Tradjenta (linagliptin)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation 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 those with full Medicaid or private insurance that covers the drug.
Residency
U.S. resident or resident of U.S. Territories
Income Limits (300% FPL)
Calculated based on 300% of 2025 Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Free Tradjenta (Linagliptin) Through the Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program
Who Qualifies for the Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program?
If you have been prescribed Tradjenta (linagliptin) for type 2 diabetes and cannot afford it, you may be able to get it at no cost through the Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program. This program is designed specifically for people who lack the financial means to pay for their medication out of pocket. For a single-person household, the maximum annual income to qualify is $45,180. To be eligible, you must either be uninsured or enrolled in Medicare Part D without adequate coverage — patients who have full Medicaid or private insurance that covers Tradjenta generally do not qualify. If you meet these basic criteria, this program may provide your medication at no charge, shipped directly to your home.
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About Tradjenta (Linagliptin)
Tradjenta (linagliptin) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It belongs to a class of drugs known as DPP-4 inhibitors, which work by supporting the body's natural ability to regulate insulin after meals. Tradjenta is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly. Without insurance or assistance, Tradjenta can cost several hundred dollars per month, making it out of reach for many patients. The Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program exists to help bridge that gap for those who qualify based on income and insurance status.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
Eligibility for this program is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The current income limits are set at 300% of the 2025 FPL. Here is a full breakdown by household size:
| Household Size | Max Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $45,180 |
| 2 persons | $61,320 |
| 3 persons | $77,460 |
| 4 persons | $93,600 |
If your household has more than four people, the income limit increases for each additional member. Contact the program directly to confirm the threshold for your household size.
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 variable income, alternative documentation may be accepted — ask program representatives when you apply.
If your income is above these limits, you may not qualify for free medication through this program. However, there are other options covered in the final section of this guide that may still help you lower your costs. Do not assume you are ineligible without confirming directly with the program, as exceptions or case-by-case reviews may be possible.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a major role in whether you qualify. Here is how different situations are typically handled:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program for Tradjenta:
1. Gather your documents. You will need proof of income (your most recent tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs), a valid prescription for Tradjenta from your doctor, and a completed application form with your healthcare provider's signature.
2. Choose your application method. You can apply online, by phone, or by fax. The program offers multiple ways to submit to make the process easier.
3. Apply online. Visit the official program page at https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/us/bi-cares-patient-assistance-program to access the online application. Follow the prompts and upload your supporting documents.
4. Apply by phone. Call (800) 555-4641 to speak with a program representative who can walk you through the application process or answer questions about eligibility.
5. Apply by fax. If you prefer to submit a paper application, completed forms and documents can be faxed to (866) 851-2827. Ask your doctor's office if they can assist with faxing, as they may already have the forms on file.
6. Ensure your provider signs the application. Your healthcare provider's signature is required. Many physician offices are familiar with this program and can complete this step quickly.
7. Confirm submission and follow up. After submitting, note the date and any confirmation number provided. If you do not hear back within a few business days, follow up by phone.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once your application is submitted with all required documents, processing typically takes 2 to 3 business days. You will be notified of your approval status, usually by phone or mail. If approved, Tradjenta will be shipped directly to your home address — you do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy or your doctor's office. No co-pay or cost should be required at delivery. Enrollment in the program lasts for one year. Before your enrollment period ends, you will need to reauthorize annually by submitting updated income documentation and a renewed prescription. Watch for renewal notices so your medication supply is not interrupted.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not meet the eligibility requirements for this program, there are still several options that may help:
1. Generic or biosimilar alternatives: The generic name for Tradjenta is linagliptin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether a generic form is available or appropriate for your situation, as generics are often significantly less expensive.
2. Manufacturer savings card: If you have commercial insurance, you may qualify for a Tradjenta savings card, which can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Visit https://www.tradjenta.com/savings-and-support to learn more and enroll.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer their own prescription assistance programs for residents who do not qualify for federal programs. Search your state's health department website or ask your doctor's office for referrals.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, nonprofit database lists hundreds of patient assistance programs and drug discount options. Visit www.needymeds.org to search by medication name and find additional resources that may apply to you.
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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.tradjenta.com/support](https://www.tradjenta.com/support) before applying.*
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Documents You'll Need
If You Don't Qualify for the Assistance Program
Biosimilar / Generic Alternatives
FDA-approved alternatives to Tradjenta: linagliptin. Ask your prescriber if one of these is clinically appropriate for your condition.
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 you submit a complete application with all required documents, processing typically takes 2 to 3 business days. Once approved, your medication will be shipped directly to your home. The total time from application to delivery may vary depending on how quickly your documents are received and verified.
Yes. A valid prescription and your healthcare provider's signature on the application are both required. Many doctor's offices are already familiar with this type of patient assistance program and can help complete the necessary paperwork. You may want to ask your doctor's staff to assist with faxing or signing the application.
Yes, Medicare Part D enrollees may be eligible if they meet the income requirements and cannot afford their medication under their current plan. Unlike some assistance programs that exclude Medicare patients entirely, the Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program does make exceptions for qualifying Part D enrollees.
You will need to reauthorize your enrollment annually. This means submitting updated proof of income and a renewed prescription before your current enrollment period expires. It is a good idea to start this process a few weeks early to avoid any gap in your medication supply.
If your income exceeds the program's threshold, you may not qualify through this program. However, you should still call (800) 555-4641 to confirm, as program representatives can clarify whether any exceptions apply to your situation. You may also explore the Tradjenta savings card, state assistance programs, or NeedyMeds.org for other ways to reduce your costs.
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