Benlysta

Indicated For

systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus nephritis

About This Medication

# GSK For You Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get Benlysta (belimumab) at Low or No Cost Benlysta (belimumab) is a prescription medicine used to treat people 5 years of age and older with active **systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus)** or **active lupus nephritis (LN)**—lupus-related kidney inflammation—along with other lupus medicines. This guide explains the **GSK For You Patient Assistance Program (PAP)**, which provides Benlysta **free of charge** to eligible uninsured or functionally uninsured patients, and certain Medicare patients, helping those who can't afford their medication. ## About Benlysta Benlysta is not a cure for lupus but helps reduce disease activity when used with other treatments. It's given as a weekly **subcutaneous injection** (under the skin) at home or an **intravenous (IV) infusion** every 4 weeks in a doctor's office. It's approved for patients 5 years and older with active SLE or LN, but **not for those with severe active central nervous system lupus**. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, fever, and arm/leg pain; serious risks include infections, allergic reactions, and rare conditions like progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Always discuss risks with your doctor. ## Who Qualifies for the Program? The GSK For You PAP is for **U.S. residents** (including Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) who are **uninsured** or **functionally uninsured** (insurance doesn't cover Benlysta), or eligible **Medicare patients**. You must have a valid prescription and meet **income limits**. Patients with high medical expenses exceeding income limits may still qualify—contact the program to check. **Key eligibility:** - No enrollment in government programs like Medicaid, VA, DOD, TriCare (Medicare patients excluded from Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy). - Live in the U.S. - Meet income guidelines (see table below). ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Income limits are based on **annual gross household income** before taxes. Use the table for your household size. For **uninsured patients** (48 states/DC): Individual: $60,000; Couple: $80,000; Family of 3: $72,000; Family of 4: $84,000. Add **$12,000 per additional person**. **Medicare patients** have **separate, often higher limits** (e.g., Individual: $63,840; add $22,720 per extra person)—call (877) 423-6597 for details. | Household Size | Uninsured Max Income | Medicare Max Income (48 States/DC) | |---------------|----------------------|------------------------------------| | 1 | $60,000 | $63,840 | | 2 | $80,000 | $86,560 | | 3 | $72,000 | $109,280 | | 4 | $84,000 | $132,000 | | Each additional | +$12,000 | +$22,720 | *Notes: Income from tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs. Medical expenses can offset higher incomes.* ## Insurance Requirements - **Uninsured/Functionally Uninsured:** No prescription coverage or insurance denies Benlysta. - **Medicare:** Eligible if on Medicare Part D, **not** in Extra Help, and no other government coverage (Medicaid, VA, etc.). Medicare patients can't use copay programs even in the coverage gap. - **Commercially Insured:** This PAP is not for you—check BENLYSTA Copay Program (up to $9,000/year assistance) instead. Contact the program for your situation. ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Get a Prescription:** Ask your doctor for Benlysta and discuss if PAP is right. 2. **Check Eligibility:** Call **(877) 423-6597** (Mon-Fri, 8 AM-8 PM ET) or visit gskpaf.org. Provide income/household details. 3. **Gather Documents:** - Valid Benlysta prescription. - Proof of income (2024/2025 tax return, W-2, 4+ recent pay stubs). - Completed enrollment form (English/Spanish available online), signed by **you and your prescriber**. 4. **Submit Application:** Mail to GSK Patient Assistance Program, PO Box 5490, Louisville, KY 40255, or fax/follow form instructions. Multiple methods available. 5. **Wait for Approval:** Processing takes **2-3 business days**. 6. **Receive Medication:** Shipped free to your home or doctor's office. **Tip:** BENLYSTA Gateway (via program phone) helps with prior authorizations or questions. ## Timeline and Delivery - **Approval:** 2-3 business days after complete submission. - **Delivery:** Direct ship to patient or prescriber's office—no cost. - **Supply Duration:** Typically 1-3 months; **reauthorization required** annually or as needed (resubmit income/proof). ## If Denied or No Alternatives - **Common Denials:** Income too high, insured status, incomplete docs. Appeal by providing medical expense proof. - **Next Steps:** - BENLYSTA Copay Program for commercial insurance. - Simplefill (1-877-386-0206) matches other aid. - Lupus Foundation resources or state programs. - No biosimilars currently available. - Ask doctor about generics/other lupus treatments. ## Reauthorization and Refills **Reauthorization is required**—program doesn't auto-renew. Your doctor resubmits form/proof before supply ends. Stay proactive to avoid gaps. ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on program details as of 2026. Eligibility, terms, and income limits **can change**—always verify with GSK at (877) 423-6597 or gskpaf.org. Not health insurance. Consult your doctor for medical advice. GSK not liable for application errors.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026