Ocrevus

Indicated For

Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS), Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS)

About This Medication

# How to Get Help Paying for Ocrevus Through the Genentech Patient Foundation ## Who Qualifies for the Genentech Patient Foundation? If you take Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) for multiple sclerosis and struggle to afford it, you may be able to get it at no cost through the **Genentech Patient Foundation**. This program is open to patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or facing high out-of-pocket costs — including some patients on Medicare. To qualify on income alone, a single-person household must earn no more than **$75,300 per year**. Larger households may qualify at higher income levels. You do not need to be completely without insurance to apply — patients with coverage that leaves them with unmanageable costs may still be eligible. RX Advantages can help you determine whether this program is the right fit for your situation before you begin the application process. --- ## About Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) Ocrevus is a prescription infusion medication manufactured by Genentech. It is FDA-approved to treat **relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS)** and **primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS)**. Ocrevus belongs to a drug class called CD20-directed cytolytic antibodies. It is administered by intravenous infusion, typically at a healthcare facility, twice per year after an initial dosing period. Because it is a biologic medication — meaning it is derived from living cells rather than simple chemicals — it is significantly more expensive than many other prescription drugs. Without insurance or financial assistance, the annual cost of Ocrevus can reach tens of thousands of dollars, making patient assistance programs a critical resource for many patients. --- ## Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown The Genentech Patient Foundation uses household size and annual income to determine eligibility. The program generally requires that your income fall below **500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**, which works out to roughly **$150,000** or less for most households. The specific limits by household size are: | 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**, a **W-2 form**, or **three months of recent pay stubs**. If your income has changed significantly since last year — for example, due to job loss or reduced hours — you may be able to use pay stubs that better reflect your current situation. If your income is above these limits, you may still have options. Genentech reviews applications on a case-by-case basis in some situations, and high medical expenses may sometimes be taken into account. See the "Alternatives If You Don't Qualify" section below for additional resources. --- ## Insurance Requirements Explained Your insurance status plays a major role in how the Genentech Patient Foundation evaluates your application. Here is how different situations are typically handled: - **If you are uninsured:** You are generally eligible to apply and may receive Ocrevus at no cost, provided you meet the income requirements. - **If you have Medicare Part D:** You may still qualify. The Genentech Patient Foundation does accept some patients with government-sponsored insurance, including Medicare, when additional criteria are met. High out-of-pocket costs despite coverage may support your eligibility. - **If you have private insurance that covers Ocrevus partially or has denied coverage:** You may qualify as "underinsured." Patients whose private insurance has denied coverage for Ocrevus can apply and may receive assistance based on their income and circumstances. - **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 your Medicaid plan has denied coverage for Ocrevus specifically, contact Genentech directly to discuss your options. --- ## Step-by-Step: How to Apply Follow these steps to apply for the Genentech Patient Foundation program for Ocrevus: 1. **Gather your documents.** You will need: proof of household income (such as a recent tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs), a valid prescription for Ocrevus from your doctor, and the completed Genentech Patient Foundation enrollment form signed by both you and your prescriber. 2. **Download or request the enrollment form.** Visit the program page at [https://www.genentech-access.com/patient/brands/ocrevus.html](https://www.genentech-access.com/patient/brands/ocrevus.html) to find the form, or call **(888) 941-2431** to request one by phone. 3. **Complete the form with your prescriber.** Both your signature and your prescriber's signature are required. Your prescriber's office may be familiar with this process and can often assist. 4. **Choose your submission method.** You have multiple ways to apply: - **Online:** Submit at [https://www.genentechpatientfoundation.com/](https://www.genentechpatientfoundation.com/) - **By phone:** Call **(888) 941-2431** for assistance - **By fax:** Send your completed documents to **(877) 231-5214** 5. **Track your application.** After submission, Genentech typically completes its review within **two business days**. You or your prescriber's office may be contacted if additional information is needed. 6. **Confirm approval with your prescriber's office.** Once approved, Genentech will coordinate delivery directly with your prescriber. --- ## What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery After you submit a complete application, Genentech's standard review time is approximately **two business days**. You will be notified of the decision, and your prescriber's office will typically receive confirmation as well. If approved, Ocrevus is **shipped directly to your prescriber or infusion center** — not to your home. This is expected, since Ocrevus is an infusion medication that must be administered by a healthcare professional. You do not need to pick up or handle the medication yourself. Approval is valid for **one year**. Before your approval period ends, you will need to reauthorize your enrollment by submitting updated income documentation and a renewed application. Staying on top of this annual renewal helps prevent any gap in your medication access. --- ## Alternatives If You Don't Qualify If you do not qualify for the Genentech Patient Foundation, there are other options worth exploring: 1. **Biosimilars:** As of the time this guide was written, there are **no FDA-approved biosimilar versions of Ocrevus** available. This may change in the future, so check with your pharmacist or doctor for updates. 2. **Manufacturer savings card:** If you have commercial (private) insurance, Genentech offers a **copay savings card** for Ocrevus. Eligible patients may pay less out of pocket for each infusion. Apply or learn more at [https://www.ocrevuscopay.com/](https://www.ocrevuscopay.com/). 3. **State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs):** Many states offer their own drug assistance programs for residents who do not qualify for manufacturer programs. These are especially common for Medicare beneficiaries. Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for guidance. 4. **NeedyMeds.org:** This free, independent database at [https://www.needymeds.org](https://www.needymeds.org) lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, disease-specific funds, and other cost-reduction resources. It is a helpful starting point if other options fall through. --- > *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/ocrevus.html](https://www.genentech-access.com/patient/brands/ocrevus.html) before applying.* ---

Program information last verified: February 27, 2026