Lucentis

Indicated For

wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic macular edema (DME)

About This Medication

# Genentech Ophthalmology Access Solutions Patient Guide: How to Get Lucentis (ranibizumab) at Low or No Cost Lucentis (ranibizumab) is an injectable medication used to treat serious eye conditions like wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD), diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion by blocking abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye.[1][9] The **Genentech Ophthalmology Access Solutions** program, run by **Genentech**, helps eligible patients access Lucentis through services like co-pay assistance, benefits investigations, and reimbursement support, making treatment more affordable regardless of income.[1][2][4] ## Who Qualifies for the Program? This program is designed for patients prescribed Genentech ophthalmology medicines like Lucentis who need help navigating insurance or affording out-of-pocket costs.[1][7] **Eligibility is not based on income**, a key benefit that opens the program to a wide range of people.[program details] You may qualify if you have **commercial insurance**, **public insurance**, or **no insurance at all**.[program details][4] However, patients enrolled in **federal, state, or government-funded programs** (like Medicare, Medicaid, VA, or Tricare) are **not eligible**.[program details][4] The program offers multiple support options: - **Benefits Investigation (BI)**: Checks your insurance coverage, deductibles, and co-pays.[5][9] - **Prior Authorization (PA) Support**: Helps your doctor submit paperwork for insurance approval.[5][9] - **Co-pay Program**: Reduces out-of-pocket costs for commercially insured patients.[4][8] - **Reimbursement Support**: Covers costs via payments to patients, pharmacies, physician offices, or hospitals.[program details] - **Appeals Assistance**: Guidance (but not submission) if insurance denies coverage.[5][6] ## About Lucentis (ranibizumab) **Lucentis** is a prescription eye injection given by an ophthalmologist every 4-8 weeks, depending on your condition.[9] It targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that causes leaky blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to vision loss. Common uses include: - Wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) - Macular edema following retinal vein occlusion (RVO) - Diabetic macular edema (DME) - Myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) Treatment is typically administered in a doctor's office or clinic. Without assistance, costs can exceed $2,000 per dose, but this program helps bridge the gap.[1][9] Always discuss side effects like eye pain, floaters, or infection risk with your doctor. ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Unlike many programs, **Genentech Ophthalmology Access Solutions does not use income thresholds**. There are **no limits based on Federal Poverty Level (FPL)** or household size.[program details] This makes it accessible to working families, retirees, and others who might exceed typical program cutoffs. | Household Type | Income Threshold | FPL % | Notes | |---------------|------------------|-------|-------| | Individual | None | None | Eligibility focuses on insurance status, not income[program details] | | Couple | None | None | Open to all qualifying insurance types[program details] | | Family of 3 | None | None | No financial documentation required[program details] | | Family of 4 | None | None | Broad access for commercial/public/uninsured[program details] | ## Insurance Requirements **Eligible insurance types**: - Commercial/private insurance (e.g., employer plans, marketplace) - Public insurance (specifics vary; confirm via phone) - Uninsured (may qualify for Genentech Patient Foundation)[2][4] **Ineligible**: - Federal/state government programs (Medicare Part A/B/D, Medicaid, VA, etc.)[program details] Your doctor completes a form noting your insurance details or confirming uninsured status.[4] The program performs a **benefits investigation** to clarify coverage.[1][5] ## Step-by-Step Application Process Applications use **multiple methods**—phone, fax, text, or online portal. **Both Patient Consent Form and Prescriber Service Form are required** before any action.[2][4][5] 1. **Contact the Program**: Call **(866) 422-2377** or **(833) EYE-GENE (833-393-4363)** Monday-Friday, 9am-8pm ET. Discuss your needs and start enrollment.[1][4][9] 2. **Complete Patient Consent Form**: Download from Genentech-Access.com/Ophthalmology (English/Spanish). Sign and date it. This authorizes sharing your info.[2][3] 3. **Doctor Completes Prescriber Service Form**: Provide your doctor's office with patient details, diagnosis codes, insurance info (or uninsured note), and requested services (e.g., co-pay referral).[4] 4. **Submit Forms**: - **Online**: Use My Patient Solutions portal if registered.[2][5] - **Fax**: (866) 724-9412 or (833) 999-4363[2][4] - **Text**: Photo to 650-877-1111[2] - **Phone**: For guidance.[1] 5. **Await Review**: Processed in about **5 business days**.[2] Your office gets contacted with outcomes.[2] **Reauthorization is required** for ongoing treatment—your doctor resubmits periodically.[program details] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: 5 business days after receiving both forms.[2] - **Delivery**: **Reimbursement** sent to patient, pharmacy, doctor's office, or hospital—not direct drug shipment.[program details] - **Co-pay Cards**: Issued digitally or via mail for eligible commercial patients.[8] Track status via My Patient Solutions or phone.[5] ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **Appeals**: Program provides sample letters and tips (you/your doctor submit).[5][9] - **Genentech Patient Foundation**: For uninsured; separate enrollment.[2][4] - **Other Resources**: NeedyMeds, RxAssist, or PAN Foundation for eye meds. - **Biosimilars**: None currently listed.[program details] - **Free Samples**: Ask your doctor.[9] ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on publicly available program details as of 2026. Eligibility, benefits, and terms can change—**always verify with Genentech at (866) 422-2377**.[1] Not affiliated with Genentech. Consult your doctor for medical advice. Program excludes government insurance. Co-pay help may have annual caps. Genentech reserves rights to modify/terminate.[4][program details] (Word count: 1028)

Program information last verified: March 29, 2026