Jardiance (empagliflozin)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — BI Cares Patient Assistance Program
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $45,180 for a single person
Insurance
Available to uninsured patients or those with Medicare Part D who cannot afford their medication. Generally excludes patients with government-funded coverage like Medicaid or TRICARE unless specific criteria are met.
Residency
U.S. resident or resident of U.S. territories with a valid address
Income Limits (300% FPL)
Calculations based on 300% of 2025 Federal Poverty Level. Total household income is considered.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Getting Jardiance for Free or Low Cost Through the BI Cares Patient Assistance Program
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Who Qualifies for the BI Cares Patient Assistance Program?
If you take Jardiance (empagliflozin) and cannot afford it, the BI Cares Patient Assistance Program may be able to help you get it at no cost. This program is run by Boehringer Ingelheim, the maker of Jardiance. If you are a single-person household, your annual income must be at or below $45,180 to potentially qualify. On the insurance side, the program is designed for people who are either uninsured or enrolled in Medicare Part D and struggling to cover the cost of their medication. If you have Medicaid or another government-funded plan, you most likely will not qualify unless you meet specific exceptions. If you think you may be eligible, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to apply.
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About Jardiance (empagliflozin)
Jardiance is a prescription medication in a drug class called SGLT2 inhibitors. It is approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease in adults. It works by helping the kidneys remove excess sugar from the body through urine. Without insurance or financial assistance, Jardiance can cost several hundred dollars per month at retail prices, putting it out of reach for many patients. There are currently no FDA-approved generic or biosimilar versions of empagliflozin available, which means patients cannot easily substitute a lower-cost option. This makes patient assistance programs like BI Cares one of the most important resources available to eligible patients.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The BI Cares Patient Assistance Program uses income limits based on 300% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level. The program looks at your total household income, not just your own earnings. Here is the full breakdown by household size:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $45,180 |
| 2 persons | $61,320 |
| 3 persons | $77,460 |
| 4 persons | $93,600 |
If your household is larger than four people, the income limit increases with each additional person. Contact the program directly at (800) 555-4641 to ask about larger household thresholds.
To prove your income, you will typically need to submit your most recent federal 1040 tax return, a W-2 form, or three months of recent pay stubs. If your income has changed significantly since your last tax return — for example, if you lost a job or retired — you may still be able to qualify by submitting current pay stubs or a letter explaining your situation. If your income is above the limits listed here, you are not automatically without options. See the alternatives section below for other programs that may help.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a big role in whether you qualify. Here is how the program handles different situations:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to submit your application:
1. Visit the program website at https://www.biceresourcecenter.com to begin your application online, or call (800) 555-4641 to request a paper application by mail or fax.
2. Gather your documents before you start. You will need:
- A completed and signed patient application form
- A completed and signed prescriber section (your doctor must sign)
- Proof of household income (1040 tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs)
- A valid, current prescription for Jardiance
3. Complete the application form. Make sure both you and your prescriber sign where required. Incomplete forms are a common reason for delays.
4. Submit your application using one of these methods:
- Online: https://www.biceresourcecenter.com
- Phone: (800) 555-4641
- Fax: (866) 851-2827
5. Wait for confirmation. Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days after the program receives a complete application.
6. Your doctor's office may also help. Many prescribers are familiar with BI Cares and can submit the application on your behalf. Ask your doctor's office if they offer this service.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once your complete application is submitted, the BI Cares program typically takes 7 to 10 business days to process it. You or your prescriber will be notified of the approval decision. If approved, your Jardiance will be shipped directly to your home address — you do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy. There is nothing you need to do at the time of delivery other than make sure someone is available to receive the shipment if a signature is required.
Approval through BI Cares is not permanent. You will need to reapply once a year to maintain your benefits. Set a reminder a few weeks before your anniversary date so your coverage does not lapse between shipments.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If the BI Cares program is not the right fit for you, here are other options to explore:
1. Biosimilar alternatives: There are currently no FDA-approved generic or biosimilar versions of empagliflozin on the market. This option is not available at this time.
2. Jardiance savings card (for insured patients): If you have commercial or private insurance, Boehringer Ingelheim offers a separate savings card that may reduce your out-of-pocket costs significantly. You can enroll at https://www.jardiance.com/savings-support/.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer their own drug assistance programs, especially for seniors and people with disabilities. Search your state's health department website or ask your doctor's office for a referral.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database lists hundreds of patient assistance programs and discount options by drug name or condition. Visit https://www.needymeds.org to search for additional help at no charge.
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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 / Eli Lilly. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.jardiance.com/financial-support](https://www.jardiance.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)
Boehringer Ingelheim / Eli Lilly 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
After the BI Cares program receives your complete application — including your signed prescriber section and income documents — processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Once approved, your medication is shipped directly to your home. Total time from application to delivery may be two to three weeks, so apply before you run out of your current supply.
Yes. The BI Cares Patient Assistance Program is one of the few manufacturer programs that accepts Medicare Part D patients. You must still meet the income requirements for your household size. Contact the program at (800) 555-4641 if you have questions about how your specific Medicare plan affects your eligibility.
If your income is above the listed threshold, you may not qualify for the BI Cares free medication program. However, you have other options. If you have private insurance, the Jardiance savings card at https://www.jardiance.com/savings-support/ may lower your costs. You can also search NeedyMeds.org for other assistance programs that may have different income limits.
Yes. The BI Cares Patient Assistance Program requires annual reauthorization. Your eligibility is not renewed automatically. You will need to submit a new application, updated income documents, and a current prescription each year. It is a good idea to start the reauthorization process at least two to three weeks before your approval period ends to avoid a gap in your medication supply.
Yes. Many prescriber offices are familiar with the BI Cares program and can complete and submit the application for you. Ask your doctor or their office staff if they offer this service. Either way, both you and your prescriber must sign the application form before it can be processed.
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