Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Genentech Patient Foundation
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $75,300 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured, underinsured, or commercially insured with no coverage; includes Medicare patients who meet financial criteria and can demonstrate they cannot afford their cost-share.
Residency
U.S. resident with valid address in the United States or U.S. Territories
Income Limits (500% FPL)
Calculated based on 500% FPL; Genentech typically evaluates eligibility based on a $150,000 annual household income cap for oncology products if that is more favorable to the patient.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# How to Get Kadcyla at No or Reduced Cost Through the Genentech Patient Foundation
Who Qualifies for the Genentech Patient Foundation?
If you have been prescribed Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) and are struggling to afford it, you may be able to get it at no cost through the Genentech Patient Foundation. This program provides free Kadcyla to eligible patients who meet income and insurance requirements. For a single-person household, the maximum annual income to qualify is $75,300 — though Genentech may evaluate eligibility up to $150,000 in annual household income for oncology products, which may work in your favor. To be eligible, you must be uninsured, underinsured, or have commercial insurance that does not cover Kadcyla — and Medicare patients who can demonstrate they cannot afford their cost-share may also qualify.
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About Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine)
Kadcyla is a prescription medication approved by the FDA to treat adults with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer and HER2-positive early breast cancer. It belongs to a drug class called HER2-targeted antibody-drug conjugates, which combine a targeted therapy with a chemotherapy agent in a single treatment. Kadcyla is administered by intravenous infusion in a clinical setting, typically on a recurring schedule set by your oncologist. Without insurance coverage or financial assistance, the cost of Kadcyla can be extremely high, making it unaffordable for many patients. The Genentech Patient Foundation exists specifically to help bridge that gap.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
Genentech uses federal poverty level (FPL) guidelines to set income limits. The thresholds below are based on 500% of the FPL. However, Genentech may also evaluate your application using a $150,000 annual household income cap for oncology products — whichever standard is more favorable to you will typically apply.
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $75,300 |
| 2 persons | $102,200 |
| 3 persons | $129,100 |
| 4 persons | $156,000 |
Income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return, W-2, 1099 forms, or three months of recent pay stubs. If your income has changed significantly since your last tax filing — for example, due to job loss or a medical leave — you may be able to use recent pay stubs to reflect your current situation more accurately.
If your income is above these limits, you are not automatically disqualified. Genentech may still review your application under the $150,000 household income cap or consider other financial hardship factors. It is worth applying even if you are unsure, because eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a major role in whether and how you qualify. Here is how different situations are handled:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the Genentech Patient Foundation program for Kadcyla:
1. Gather your documents. You will need: proof of income (federal tax return, W-2, 1099, or three months of recent pay stubs), a completed and signed Patient Consent Form, and a valid prescription for Kadcyla from your prescribing physician.
2. Get the Patient Consent Form. You can download it at https://www.genentechpatientfoundation.com or ask your doctor's office to print one. Both you and your prescriber will need to sign sections of the form.
3. Choose your application method. You can apply in multiple ways:
- Online: Visit https://www.genentechpatientfoundation.com to submit your application electronically.
- By phone: Call (888) 941-3331 to speak with a program representative who can walk you through the process.
- By fax: Fax completed documents to (855) 304-7497.
4. Submit your application with all required documents. Incomplete applications will slow down processing, so double-check that everything is included before submitting.
5. Wait for a decision. Most applications are processed within 2 to 3 business days of receiving a complete application.
6. Confirm approval with your prescriber's office. Kadcyla is shipped directly to your prescriber or infusion center, not to your home. Make sure your care team knows to expect the shipment.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once your completed application is submitted, the Genentech Patient Foundation typically processes it within 2 to 3 business days. You and your prescriber's office will be notified of the approval decision. If approved, Kadcyla will be shipped directly to your prescribing physician's office or infusion center — not to your home address. You do not need to pick up or handle the medication yourself; your care team will manage it from there.
Approval through the Genentech Patient Foundation is valid for one year. You will need to reapply annually to maintain your benefits. Your prescriber's office may help coordinate reauthorization, but it is a good idea to track your renewal date yourself so your treatment is not interrupted.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not qualify for the Genentech Patient Foundation, there are other options worth exploring:
1. Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilars for Kadcyla. This means there is no lower-cost alternative version of this specific medication available at this time.
2. Manufacturer savings card for insured patients: If you have commercial insurance that covers Kadcyla, you may be eligible for a co-pay assistance card through Genentech's co-pay program. Visit https://www.copayassist.com/oncology to check eligibility and enroll. This program is not available to Medicare or Medicaid patients.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer their own prescription assistance programs, particularly for seniors or people with disabilities. Contact your state's department of health or aging to ask what is available in your area.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database lists patient assistance programs, co-pay cards, and disease-based financial assistance by drug name or condition. Visit https://www.needymeds.org to search for additional 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/kadcyla.html](https://www.genentech-access.com/patient/brands/kadcyla.html) 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)
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
The Genentech Patient Foundation typically processes complete applications within 2 to 3 business days. If your application is missing documents, it may take longer. Make sure you submit all required items — proof of income, a signed Patient Consent Form, and a valid Kadcyla prescription — at the same time to avoid delays.
Yes. The Genentech Patient Foundation does accept Medicare patients, which is not the case with all patient assistance programs. To qualify, you must meet the income requirements and be able to show that you cannot afford your Medicare cost-share for Kadcyla. Call (888) 941-3331 to discuss your specific situation before applying.
No. If you are approved, Kadcyla will be shipped directly to your prescriber's office or infusion center. Because Kadcyla is given by IV infusion in a clinical setting, it is not delivered to patients at home. Your care team will let you know when the medication has arrived and when your next infusion appointment is scheduled.
Yes. The Genentech Patient Foundation requires annual reauthorization to continue receiving Kadcyla at no cost. You will need to submit updated income documentation and a renewed prescription each year. It is a good idea to start the reauthorization process a few weeks before your current approval period ends to avoid any gap in your treatment.
You may still qualify. Genentech also evaluates oncology patients under a $150,000 annual household income cap, which may be more favorable than the standard income table. Even if you are above the threshold listed for your household size, it is worth submitting an application or calling (888) 941-3331 to ask whether you might still be eligible.
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