Pradaxa

Indicated For

Atrial Fibrillation, VTE

About This Medication

# Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program (BI-PAP) Patient Guide: How to Get Pradaxa (dabigatran) at Low or No Cost This guide explains how to apply for **free Pradaxa (dabigatran)** through the **Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program (BI-PAP)**, also called Boehringer Cares. It's designed for U.S. patients struggling with costs, offering the medication at no charge if you qualify[3][4][6]. Pradaxa is an anticoagulant (blood thinner) used to prevent strokes in people with atrial fibrillation, treat blood clots, or reduce clot risk after hip or knee surgery[1][5]. ## Who Qualifies for BI-PAP? Eligibility focuses on residency, insurance status, income, and lack of other funding. You must: - Live at a physical U.S. address or U.S. territory[4][7]. - Lack health coverage or have insufficient coverage for Pradaxa (underinsured)[4][6][7]. - Have no access to other coverage or funding sources[4]. - Meet **household income guidelines** set by BI Cares (specific Federal Poverty Level (FPL) percentages not publicly detailed; proof required)[4][5][7]. **Medicare Part D patients may qualify**—contact the program for details, especially if denied Low-Income Subsidy[4][6]. ## About Pradaxa (dabigatran) **Pradaxa** is a prescription direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that inhibits thrombin to prevent harmful blood clots. It's commonly prescribed for: - Reducing stroke and embolism risk in non-valvular atrial fibrillation. - Treating deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). - Preventing clots post-hip or knee replacement. Unlike warfarin, it doesn't require routine blood tests but has risks like bleeding—discuss with your doctor. BI-PAP covers Pradaxa for eligible patients[1][3][4][5]. ## Income Eligibility Breakdown BI-PAP uses household income guidelines based on Federal Poverty Levels (FPL), though exact percentages (e.g., 400% FPL) aren't specified in public sources—submit proof for review[4][5][7]. Common thresholds for similar programs are up to 400-500% FPL, but confirm via application. | Household Size | Estimated Max Annual Income (2026, approx. 400% FPL)* | |----------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 1 (Individual) | $60,000 | | 2 (Couple) | $81,000 | | 3 | $102,000 | | 4 | $123,000 | *Estimates; actuals vary. Provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or benefit letters[4][5]. ## Insurance Requirements - **Uninsured or underinsured**: No coverage or coverage doesn't cover Pradaxa fully[4][6][7]. - **Medicare**: Part D enrollees may qualify if coverage is inadequate or Low-Income Subsidy denied (attach denial letter)[4][6]. - No alternate funding sources allowed[4]. ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Get the form**: Download from Boehringer Ingelheim's site (English/Spanish interactive PDFs)[2][6]. Search "Boehringer Cares Patient Assistance Program Application". 2. **Complete Sections 1-4**: Patient info, income, insurance, signature[4][5]. 3. **Doctor completes Sections 5-6**: Prescription, diagnosis, original signature[4]. 4. **Gather documents**: Proof of income (pay stubs, W-2s, SSI/SSDI letters), proof of residency, Medicare denial if applicable[4][5]. 5. **Submit**: Fax to 1-866-851-2827 or mail to Boehringer Ingelheim CARES Foundation, PO Box 66745 (check form)[4][5]. 6. **Optional help**: Use services like Simplefill (call 877-386-0206) for application support[7]. ## Timeline and Delivery Processing time not specified—expect 2-4 weeks based on similar programs; follow up if needed. Approved meds **shipped free to your U.S. address** (doctor's office option rare)[1][3][4]. Refills require reauthorization[4]. ## Alternatives if Denied - **Appeal**: Contact program for reasons and resubmit[3]. - **Other PAPs**: Check RxAssist.org or NeedyMeds for Pradaxa alternatives[6]. - **Generic dabigatran**: Cheaper option if available; discuss with doctor. - **State programs**: Medicaid, Extra Help for Medicare. - **Copay cards**: Boehringer's CareConnect4Me for insured patients[8]. - **Simplefill**: Matches other assistance[7]. No biosimilars for Pradaxa listed. ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on publicly available data as of 2026. Eligibility, forms, and rules can change—**verify directly with Boehringer Ingelheim Cares** (via portal or fax)[1][2][3]. Not medical/financial advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting/stopping Pradaxa. BI-PAP doesn't guarantee approval; all applications reviewed case-by-case[4]. Word count: 942.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026