Verzenio (abemaciclib)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $75,300 for a single person
Insurance
Must be uninsured, or have Medicare Part D (and not have other coverage like Medicaid) and meet specific program criteria.
Residency
U.S. resident or resident of U.S. territory
Income Limits (500% FPL)
Income threshold for Verzenio is typically 500% of the Federal Poverty Level due to its oncology classification.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program for Verzenio (abemaciclib): A Complete Guide
Who Qualifies for the Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program?
If you need Verzenio (abemaciclib) but cannot afford it, the Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program may be able to provide it at no cost to you. This program is run by Eli Lilly, the maker of Verzenio, and is designed specifically for patients who meet income and insurance requirements. For a single-person household, your annual income must be at or below $75,300 to qualify. In terms of insurance, you must either be uninsured or have Medicare Part D without additional coverage such as Medicaid. If you meet these basic criteria, you may be able to receive Verzenio shipped directly to your home for free.
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About Verzenio (abemaciclib)
Verzenio (abemaciclib) is a prescription medication approved by the FDA to treat certain types of breast cancer. It is used for adults with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-) breast cancer, including both advanced or metastatic cases and node-positive early breast cancer in high-risk situations. Verzenio belongs to a drug class called CDK 4/6 inhibitors, which work by targeting specific proteins involved in cell growth. Without insurance or financial assistance, Verzenio can cost several thousand dollars per month, making it financially out of reach for many patients. Patient assistance programs like Lilly Cares exist to help bridge that gap.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The Lilly Cares Foundation sets income limits at approximately 500% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is a standard threshold used for many oncology medications. Here is the breakdown by household size:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $75,300 |
| 2 persons | $102,200 |
| 3 persons | $129,100 |
| 4 persons | $156,000 |
Your household size includes everyone living with you who shares finances, such as a spouse or dependents. Income is typically verified using your most recent year's tax return, a W-2 form, or a Social Security Award Letter. If your income has changed significantly from last year, some programs accept three months of recent pay stubs as an alternative — ask the program coordinator when you call.
If your income is above these limits, you may not qualify for free medication through this program. However, you should still explore other options listed in the "Alternatives" section below. Income limits can also shift slightly from year to year, so it is worth checking the current figures at the time you apply.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your current insurance status plays a major role in whether you qualify. Here is how the program handles different situations:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program for Verzenio:
1. Visit the program website. Go to https://www.lillycares.com to access the online application. You can also call (800) 545-6962 if you prefer to apply by phone or need help getting started.
2. Gather your documents before you begin. You will need:
- A completed and signed application form (both the patient section and the prescriber section must be filled out)
- Proof of income, such as your most recent tax return, a W-2 form, or a Social Security Award Letter
- A valid prescription for Verzenio from your doctor
3. Complete the patient section of the application. Fill in your personal information, income details, and insurance status accurately. Incomplete forms can delay your review.
4. Have your prescriber complete their section. Your doctor or their office staff must sign and complete the prescriber portion. Many offices are familiar with this process and can help move it along quickly.
5. Submit the application. You can submit online at https://www.lillycares.com, by phone at (800) 545-6962, or by fax at (844) 431-6650.
6. Wait for a decision. The program typically begins its review within two business days of receiving all completed documents. Make sure all required items are included to avoid delays.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once the Lilly Cares Foundation receives your complete application and supporting documents, a review typically begins within two business days. If approved, Verzenio will be shipped directly to your home address — you do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy or your doctor's office. You will be notified of your approval status by the program. Your enrollment in the program is not permanent. Annual reauthorization is required, meaning you will need to reapply and verify your eligibility once a year to continue receiving your medication at no cost. Watch for renewal notices so your supply is not interrupted.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not meet the requirements for the Lilly Cares Foundation program, you still have options:
1. Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar alternatives to Verzenio. This option is not available at this time.
2. Manufacturer savings card: If you have commercial (private) insurance, Eli Lilly offers a Verzenio savings card that may reduce your out-of-pocket costs significantly. You can access it at https://www.verzenio.lilly.com/savings-support.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer their own prescription assistance programs, especially for seniors and people with disabilities. Eligibility and benefits vary by state, so contact your state health department or insurance commissioner's office for details.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, nonprofit database lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, copay cards, and disease-specific funds. Visit https://www.needymeds.org to search by drug name or condition.
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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 Eli Lilly. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.verzenio.com/financial-support](https://www.verzenio.com/financial-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)
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
The program typically begins its review within two business days of receiving your completed application and all required documents. To avoid delays, make sure you submit the signed patient and prescriber sections, proof of income, and a valid prescription all at the same time.
If you are approved through the Lilly Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program, Verzenio will be shipped directly to your home. You do not need to visit a pharmacy or your doctor's office to receive your medication.
Having Medicare Part D along with a supplemental plan or secondary coverage such as Medicaid would likely make you ineligible for the Lilly Cares program. The program is generally available to Medicare Part D patients who do not have other drug coverage. Call (800) 545-6962 to discuss your specific situation with a program representative.
Yes, reauthorization is required every year. You will need to reapply and provide updated income documentation to confirm you still meet the eligibility criteria. It is important to start the renewal process before your current enrollment period ends so you do not experience a gap in your medication supply.
If you have private insurance, you most likely would not qualify for the free medication program through Lilly Cares. However, Eli Lilly offers a Verzenio savings card for commercially insured patients that may help lower your out-of-pocket costs. You can learn more and enroll at https://www.verzenio.lilly.com/savings-support.
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