Tecentriq (atezolizumab)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Genentech Patient Foundation
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $75,300 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured, underinsured, or have Medicare coverage; must not have other public or private coverage that pays for the medicine.
Residency
U.S. resident with valid address in the United States or U.S. territories
Income Limits (500% FPL)
Income threshold is 500% of FPL; Genentech may consider out-of-pocket medical expenses in eligibility decisions.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Getting Tecentriq (Atezolizumab) Through the Genentech Patient Foundation: A Complete Guide
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Who Qualifies for the Genentech Patient Foundation?
If you need Tecentriq (atezolizumab) and cannot afford it, you may be able to get it at no cost through the Genentech Patient Foundation. This program is designed specifically for patients who lack the coverage or financial resources to pay for their medication. For a single-person household, the maximum annual income to qualify is $75,300. To be eligible, you must be uninsured, underinsured, or have Medicare coverage — and you must not have any other public or private insurance that already pays for Tecentriq. If you meet these basic criteria, the Genentech Patient Foundation may be able to provide your medication free of charge. RX Advantages can help you navigate the process from start to finish.
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About Tecentriq (Atezolizumab)
Tecentriq (atezolizumab) is a prescription medication manufactured by Genentech. It belongs to a class of drugs called PD-L1 inhibitors, which are a type of monoclonal antibody. Tecentriq has received FDA approval for use in several serious conditions, including non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), melanoma, and alveolar soft part sarcoma. Like many cancer treatments, Tecentriq is administered by infusion and carries a high list price — often tens of thousands of dollars per treatment course — making it financially out of reach for many patients without insurance or financial assistance. There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar versions of atezolizumab available.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The Genentech Patient Foundation uses income thresholds set at 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Your household size and total annual income both factor into whether you qualify.
| 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, your last three months of pay stubs, or a W-2 form. If you are self-employed or have irregular income, other documentation may be accepted.
If your income is above these limits, you may still have options. Genentech has the flexibility to consider out-of-pocket medical expenses when making eligibility decisions. This means that if you have high medical costs relative to your income, you could still qualify even if your gross income exceeds the standard threshold. It is worth applying or calling the program directly to discuss your specific situation. Household size is also taken into account, so a larger household with the same income as a smaller one may have a better chance of qualifying.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Understanding how your current insurance affects eligibility is important before you apply.
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for free Tecentriq through the Genentech Patient Foundation:
1. Gather your documents. You will need: proof of income (most recent tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs), a copy of any insurance card(s) you have, your prescription information from your doctor, and a signed patient authorization form.
2. Choose your application method. You have multiple ways to apply:
- Online: Visit https://www.genentechpatientfoundation.com to complete and 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: Send your completed application and supporting documents to (866) 480-7762.
3. Have your doctor involved. Your prescriber will need to provide prescription information and may need to sign portions of the application. Let your doctor's office know you are applying so they can assist promptly.
4. Submit all required documents together. Incomplete applications can cause delays. Double-check that you have included all required items before submitting.
5. Wait for review. The program typically completes its review within 2 business days of receiving a complete application.
6. Receive your approval notice. You or your prescriber's office will be notified of the decision. Keep a copy of your approval for your records.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once your complete application is submitted, the Genentech Patient Foundation typically completes its review within 2 business days. If approved, you will receive confirmation, and the medication will be shipped directly to your prescriber's office — not to your home. Your doctor's office will contact you to schedule your infusion appointment. You do not need to pick up or handle the medication yourself.
Your approval is valid for one year. After that, you will need to reauthorize annually to continue receiving the medication at no cost. Reauthorization typically requires updated income documentation and a renewed prescription. Plan ahead so there is no gap in your treatment.
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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 still options worth exploring:
1. Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar versions of atezolizumab (Tecentriq) available. This option is not available at this time, but may become relevant in the future.
2. Tecentriq Co-Pay Savings Card: If you have commercial (private) insurance, you may qualify for the Tecentriq co-pay assistance program, which can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Visit https://www.tecentriq-copay.com to learn more and enroll.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer programs that help residents pay for prescription drugs, particularly for older adults or people with disabilities. Contact your state health department or visit your state's official website to search for available programs.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, co-pay assistance options, and disease-specific funds. Visit https://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/tecentriq.html](https://www.genentech-access.com/patient/brands/tecentriq.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
Once the program receives your complete application and all required documents, the review typically takes about 2 business days. Submitting incomplete paperwork is the most common cause of delays, so make sure all documents are included before you send your application.
No. If your application is approved, Tecentriq is shipped directly to your prescriber's office, not to your home. Your doctor's office will let you know when the medication has arrived and will schedule your infusion appointment from there.
Yes. The Genentech Patient Foundation does accept patients who have Medicare coverage. The key requirement is that no other public or private insurance plan is currently paying for Tecentriq. If Medicare or a supplemental plan covers the drug, you would not be eligible for the free medication program.
You will need to reauthorize your enrollment on an annual basis. This typically involves submitting updated proof of income and a renewed prescription from your doctor. It is a good idea to start the reauthorization process before your current approval expires to avoid any interruption in your treatment.
Yes, it may still be worth applying. Genentech has the flexibility to consider your out-of-pocket medical expenses when reviewing your eligibility. If your medical costs are high relative to your income, you may still qualify even if your gross income exceeds the standard threshold for your household size.
Ready to Apply for Tecentriq 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