Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — OneGene Program / Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF)
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $75,300 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured, underinsured, or patients facing insurance denials for medical necessity
Residency
U.S. resident or permanent resident with a valid U.S. address
Income Limits (500% FPL)
Calculated based on 500% of the 2025 FPL. Zolgensma assistance is highly individualized; NPAF typically uses this threshold for high-cost products.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# OneGene Program / Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF): Your Guide to Getting Zolgensma at No Cost
Who Qualifies for the OneGene Program / Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF)?
If your child has been prescribed Zolgensma and you are struggling to afford it, the OneGene Program — run by the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF) — may be able to provide it at no cost to your family. A single-person household may qualify with an annual income up to $75,300, and larger families can qualify at higher income levels. To be eligible, you generally need to be uninsured, underinsured, or have received a denial from your insurance company. Patients who have private insurance that fully covers Zolgensma are typically not eligible for free drug through this program, but a separate savings option may still be available to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
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About Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec)
Zolgensma is a prescription gene therapy made by Novartis. It is FDA-approved to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in pediatric patients. SMA is a rare, serious genetic condition that affects the nerve cells controlling muscle movement. Zolgensma is an adeno-associated virus vector-based therapy, meaning it works by delivering a functional copy of a gene into the body through a one-time intravenous infusion administered in a clinical setting. Because it is a highly specialized biologic product requiring complex manufacturing and medical oversight, Zolgensma carries one of the highest list prices of any drug available. Without insurance coverage or patient assistance, the cost is well beyond what most families can manage on their own.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The OneGene Program uses income thresholds set at approximately 500% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The limits below reflect what NPAF typically uses for this program:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $75,300 |
| 2 persons | $102,200 |
| 3 persons | $129,100 |
| 4 persons | $156,000 |
Your income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return or W-2 forms. If your income has changed recently, some programs also accept three months of recent pay stubs as an alternative.
If your household income is above these limits, you may not qualify for free medication through NPAF — but you are not automatically without options. NPAF may still review your case individually, particularly given that Zolgensma is a one-time therapy with an extraordinary cost. Assistance for this drug tends to be handled on a case-by-case basis. It is worth calling the program directly at (844) 466-3436 to ask about your specific situation before assuming you are ineligible.
Household size typically includes all people living in your home who share finances. If you have a non-traditional family arrangement, ask the program coordinator how to count your household when you call.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance situation plays a major role in whether you qualify for this program. Here is how different coverage scenarios are handled:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for free Zolgensma through the OneGene Program:
1. Gather your documents. You will need: your most recent federal tax return or W-2 form, a valid prescription for Zolgensma from a licensed provider, a completed OneGene Enrollment Form, and — if your insurance denied coverage — a copy of that denial letter.
2. Download the enrollment form. Visit www.onegene.com to access the OneGene Enrollment Form. Your prescriber's office may also have copies on hand.
3. Have your prescriber complete their section. The prescribing physician must sign the form and provide clinical information about the patient's diagnosis. Contact their office early, as this step may take time.
4. Submit your application. You can apply online at www.onegene.com, call the program at (844) 466-3436, or fax your completed documents to (844) 213-0268.
5. Wait for a decision. Processing typically takes 7 to 10 business days after all documents are received.
6. Respond to any follow-up requests promptly. If the program needs additional information, respond as quickly as possible to avoid delays.
7. Coordinate with your prescriber. Once approved, medication is shipped directly to the prescribing provider or treatment center, not to your home.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
After you submit a complete application, the OneGene Program typically takes 7 to 10 business days to process your request. You will be notified of the decision through the contact information you provide on your enrollment form. If approved, Zolgensma is shipped directly to your prescriber or the treatment facility — not to your home. This is standard for gene therapies, which require trained medical staff for administration. You do not need to pick up or transport the medication yourself. Because Zolgensma is a one-time infusion therapy, reauthorization is not required after the initial approval. Once you have received the treatment, there is no renewal process needed.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you are not eligible for NPAF assistance, consider these options:
Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar alternatives to Zolgensma. It is a one-of-a-kind gene therapy, and no equivalent lower-cost version is available at this time.
Manufacturer savings card: If you have insurance that covers Zolgensma but still face out-of-pocket costs, a savings card program may be available through the OneGene Program. Visit www.onegene.com/support to learn more about this option.
State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Some states have programs that help residents pay for high-cost medications. Check with your state's health department or insurance commissioner's office to find out what may be available in your state.
NeedyMeds.org: This is a free, independent database of patient assistance programs, disease-specific funds, and other resources. You can search by drug name or condition at www.needymeds.org to find additional programs you may not be aware of.
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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 Novartis. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.zolgensma.com/getting-zolgensma/patient-support](https://www.zolgensma.com/getting-zolgensma/patient-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)
Novartis 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 OneGene Program typically processes complete applications within 7 to 10 business days. The timeline starts once all required documents — including the enrollment form, proof of income, prescription, and any insurance denial letter — have been received. Incomplete applications may take longer, so gather all documents before submitting.
Yes, it is worth applying or at least calling the program at (844) 466-3436. Because Zolgensma is a uniquely expensive one-time therapy, NPAF may review cases individually even when income exceeds the standard thresholds. A program coordinator can tell you whether your situation warrants a case-by-case review.
No. Zolgensma is shipped directly to the prescribing physician or treatment center, not to your home. This is because Zolgensma must be administered by trained medical professionals in a clinical setting. You do not need to arrange transportation or pickup of the medication.
No. Zolgensma is a one-time gene therapy, meaning it is administered in a single infusion. Because the treatment is not ongoing, there is no annual reauthorization or renewal required through the OneGene Program once you have been approved and received the medication.
Yes. Patients who have received an insurance denial for Zolgensma may still be eligible for assistance through the OneGene Program. You will need to include a copy of your insurance denial letter with your application. The program is designed to help patients who face coverage barriers, including medical necessity denials.
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