Jakafi (ruxolitinib)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — IncyteCARES for Jakafi
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $75,300 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured, underinsured, or Medicare patients who meet financial criteria and lack coverage for the medication.
Residency
U.S. resident living in the U.S. or its territories
Income Limits (500% FPL)
Calculated at 500% of the 2025 FPL. Hardship cases may be reviewed individually.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# IncyteCARES for Jakafi: A Patient Guide to Free or Reduced-Cost Ruxolitinib
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Who Qualifies for the IncyteCARES for Jakafi?
If you have been prescribed Jakafi (ruxolitinib) and cannot afford the cost, you may be able to get it at no charge through the IncyteCARES for Jakafi patient assistance program. This program is run by Incyte, the maker of Jakafi, and is designed to help patients who meet income and insurance guidelines. A single-person household may qualify with an annual income up to $75,300. To be eligible, you must be uninsured, underinsured, or a Medicare patient who lacks adequate prescription coverage for Jakafi. Patients who meet both the income and insurance requirements may receive their medication at no cost, shipped directly to their home.
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About Jakafi (ruxolitinib)
Jakafi (ruxolitinib) is an oral prescription medication in a class of drugs called JAK inhibitors. It is FDA-approved to treat three serious blood-related conditions: myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Jakafi is manufactured by Incyte in partnership with Novartis. Without insurance or financial assistance, Jakafi carries a very high list price — often thousands of dollars per month — which places it out of reach for many patients. Because no FDA-approved biosimilar alternatives to Jakafi currently exist, patients cannot substitute a lower-cost version, making assistance programs like IncyteCARES especially important for those managing long-term treatment costs.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The IncyteCARES for Jakafi program uses income thresholds set at 500% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The limits by household size are:
| Household Size | Max Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $75,300 |
| 2 persons | $102,200 |
| 3 persons | $129,100 |
| 4 persons | $156,000 |
If your household is larger than four people, income limits continue to rise with each additional member. If your income is above these thresholds, you may still be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for hardship exceptions — so it is worth calling the program even if you are unsure whether you qualify.
Income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040), a W-2, or three months of recent pay stubs. The program looks at your total household income, not just your own earnings alone. If your financial situation has changed significantly since your last tax filing — for example, due to job loss or a medical leave — you may be able to provide current pay stubs instead to better reflect your present circumstances. Contact the program directly to discuss your specific situation.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a key role in determining whether you qualify for free medication through IncyteCARES. Here is how different situations are handled:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for free Jakafi through IncyteCARES:
1. Gather your documents before you start. You will need: a completed and signed application form, proof of household income (Form 1040, W-2, or three months of pay stubs), and a valid prescription for Jakafi from your doctor.
2. Choose your application method. You can apply online at https://www.incytecares.com/, by phone at (855) 452-5234, or by fax at (855) 525-2340. All three options are available.
3. Complete the application form. The form asks for your personal information, household size, income details, insurance status, and your prescriber's contact information. Make sure all fields are filled out completely and that your signature is included.
4. Submit your supporting documents. Attach your income verification and prescription when you submit. If applying by fax, send all pages together. If applying online, you can upload documents through the portal.
5. Have your doctor's office involved. Your prescriber will likely need to sign a portion of the application or confirm the prescription. Let their office know you are applying so they can respond quickly to any requests.
6. Wait for a decision. Processing typically takes 2 to 3 business days after a complete application is received.
7. Confirm your approval and address. Once approved, confirm your shipping address so your medication can be sent to the correct location.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
After you submit a complete application, IncyteCARES typically processes it within 2 to 3 business days. You or your prescriber will be notified of the approval decision. If approved, Jakafi is shipped directly to your home — you do not need to go to a pharmacy or your doctor's office to pick it up. Once your medication arrives, no additional steps are required at the time of delivery.
Your enrollment is not permanent. The program requires annual reauthorization, which means you will need to reapply and confirm your continued eligibility once a year. Watch for renewal notices so there is no gap in your medication supply.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not qualify for the IncyteCARES free drug program, there are still options that may reduce your costs:
1. Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilars for Jakafi, so this option is not yet available. That may change in the future as patents expire.
2. Manufacturer savings card for insured patients: If you have commercial (private) insurance and do not qualify for the free drug program, Incyte offers a co-pay assistance card for eligible insured patients. You can enroll at https://www.incytecares.com/jakafi/copay-assistance. This card may significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states run their own drug assistance programs, especially for Medicare beneficiaries. Eligibility and benefits vary by state. Ask your doctor's office or a social worker about programs in your state.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database at https://www.needymeds.org lists additional assistance programs by drug name, condition, and state. It is a useful resource 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 Incyte / Novartis. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.jakafi.com/financial-support](https://www.jakafi.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)
Incyte / 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
Once IncyteCARES receives a complete application with all required documents, processing typically takes 2 to 3 business days. Delays can occur if your application is missing income verification or a signed prescription, so gather all documents before you submit.
Yes. Medicare patients who lack adequate coverage for Jakafi may qualify for the IncyteCARES free drug program. This is different from many other manufacturer assistance programs that exclude Medicare patients entirely. You will still need to meet the income requirements for your household size.
The IncyteCARES program requires reauthorization once a year. You will need to reapply and confirm that you still meet the income and insurance eligibility requirements. Watch for renewal notices from the program and start the reauthorization process early to avoid any interruption in your medication supply.
Possibly. The program states that hardship cases may be reviewed individually, even if your income is above the standard threshold. It is worth calling IncyteCARES at (855) 452-5234 to explain your situation before assuming you do not qualify.
Yes, there are two options depending on your situation. If you qualify as underinsured and meet the income limits, you may be eligible for the free drug program. If you have commercial insurance but do not qualify for free medication, you may be able to use the Jakafi co-pay assistance card at https://www.incytecares.com/jakafi/copay-assistance to lower your pharmacy costs.
Ready to Apply for Jakafi Assistance?
RX Advantages handles the entire IncyteCARES for Jakafi 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