Micardis HCT

Indicated For

hypertension

About This Medication

# Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program Guide: How to Get Micardis HCT at Low or No Cost Micardis HCT (telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. It combines an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) called telmisartan, which relaxes blood vessels, and a diuretic (water pill) called hydrochlorothiazide, which helps your body get rid of extra salt and water. This dual action lowers blood pressure, reducing the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Always take it as prescribed by your doctor, typically once daily, with or without food. Common side effects include dizziness, back pain, sinus issues, and diarrhea; contact your doctor for serious symptoms like allergic reactions or irregular heartbeat.[1] ## Who Qualifies for the Program? The **Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program** provides **Micardis HCT tablets free of charge** to eligible U.S. patients who cannot afford their medications. This program is run by Boehringer Ingelheim, the manufacturer of Micardis HCT.[1][4][5] Key eligibility criteria include: - Being a U.S. citizen or legal U.S. resident. - Having no health insurance, inadequate prescription coverage, or being enrolled in Medicare Part D (with limits).[1][2][7] - Meeting household income guidelines based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), adjusted annually. Exact percentages vary but typically aim at low-income households.[1][2] - For Medicare patients: Proof of spending at least **3% of annual household income** on prescriptions (including non-Boehringer Ingelheim meds) in the current year.[1] - Not eligible if you have non-Medicare insurance covering prescriptions, Medicaid, or Medicare's Extra Help (LIS) program.[1] **Important:** You need a valid prescription from your doctor and must submit financial documentation. The program covers Micardis HCT explicitly for Medicare beneficiaries and through general BI Cares for uninsured/underinsured.[1][4] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Income limits are tied to the **Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**, which changes yearly (check current guidelines via the program). While specific percentages aren't detailed in all sources, programs like this often cover up to 400-500% FPL, but BI Cares focuses on limited-income patients with additional proof requirements.[1][2][5] Here's a sample table based on 2026 FPL estimates (verify current FPL at HHS.gov for accuracy): | Household Size | Annual Income Limit (e.g., up to ~400% FPL) | Notes | |----------------|---------------------------------------------|-------| | 1 (Individual) | ~$60,000 | Must prove 3% spend on Rx if Medicare [1] | | 2 (Couple) | ~$81,000 | Household income combined [1][2] | | 3 | ~$102,000 | Adjusted annually [1] | | 4 | ~$123,000 | Add ~$21,000 per additional member [1] | **Notes:** Exact thresholds require contacting the program (1-800-556-8317). Medicare applicants need out-of-pocket Rx cost documentation.[1] ## Insurance Requirements - **Uninsured or underinsured:** Ideal candidates; get meds free if eligible.[2][7] - **Medicare Part D:** Possible if you meet income/spending rules and lack Extra Help/Medicaid. Cannot have other prescription coverage.[1][7] - **Excluded:** Full Medicaid, Extra Help (income ~$22,590 individual in recent years), or commercial insurance covering the drug.[1] If you have insurance but high copays, explore if BI Cares or copay cards via CareConnect4Me apply (cash-pay options for some).[3][6] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Get a Prescription:** Ask your doctor for Micardis HCT and have them complete their section of the application.[1] 2. **Download Application:** Visit boehringer-ingelheim.com patient assistance portal or use forms for Medicare/general program. Links available via RxResource or program site.[1][8][9] 3. **Gather Documents:** - Proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs, SSI/SSDI letters). - Proof of residency (ID, utility bill). - Rx spending proof (receipts/pharmacy statements) if Medicare—must be ≥3% household income.[1] - Insurance details or proof of no coverage. 4. **Complete and Sign:** Patient, doctor, and sometimes pharmacy sign.[1] 5. **Submit:** Mail to Boehringer Ingelheim CARES Foundation, P.O. Box 66745, St. Louis, MO 63166-6745. Fax: 1-866-727-5891. Phone support: 1-800-556-8317 (Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm CST).[1] 6. **Follow Up:** Call to confirm receipt; processing takes weeks.[1] Helpers like Simplefill (877-386-0206) can apply for you.[2] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing Time:** 2-4 weeks typically, but allow 4-6 weeks. Urgent needs? Call program.[1] - **Delivery:** Meds shipped directly to your home or doctor's office (program specifies on approval). Supply often 3-12 months, based on eligibility.[2][5] - **Refills:** Reapply or get reauthorized annually/no set period specified; doctor may need to recertify.[1] ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **Other PAPs:** NeedyMeds, RxAssist, or PAN Foundation for hypertension meds.[7] - **Generic Options:** Telmisartan/HCTZ generics often cheaper; check GoodRx. - **Copay Savings:** BI CareConnect4Me for cash-pay patients.[3][6] - **State Programs:** Medicaid expansion or local aid. - **Simplefill:** Matches you to programs.[2] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on available public data as of 2026. Eligibility, income limits, and covered products can change; always verify directly with Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation (1-800-556-8317) or your healthcare provider. Not medical advice—consult your doctor before starting/stopping Micardis HCT. Boehringer Ingelheim or affiliates not affiliated with this guide.

Program information last verified: March 25, 2026