Baraclude

Indicated For

chronic hepatitis B

About This Medication

# Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation Patient Guide: How to Get Baraclude (entecavir) at Low or No Cost Baraclude (entecavir) is a vital medication for treating chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults and children aged 2 years and older. The **Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation** offers this drug **free of charge** to eligible uninsured or underinsured patients who meet specific financial criteria, helping ensure you don't skip doses due to cost.[1][3][8] ## About Baraclude (entecavir) **Baraclude** is an antiviral medicine that fights hepatitis B by slowing the growth of the virus, reducing its amount in your blood, and improving liver function. It's typically taken once daily as a tablet or oral solution. Missing doses can lead to viral rebound, worsening liver damage, or drug resistance, so consistent access is crucial—especially since U.S. prices can exceed $2,000 monthly without assistance.[1][7][8] This program provides brand-name Baraclude **at no cost** via a pharmacy card, not by mail. It's ideal if you're battling HBV and facing financial barriers.[3][8] ## Who Qualifies? Eligibility focuses on financial need, residency, and lack of insurance coverage: - **U.S. residency**: Must live in the United States and be 18+ (or have a guardian apply for minors).[3] - **Financial need**: Household income **at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**. No specific dollar amounts listed for household sizes, but FPL adjusts yearly.[provided data] - **Insurance status**: **No prescription coverage** or **denied coverage** for Baraclude. Medicare, Medicaid, or other government insurance typically disqualifies you from this free program (see alternatives below).[5][provided data] - **Doctor's prescription**: Valid prescription for Baraclude from a licensed U.S. healthcare provider.[8] - **Other**: Not available if you're in a government-funded program like Medicare Part D.[5] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Qualifying means your household income is **≤300% FPL**. Use the table below for 2026 guidelines (approximate; check HHS.gov for exact figures, as they update annually). | Household Size | 100% FPL | 300% FPL Threshold | |----------------|----------|---------------------| | 1 person | $15,060 | **$45,180** | | 2 people | $20,440 | **$61,320** | | 3 people | $25,820 | **$77,460** | | 4 people | $31,200 | **$93,600** | | +1 person | +$5,380 | **+16,140** | *Notes*: Alaska/Hawaii have higher limits. Include all household income sources (wages, SSI, etc.). Proof required.[provided data] ## Insurance Requirements This program requires **no prescription coverage or proof of denial**. If insured: - **Commercially insured?** Denied coverage needed; otherwise, explore BMS Co-Pay programs (not this foundation).[5] - **Medicare/Medicaid?** Ineligible here. Baraclude is often Tier 4 (high-cost) on Medicare plans with quantity limits. Seek foundation assistance via BMS Access Support.[4][5] - **Uninsured/underinsured?** Prime candidates![8] ## Step-by-Step Application Process Applications can be submitted **multiple ways** (mail, fax, online via bmspaf.org, or doctor portal).[8][provided data] 1. **Get your prescription**: Ask your doctor (gastroenterologist, hepatologist, or ID specialist recommended) for Baraclude and discuss HBV status (e.g., active replication, elevated ALT/AST).[7][8] 2. **Gather documents**: - **Proof of income** (tax return, pay stubs, W-2, SSI award letter—last 3 months preferred).[provided data] - Prescription. - Proof of residency/no insurance (denial letter if applicable). - Doctor's clinical notes confirming HBV diagnosis.[7] 3. **Doctor completes application**: Download from **bmspaf.org** or call BMS. Physician signs and certifies need.[8] 4. **Submit**: Doctor mails/faxes or you upload. Multiple methods available—no single phone/URL specified.[provided data][8] 5. **Wait for approval**: Typically **24 hours** processing.[provided data][1] 6. **Receive benefit**: Approved patients get a **card to use at any pharmacy** for free fills.[provided data] **Tip**: Simplefill or Prescription Hope can assist with applications (call 1-877-386-0206).[1][2] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: **24 hours** from complete submission.[provided data] - **Delivery**: **Pharmacy card** activated quickly—fill immediately at your local pharmacy (retail or specialty).[provided data] - **Supply duration**: Often 90-day fills; **reauthorization required** annually or per guidelines.[provided data][7] - **Refills**: Use card each time; doctor may need to re-certify.[provided data] ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **BMS Co-Pay Program**: For commercial insurance (up to $10,000+ help; Medicare ineligible).[5][9] - **Generic entecavir**: Coupons via GoodRx/SingleCare (~$12-14/month).[4][8] - **Other programs**: Simplefill, Prescription Hope ($50/month for HBV meds), Patient Advocate Foundation (co-pays if insured <400% FPL).[1][2] - **No biosimilars** available.[provided data] - **State programs/NeedyMeds**: Check for extras.[8] ## Reauthorization and Ongoing Use **Reauthorization required**. Submit updated income/proof yearly or as requested. Keep doctor updated on HBV labs.[provided data][7] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on available program data as of 2026. Eligibility/rules change; **verify at bmspaf.org or call BMS**. Not medical/financial advice—consult your doctor/financial advisor. Program funding may exhaust. Bristol-Myers Squibb not liable for application outcomes.[3][8] (Word count: 950)

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026