no cost through the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (JJPAF). This program is designed to help patients who meet specific income and insurance criteria receive their medication free of charge. For a single-person household, the maximum annual income limit is $90,360. In general, you must be uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in Medicare Part D — patients with full commercial insurance coverage are typically directed to a separate co-pay savings card instead. If you meet these basic criteria, the JJPAF program may be a strong option for you.
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About Imbruvica (Ibrutinib)
Imbruvica (ibrutinib) is a prescription medication used to treat several serious blood cancers and one immune condition. It is FDA-approved for adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, and chronic graft versus host disease (cGvHD). Ibrutinib belongs to a drug class called Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, which work by blocking a specific protein involved in cancer cell growth. Without insurance or assistance, Imbruvica carries a list price that can reach tens of thousands of dollars per year, making it unaffordable for many patients. This program exists to help close that gap.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The JJPAF sets income limits at approximately 600% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The table below shows the maximum annual household income allowed for each household size:
| Household Size | Max Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $90,360 |
| 2 persons | $122,640 |
| 3 persons | $154,920 |
| 4 persons | $187,200 |
Income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040 or W-2) or three months of recent pay stubs. If your income has recently changed — for example, due to job loss or retirement — you may be able to use current pay stubs rather than last year's tax documents.
If your income is above these limits, you may still have options. Some patients in this situation qualify for the Imbruvica co-pay savings card, state-based assistance programs, or charitable foundations. Do not assume you are automatically disqualified without exploring alternatives. Household size can also work in your favor — adding eligible household members may raise the income threshold that applies to you, so be sure to count all people in your home when completing your application.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a major role in which type of assistance you can receive. Here is how each situation is handled:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for free Imbruvica through the JJPAF program:
1. Review your eligibility. Check income limits and insurance requirements above before starting your application. When in doubt, apply anyway — the program will make the final determination.
2. Gather your documents. You will need:
- A completed JJPAF application form (with your physician's signature)
- Proof of household income — a federal tax return (1040 or W-2) or three months of recent pay stubs
- A valid, current prescription for Imbruvica
3. Choose your application method. You can apply in one of three ways:
- Online: Visit https://www.jjpaf.org/ to complete and submit your application electronically.
- Phone: Call (800) 652-6227 to speak with a program representative who can guide you through the process.
- Fax: Submit your completed paper application and documents by fax to (888) 526-5168.
4. Have your doctor involved. The application requires a physician signature. Coordinate with your doctor's office early so this step does not delay your submission.
5. Submit and confirm receipt. If applying by fax or mail, follow up by phone to confirm your documents were received.
6. Wait for a decision. Processing typically takes 2 to 5 business days after your complete application is received.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once your application is approved, you will typically receive confirmation from the JJPAF program directly or through your doctor's office. Processing takes approximately 2 to 5 business days from the time your complete application is submitted. If approved, your Imbruvica will be shipped directly to your home address — you do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy. Make sure someone will be available to receive the shipment, as the medication may require a signature. Your approval is valid for one year, after which you will need to reauthorize by submitting updated income documentation and a renewed prescription. You will typically receive a reminder when renewal is approaching.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not qualify for the JJPAF program, there are still options worth exploring:
1. Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar alternatives to Imbruvica (ibrutinib), so this is not an available cost-saving route at this time.
2. Imbruvica Co-Pay Savings Card: If you have commercial insurance, you may qualify for the Imbruvica co-pay savings card, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Learn more at https://www.imbruvica.com/financial-support/co-pay-card.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer their own drug assistance programs, particularly for Medicare beneficiaries. Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or visit your state's health department website to learn what is available in your area.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, disease-specific foundations, and other resources. Visit https://www.needymeds.org to search for additional help.
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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 Pharmacyclics / Janssen. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.imbruvica.com/financial-support](https://www.imbruvica.com/financial-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)
Pharmacyclics / Janssen 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 complete applications are processed within 2 to 5 business days. Make sure you submit all required documents — including the physician signature and proof of income — at the same time to avoid delays.
Yes. Unlike many patient assistance programs that exclude Medicare beneficiaries entirely, the JJPAF program has provisions for patients with Medicare Part D who meet specific income and out-of-pocket criteria. You are encouraged to apply and let the program determine your eligibility.
If approved through the JJPAF program, Imbruvica is shipped directly to your home address. You do not need to visit a pharmacy or your doctor's office to receive it.
Yes. The JJPAF program requires annual reauthorization. Each year, you will need to submit updated proof of income and a renewed prescription. Watch for a renewal reminder as your approval period approaches its end date.
It may still be worth applying or calling the program at (800) 652-6227 to discuss your situation. Your household size, recent income changes, or high out-of-pocket costs may affect how your eligibility is evaluated. If you do not qualify, the co-pay savings card or other programs listed in this guide may still help.
Ready to Apply for Imbruvica Assistance?
RX Advantages handles the entire Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (JJPAF) 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