Hycamtin

Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF) Patient Guide: How to Get Hycamtin at Low or No Cost

About This Program

The Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF) is a free program designed to help uninsured and underinsured patients access Novartis medications, including Hycamtin (topotecan), at no cost or reduced cost. If you're struggling to afford your prescription, this program may be able to help you get the medication you need.

About Hycamtin (Topotecan)

Hycamtin is a chemotherapy medication used to treat certain types of cancer. Because cancer treatment can be expensive, NPAF recognizes that cost may prevent patients from accessing this critical medication. This program ensures that financial hardship doesn't stand between you and your treatment.

Who Qualifies for NPAF?

To be eligible for the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation program, you must meet all of the following requirements:[2][3]

• Reside in the United States or a U.S. Territory
• Have limited or no prescription insurance coverage (or be unable to afford your medication even with insurance)
• Meet income guidelines based on your household size and the Federal Poverty Level (Alaska and Hawaii have different income limits)
• Have a valid prescription for Hycamtin from a licensed U.S. healthcare provider
• Receive treatment on an outpatient basis from a licensed U.S. healthcare provider

Income Eligibility

NPAF uses a sliding scale income requirement based on the Federal Poverty Level and your household size.[2][6] Income limits vary by medication and household composition. To determine your specific income threshold for Hycamtin, you must check the eligibility tool on the NPAF website at pap.novartis.com.[2]

When calculating your household size, NPAF uses the number of people listed on your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040).[1]

Insurance Requirements

You are eligible for NPAF if you:[3][6]

• Have no prescription insurance coverage at all, OR
• Have prescription insurance but cannot afford your medication

Important: NPAF does not provide assistance to patients with insurance associated with alternative funding programs that condition or restrict coverage based on applying to NPAF or other free goods programs.[1]

If you have insurance and it requires Prior Authorization (PA) for Hycamtin, you must submit a copy of the PA decision or appeal outcome with your application.[1]

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Visit pap.novartis.com and use the eligibility checker to confirm you may qualify for assistance with Hycamtin.[2] This tool will ask about your income, household size, insurance status, and residency.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Before starting your application, collect the following documents:[1][3][6]

• Proof of Income: A copy of the first two pages of your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040). If you are not required to file taxes, contact NPAF directly at 1-800-277-2254 for alternative documentation options.[1]
• Insurance Information: Copies of the front and back of all insurance cards (primary, secondary, and prescription insurance), even if you are uninsured.[1]
• Valid Prescription: Your healthcare provider will need to provide this as part of their section of the application.
• Prior Authorization Documentation (if applicable): If your insurance requires PA, include a copy of the decision or appeal outcome.[1]

Step 3: Complete Your Application

You and your healthcare provider must each complete your sections of the application.[2] The application is available online at pap.novartis.com. Complete all required fields accurately—incomplete applications will result in processing delays or denial.[1][3]

Your healthcare provider must:

• Complete the healthcare provider section
• Provide a valid prescription for Hycamtin
• Sign and date the authorization form

You must:

• Complete the patient section with your personal and financial information
• Provide permission for NPAF to access your health information
• Sign and date the patient authorization

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Submit your completed application and all supporting documents via:

Fax: 1-855-817-2711

Mail: Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation, Inc. PO Box 2529 Columbus, OH 43216

Make sure all sections are complete before submitting to avoid delays.[1][3]

Step 5: Receive Your Decision

You will receive a decision letter within approximately 4 weeks of submitting a complete application.[2][6] If your application is incomplete, you will receive a letter with instructions on what additional information is needed. If you opted in to text notifications, you may also receive a text message update.[2]

Timeline and Medication Delivery

Processing Time: Approximately 4 weeks from the date you submit a complete application.[2][6]

Delivery Method: Once approved, your Hycamtin will be shipped to you or your healthcare provider, depending on the program's standard procedures.[2]

What If Your Application Is Denied?

If your application is denied, you have options:[2]

• Request clarification on why your application was denied
• Contact NPAF at 1-800-277-2254 to discuss your situation
• Ask about appeal procedures or alternative assistance programs
• Explore other patient assistance resources or discuss payment plans with your healthcare provider or pharmacy

Important Information

Contact NPAF:

• Phone: 1-800-277-2254 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM EST)
• Website: pap.novartis.com
• Mailing Address: NPAF, PO Box 2529, Columbus, OH 43216

Key Reminders:

• Only you, your legal guardian, or your caregiver may enroll you in the program. Healthcare providers, pharmacies, and pharmacy benefit managers cannot enroll you.[2]
• NPAF reserves the right to verify the accuracy of all information you submit.[2]
• You do not need NPAF's permission for your doctors to treat you, but your signature is required to participate in the program.[3]

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about the Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation program. Program eligibility, requirements, and benefits may change at any time. For the most current and complete information, visit pap.novartis.com or call 1-800-277-2254. This guide is not a guarantee of program enrollment or medication assistance. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your treatment options and financial assistance programs.