Balversa

Indicated For

Metastatic urothelial carcinoma with FGFR3 genetic alterations

About This Medication

# Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation (JJPAF): Your Guide to Getting Balversa at No Cost ## Who Qualifies for the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (JJPAF)? If you have been prescribed Balversa (erdafitinib) and are struggling to afford it, you may be able to get it at no cost through the Johnson & Johnson Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. (JJPAF). This program provides free Balversa to eligible patients who meet income and insurance requirements. For a single-person household, the maximum annual income allowed is $90,360. To qualify, you must be uninsured or have insurance that does not adequately cover Balversa. Medicare Part D patients may also qualify under specific financial conditions. If approved, your medication is shipped directly to your home at no charge to you. --- ## About Balversa (erdafitinib) Balversa (erdafitinib) is an oral prescription medication made by Janssen, a division of Johnson & Johnson. It is FDA-approved to treat adults with metastatic urothelial carcinoma — a type of bladder or urinary tract cancer — whose tumors have specific FGFR3 genetic alterations. Balversa belongs to a class of drugs called FGFR inhibitors, which are targeted kinase inhibitors. As a specialty oncology medication, Balversa carries a very high list price that can reach tens of thousands of dollars per month without insurance or assistance. For many patients, that cost is impossible to manage out of pocket, which is exactly why the JJPAF program exists. --- ## Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown JJPAF uses income limits set at 600% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for specialty and oncology medications like Balversa. The table below shows the maximum annual income allowed based on your household size: | Household Size | Maximum Annual Income | |---|---| | 1 person | $90,360 | | 2 persons | $122,640 | | 3 persons | $154,920 | | 4 persons | $187,200 | Income is typically verified using your most recent U.S. Federal Income Tax Return, W-2 forms, 1099 forms, or recent pay stubs (generally covering the last three months). If your household size is larger than four people, the income limit increases with each additional person, following the federal poverty scale. If your income is above these limits, you may not qualify for JJPAF. However, you should not assume you are ineligible without speaking with a program representative. Some cases are reviewed individually. Even if you fall slightly above the threshold, you can explore the alternatives listed later in this guide, including state pharmaceutical assistance programs and the Balversa savings card for insured patients. --- ## Insurance Requirements Explained Your insurance status plays a major role in whether you qualify. Here is how different situations are handled: - **If you are uninsured:** You are a strong candidate for JJPAF. Patients with no insurance coverage at all are among those the program is designed to help most directly. You will need to confirm your uninsured status as part of the application. - **If you have Medicare Part D:** Most patient assistance programs exclude Medicare Part D enrollees, but JJPAF may make exceptions. You may qualify if you meet specific financial criteria and have exhausted other available options, such as the Extra Help program. Contact JJPAF directly at (800) 652-6227 to discuss your situation. - **If you have private insurance that denied coverage or covers very little:** You may still qualify. Patients whose insurance has denied coverage for Balversa, or whose out-of-pocket costs remain unaffordable after insurance, are considered underinsured and may be eligible. - **If you have Medicaid:** Medicaid patients are generally not eligible for manufacturer patient assistance programs, since Medicaid is designed to cover the cost of prescription medications. If Medicaid does not cover Balversa in your state, contact the program to ask about exceptions. --- ## Step-by-Step: How to Apply Follow these steps to apply for free Balversa through JJPAF: 1. **Confirm your eligibility.** Review the income limits and insurance requirements above. If you are unsure, call JJPAF at **(800) 652-6227** before you begin gathering documents. 2. **Gather your documents.** You will need: - A completed and signed application form (both the patient section and your prescriber's section must be filled out) - Proof of income: your most recent Federal Income Tax Return, W-2, 1099, or three months of pay stubs - A valid, current prescription for Balversa from your doctor 3. **Get your doctor involved.** Your prescriber must complete and sign their section of the application. Contact your oncologist's office early, as their participation is required before submission. 4. **Choose how to apply.** You have multiple options: - **Online:** Visit **[https://www.jjpaf.org](https://www.jjpaf.org)** to submit your application electronically - **Phone:** Call **(800) 652-6227** to apply with assistance or ask questions - **Fax:** Submit completed documents to **(888) 526-5168** 5. **Submit and wait for confirmation.** After submission, processing typically takes 2 to 5 business days. Keep a copy of everything you submit. 6. **Follow up if needed.** If you have not heard back within five business days, call JJPAF to check on your application status. --- ## What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery Once your application is submitted, JJPAF typically processes it within **2 to 5 business days**. You will be notified of the decision, and your prescriber's office may also receive confirmation. If approved, Balversa is shipped directly to your home — you do not need to pick it up at a pharmacy or your doctor's office. There is nothing you need to do at the time of delivery beyond being available to receive the shipment. Enrollment in the program is not permanent. You will need to **reapply once per year** to maintain your benefit. JJPAF or your prescriber's office may send a reminder when reauthorization is due, but it is a good idea to track your enrollment date yourself. --- ## Alternatives If You Don't Qualify If you do not qualify for JJPAF, there are still options worth exploring: 1. **Biosimilars:** There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar alternatives to Balversa. Because Balversa is a small-molecule drug rather than a biologic, biosimilars do not apply in the traditional sense. A generic version is not yet available. 2. **Savings card for insured patients:** If you have commercial insurance and do not qualify for JJPAF, Janssen offers a savings card program that may reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Visit **[https://www.balversa.com/jandj-with-me](https://www.balversa.com/jandj-with-me)** to learn more and enroll. 3. **State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs):** Many states run their own programs to help residents afford prescription drugs. Eligibility rules vary by state. Search for your state's program through your state health department or benefits office. 4. **NeedyMeds.org:** This free, independent database lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, copay cards, and state programs by drug name or condition. Visit **[www.needymeds.org](https://www.needymeds.org)** to search at no cost. --- > *This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Eligibility determinations are made solely by Janssen. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.balversa.com/support](https://www.balversa.com/support) before applying.* ---

Program information last verified: February 27, 2026