Perjeta (pertuzumab)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Genentech Patient Foundation
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $75,300 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured, underinsured, or functionally underinsured (including Medicare patients) who meet financial criteria and lack coverage for the drug.
Residency
U.S. resident with valid address
Income Limits (500% FPL)
Calculated at 500% FPL; Genentech may exercise discretion for patients above these limits with high out-of-pocket costs.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Getting Perjeta (Pertuzumab) for Free or Reduced Cost Through the Genentech Patient Foundation
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Who Qualifies for the Genentech Patient Foundation?
If you have been prescribed Perjeta (pertuzumab) and cannot afford it, you may be able to get it at no cost through the Genentech Patient Foundation. This program is designed for patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or whose insurance does not cover Perjeta. For a single-person household, your annual income must generally be at or below $75,300 to qualify. Patients with Medicare, private insurance with limited coverage, or no insurance at all may still be eligible. Genentech also has the ability to make exceptions for patients whose out-of-pocket costs are unusually high, even if their income is above the standard limit. Applying is free, and RX Advantages can help guide you through the process.
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About Perjeta (Pertuzumab)
Perjeta is a prescription monoclonal antibody that targets the HER2 protein found on certain breast cancer cells. It is FDA-approved for use in adults with HER2-positive breast cancer, including metastatic, neoadjuvant (before surgery), and adjuvant (after surgery) settings. Perjeta is typically given by intravenous infusion in a clinical setting, often in combination with other medications. Because it is a biologic drug — meaning it is made from living cells rather than standard chemical synthesis — the manufacturing process is complex. This complexity contributes to a list price that can reach tens of thousands of dollars per infusion cycle, making it unaffordable for many patients without financial assistance.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The Genentech Patient Foundation uses income thresholds set at approximately 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The table below shows the maximum annual income allowed based on household size:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $75,300 |
| 2 persons | $102,200 |
| 3 persons | $129,100 |
| 4 persons | $156,000 |
For households larger than four people, the limit increases with each additional member. Your household size includes everyone in your home who shares finances, such as a spouse, domestic partner, or dependents.
Income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return, a W-2 form, or three months of recent pay stubs. If your income situation has changed — for example, due to job loss or a reduction in hours — more recent pay stubs may better reflect your current finances.
If your income is above these limits, do not assume you are automatically disqualified. Genentech may use its discretion to approve patients whose high out-of-pocket medical costs place a significant financial burden on their household. It is worth applying or calling to discuss your situation.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status affects how you qualify for this program. Here is how each situation is typically handled:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the Genentech Patient Foundation program for Perjeta:
1. Gather your documents. You will need proof of income (your most recent tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs), a completed and signed application form, and a valid prescription for Perjeta from your doctor.
2. Choose your application method. You can apply online, by phone, or by fax.
- Online: Visit https://www.genentech-access.com/patient/brands/perjeta.html to start or download your application.
- Phone: Call (888) 941-3331 to apply with assistance or ask questions about eligibility.
- Fax: Submit your completed application and documents by fax to (877) 231-5125.
3. Complete the application form. Fill out all required fields, including your household size, income, insurance status, and prescribing physician's information. Make sure both you and your doctor sign the application where required.
4. Submit your documents. Send the application along with your proof of income and prescription through your chosen method — online portal, phone, or fax.
5. Wait for a decision. The Genentech Patient Foundation typically completes its review within two business days of receiving a complete application.
6. Your doctor's office will be notified. If approved, Genentech will contact your prescriber's office directly with next steps.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
After submitting a complete application, you can typically expect a decision within two business days. If approved, Genentech will notify your prescribing physician's office — not your home address. Perjeta is shipped directly to your prescriber or infusion center, where you will receive it as part of your scheduled treatment. You do not need to pick up or handle the medication yourself. Because Perjeta is administered by a healthcare provider, your care team will coordinate the delivery.
Your approval is valid for one year. Before the year ends, you will need to go through reauthorization — essentially re-applying with updated income and insurance information — to continue receiving the medication without interruption. Your care team or RX Advantages can help you track this deadline.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not meet the eligibility requirements for the Genentech Patient Foundation, there are other options to explore:
1. Biosimilars: As of this writing, there are no FDA-approved biosimilar versions of Perjeta available in the United States. This may change in the future, so ask your doctor or pharmacist for updates.
2. Manufacturer savings card (for insured patients): If you have commercial insurance that covers Perjeta, you may be eligible for a co-pay assistance card through Genentech. Visit https://www.perjeta.com/financial-support/co-pay-card.html to learn more. Note that this card is not available to Medicare or Medicaid patients.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer their own drug assistance programs, particularly for older adults or people with disabilities. Check with your state health department or your Medicare plan to see if a SPAP is available to you.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, co-pay cards, and disease-based funds. Visit www.needymeds.org to search by drug name or condition at no cost.
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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/perjeta.html](https://www.genentech-access.com/patient/brands/perjeta.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
Yes. Medicare patients, including those with Part D coverage, may qualify for the Genentech Patient Foundation if they meet the income requirements and their Medicare plan does not adequately cover Perjeta. This is different from many other manufacturer programs that exclude Medicare patients entirely.
The Genentech Patient Foundation typically reviews complete applications within two business days. To avoid delays, make sure your application includes all required documents: proof of income, a signed application form, and a valid prescription from your doctor.
No. If you are approved, Perjeta is shipped directly to your prescriber's office or infusion center. Because Perjeta is given by intravenous infusion under medical supervision, it is not sent to patients at home. Your care team will coordinate the delivery and administration.
You will need to reauthorize your enrollment before the end of each year. This means submitting updated income information and a new prescription. It is a good idea to start this process at least 30 to 60 days before your approval expires to avoid a gap in your medication supply.
Yes, it may be worth applying. Genentech has the ability to use its discretion for patients whose income exceeds the standard thresholds but who face high out-of-pocket medical costs. You can also call (888) 941-3331 to discuss your situation before submitting a formal application.
Ready to Apply for Perjeta Assistance?
RX Advantages handles the entire Genentech Patient Foundation 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