Saphnelo (anifrolumab)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — AZ&Me Prescription Savings Program
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $45,180 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured or Medicare Part D patients who meet specific criteria. Patients with commercial insurance are generally directed to the Saphnelo Co-pay Program.
Residency
Must be a resident of the United States or its territories
Income Limits (300% FPL)
Calculated based on 300% FPL; higher thresholds may apply for Medicare Part D patients or specific household expenses.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# AZ&Me Prescription Savings Program: A Patient Guide for Saphnelo (anifrolumab)
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Who Qualifies for the AZ&Me Prescription Savings Program?
If you have been prescribed Saphnelo (anifrolumab) for systemic lupus erythematosus and are struggling with the cost, you may be able to get it at no charge through the AZ&Me Prescription Savings Program, run by AstraZeneca. A single-person household earning up to $45,180 per year may qualify. This program is designed primarily for patients who are uninsured or enrolled in Medicare Part D — if you have commercial (private) insurance, you will typically be directed to a separate co-pay savings card instead. Meeting income limits and providing the right documents are the two most important steps to getting approved. Most applicants hear back within 7 to 10 business days.
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About Saphnelo (anifrolumab)
Saphnelo (anifrolumab) is a prescription biologic medication approved by the FDA to treat moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in adults who are already receiving standard therapy. It belongs to a drug class called Type I interferon (IFN) receptor antagonists. As a biologic, Saphnelo is manufactured using complex biological processes, which makes it significantly more expensive than traditional small-molecule drugs. Without insurance or assistance, the annual cost of Saphnelo can be substantial — often tens of thousands of dollars — placing it out of reach for many patients. The AZ&Me program exists to help bridge that gap for eligible individuals.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The AZ&Me Prescription Savings Program uses income thresholds set at approximately 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Your entire household's gross annual income is counted, not just your own earnings.
| Household Size | Max Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $45,180 |
| 2 persons | $61,320 |
| 3 persons | $77,460 |
| 4 persons | $93,600 |
For households larger than four people, the income limit increases with each additional member. If you are a Medicare Part D enrollee, higher thresholds may apply, and certain household expenses could also be factored in — it is worth applying even if your income is slightly above the standard limit.
Income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return, a W-2 form, or three months of recent pay stubs. If you are self-employed or have irregular income, you may need to provide additional documentation. If your income falls above the listed limits, you will not automatically be disqualified — speak with the AZ&Me team by phone to discuss your specific situation before assuming you do not qualify.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a major role in determining which Saphnelo assistance option applies to you:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the AZ&Me Prescription Savings Program:
1. Gather your documents. You will need: (1) proof of income — a recent federal tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs; (2) a valid prescription for Saphnelo from your doctor; and (3) a completed application signed by both you and your prescribing physician.
2. Choose your application method. You can apply in one of three ways:
- Online: Visit https://www.azandmeapp.com/ to complete and submit your application digitally.
- By phone: Call (800) 292-6363 to speak with a program representative who can walk you through the process.
- By fax: Fax your completed application and supporting documents to (800) 961-8323.
3. Have your doctor's office involved. The application requires your physician's signature. Many prescribers are familiar with AZ&Me and can help coordinate submission from their office.
4. Submit all documents together. Incomplete applications are a common cause of delays. Double-check that all fields are filled in and all required documents are attached before submitting.
5. Wait for a determination. Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days after a complete application is received.
6. Plan for annual renewal. Approval is not permanent — you will need to reauthorize your enrollment once per year to continue receiving the benefit.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
After submitting a complete application, most patients receive a decision within 7 to 10 business days. You or your doctor's office will be notified of the outcome. If approved, Saphnelo is shipped directly to your prescribing physician's office, not to your home. Your doctor's office will contact you to arrange administration, as Saphnelo is given by intravenous (IV) infusion in a clinical setting. You do not need to pick up or handle the medication yourself. To continue receiving benefits, you will need to reauthorize your enrollment once a year, typically by submitting updated income documentation and a renewed application.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not qualify for the AZ&Me program, there are still options worth exploring:
1. Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar versions of Saphnelo (anifrolumab) available in the United States. This option is not available at this time.
2. Manufacturer savings card: If you have commercial insurance, AstraZeneca offers a Saphnelo co-pay savings card that may reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Visit https://www.saphnelo.com/patient/savings-and-support.html for enrollment details.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer programs that help residents — especially older adults and those with disabilities — pay for prescription drugs. Eligibility and benefits vary widely by state. Ask your pharmacist or doctor's office if your state has one.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database at www.needymeds.org lists hundreds of patient assistance programs by drug name or condition. It can help you find options you may not be aware of, including disease-specific foundations that offer financial support for lupus patients.
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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 AstraZeneca. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.saphnelo.com/support](https://www.saphnelo.com/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)
AstraZeneca 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 Part D patients may be eligible for the AZ&Me Prescription Savings Program. Unlike many manufacturer programs that exclude Medicare patients entirely, AZ&Me considers Part D enrollees on a case-by-case basis and may apply higher income thresholds. Contact the program at (800) 292-6363 to discuss your specific situation before assuming you do not qualify.
Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the date a complete application is received. Once approved, Saphnelo is shipped directly to your prescribing physician's office. Your doctor's team will contact you to schedule your infusion appointment. Plan ahead — incomplete applications can cause delays, so make sure all documents are included when you submit.
The AZ&Me program requires annual reauthorization. Before your current approval period expires, you will need to submit a new application along with updated proof of income and a valid prescription. Your doctor's office may be able to help coordinate this renewal. Missing the renewal deadline could interrupt your access to medication, so it is a good idea to start the process at least 30 days in advance.
Yes, it may still be worth applying or at least calling the program. Income thresholds may be higher for Medicare Part D patients, and certain household expenses could affect your eligibility calculation. Call (800) 292-6363 to speak with a program representative before deciding not to apply based on income alone.
If you are approved through the AZ&Me Prescription Savings Program, Saphnelo is typically provided at no cost to you. There is no fee to apply for the program. However, if you have commercial insurance, you would be directed to the Saphnelo co-pay savings card instead, which reduces — but may not eliminate — your out-of-pocket costs. Exact savings depend on your insurance plan.
Ready to Apply for Saphnelo Assistance?
RX Advantages handles the entire AZ&Me Prescription Savings Program 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