Kadcyla

Indicated For

HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, HER2-positive early breast cancer

About This Medication

# How to Get Kadcyla at No or Reduced Cost Through the Genentech Patient Foundation ## Who Qualifies for the Genentech Patient Foundation? If you have been prescribed Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) and are struggling to afford it, you may be able to get it at no cost through the **Genentech Patient Foundation**. This program provides free Kadcyla to eligible patients who meet income and insurance requirements. For a single-person household, the maximum annual income to qualify is **$75,300** — though Genentech may evaluate eligibility up to $150,000 in annual household income for oncology products, which may work in your favor. To be eligible, you must be uninsured, underinsured, or have commercial insurance that does not cover Kadcyla — and Medicare patients who can demonstrate they cannot afford their cost-share may also qualify. --- ## About Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) Kadcyla is a prescription medication approved by the FDA to treat adults with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer and HER2-positive early breast cancer. It belongs to a drug class called HER2-targeted antibody-drug conjugates, which combine a targeted therapy with a chemotherapy agent in a single treatment. Kadcyla is administered by intravenous infusion in a clinical setting, typically on a recurring schedule set by your oncologist. Without insurance coverage or financial assistance, the cost of Kadcyla can be extremely high, making it unaffordable for many patients. The Genentech Patient Foundation exists specifically to help bridge that gap. --- ## Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown Genentech uses federal poverty level (FPL) guidelines to set income limits. The thresholds below are based on 500% of the FPL. However, Genentech may also evaluate your application using a $150,000 annual household income cap for oncology products — whichever standard is more favorable to you will typically apply. | Household Size | Maximum Annual Income | |---|---| | 1 person | $75,300 | | 2 persons | $102,200 | | 3 persons | $129,100 | | 4 persons | $156,000 | Income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return, W-2, 1099 forms, or three months of recent pay stubs. If your income has changed significantly since your last tax filing — for example, due to job loss or a medical leave — you may be able to use recent pay stubs to reflect your current situation more accurately. If your income is above these limits, you are not automatically disqualified. Genentech may still review your application under the $150,000 household income cap or consider other financial hardship factors. It is worth applying even if you are unsure, because eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. --- ## Insurance Requirements Explained Your insurance status plays a major role in whether and how you qualify. Here is how different situations are handled: - **If you are uninsured:** You may qualify to receive Kadcyla at no cost through the Genentech Patient Foundation, provided you meet the income requirements. - **If you have Medicare Part D:** You may still qualify. Unlike many patient assistance programs that exclude Medicare beneficiaries, the Genentech Patient Foundation accepts Medicare patients who meet the financial criteria and can demonstrate they are unable to afford their out-of-pocket cost-share. - **If you have private insurance that covers Kadcyla partially or not at all:** You may qualify as "underinsured." If your plan does not cover Kadcyla or leaves you with costs you cannot manage, the foundation may still be able to help. - **If you have Medicaid:** Patients with full Medicaid coverage are generally not eligible for this program, as Medicaid is intended to cover prescription costs. If you have limited or partial Medicaid coverage, contact the foundation directly to discuss your situation. --- ## Step-by-Step: How to Apply Follow these steps to apply for the Genentech Patient Foundation program for Kadcyla: 1. **Gather your documents.** You will need: proof of income (federal tax return, W-2, 1099, or three months of recent pay stubs), a completed and signed Patient Consent Form, and a valid prescription for Kadcyla from your prescribing physician. 2. **Get the Patient Consent Form.** You can download it at [https://www.genentechpatientfoundation.com](https://www.genentechpatientfoundation.com) or ask your doctor's office to print one. Both you and your prescriber will need to sign sections of the form. 3. **Choose your application method.** You can apply in multiple ways: - **Online:** Visit [https://www.genentechpatientfoundation.com](https://www.genentechpatientfoundation.com) to submit your application electronically. - **By phone:** Call **(888) 941-3331** to speak with a program representative who can walk you through the process. - **By fax:** Fax completed documents to **(855) 304-7497**. 4. **Submit your application with all required documents.** Incomplete applications will slow down processing, so double-check that everything is included before submitting. 5. **Wait for a decision.** Most applications are processed within **2 to 3 business days** of receiving a complete application. 6. **Confirm approval with your prescriber's office.** Kadcyla is shipped directly to your prescriber or infusion center, not to your home. Make sure your care team knows to expect the shipment. --- ## What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery Once your completed application is submitted, the Genentech Patient Foundation typically processes it within **2 to 3 business days**. You and your prescriber's office will be notified of the approval decision. If approved, Kadcyla will be **shipped directly to your prescribing physician's office or infusion center** — not to your home address. You do not need to pick up or handle the medication yourself; your care team will manage it from there. Approval through the Genentech Patient Foundation is valid for one year. You will need to **reapply annually** to maintain your benefits. Your prescriber's office may help coordinate reauthorization, but it is a good idea to track your renewal date yourself so your treatment is not interrupted. --- ## Alternatives If You Don't Qualify If you do not qualify for the Genentech Patient Foundation, there are other options worth exploring: 1. **Biosimilars:** There are currently **no FDA-approved biosimilars** for Kadcyla. This means there is no lower-cost alternative version of this specific medication available at this time. 2. **Manufacturer savings card for insured patients:** If you have commercial insurance that covers Kadcyla, you may be eligible for a co-pay assistance card through Genentech's co-pay program. Visit [https://www.copayassist.com/oncology](https://www.copayassist.com/oncology) to check eligibility and enroll. This program is not available to Medicare or Medicaid patients. 3. **State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs):** Many states offer their own prescription assistance programs, particularly for seniors or people with disabilities. Contact your state's department of health or aging to ask what is available in your area. 4. **NeedyMeds.org:** This free, independent database lists patient assistance programs, co-pay cards, and disease-based financial assistance by drug name or condition. Visit [https://www.needymeds.org](https://www.needymeds.org) to search for additional resources that may apply to your situation. --- > *This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Eligibility determinations are made solely by Genentech. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.genentech-access.com/patient/brands/kadcyla.html](https://www.genentech-access.com/patient/brands/kadcyla.html) before applying.* ---

Program information last verified: February 27, 2026