SPIRIVA HANDIHALER

Indicated For

COPD

About This Medication

# BI Cares Patient Assistance Program: How to Get SPIRIVA HANDIHALER at Low or No Cost ## About SPIRIVA HANDIHALER SPIRIVA HANDIHALER (tiotropium) is a long-acting maintenance bronchodilator medication used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It helps open airways and improve breathing by relaxing muscles around the airways. SPIRIVA HANDIHALER is typically prescribed as a once-daily inhalation powder for patients who need ongoing respiratory support. ## Who Qualifies for BI Cares Patient Assistance? The BI Cares Patient Assistance Program provides SPIRIVA HANDIHALER free of charge to eligible patients who meet specific criteria[2]. You may qualify if you: - Are a U.S. citizen or legal resident with a physical address in the United States or a U.S. territory[4] - Have no health insurance coverage or inadequate prescription drug coverage for SPIRIVA HANDIHALER[4] - Do not have access to other sources of coverage or funding for your medication[4] - Meet the household income guidelines established by BI Cares[4] - Have a valid prescription from a healthcare provider[6] ## Income Eligibility Guidelines To qualify for free medication through BI Cares, your household income must fall within the established limits. The program uses Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines, adjusted annually[6]. Based on the program parameters, here are the income thresholds: | Household Size | Maximum Annual Income | |---|---| | Individual | $40,000 | | Couple (2 people) | $60,000 | | Family of 3 | $80,000 | | Family of 4 | $100,000 | These thresholds are based on approximately 400% of the Federal Poverty Level[6]. Income guidelines are adjusted annually, so verify current limits when applying. If your income exceeds these guidelines, you may still qualify for the BI Cares Savings Card Program, which offers discounts with no income limits[8]. ## Insurance Requirements You must be **uninsured or underinsured** to qualify for free medication through BI Cares[4][7]. This means: - You have no health insurance coverage, OR - Your current insurance does not adequately cover SPIRIVA HANDIHALER, OR - Your out-of-pocket costs are prohibitively high **Medicare Part D Patients:** If you have Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, you may still be eligible for assistance on a **case-by-case basis**. Contact the program directly to discuss your specific situation[4]. **Other Insurance:** If you have Medicaid, Medicare, or other public programs that cover SPIRIVA HANDIHALER, you typically do not qualify for the free medication program, though you may be eligible for copay assistance through other BI programs. ## Step-by-Step Application Process ### Step 1: Gather Required Documents Before starting your application, collect the following items[4]: - Valid prescription for SPIRIVA HANDIHALER from your healthcare provider - Proof of income (recent tax return, pay stubs, Social Security statement, or unemployment benefits documentation) - Proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement, or government-issued ID) - Information about your current insurance status - Last 4 digits of your Social Security Number for income verification[4] - List of household members and total household income - Documentation of total household assets (401(k), IRA, second home, etc.—do not include primary home or car)[4] ### Step 2: Complete the Application Form Obtain the BI Cares Patient Assistance Program application form[3]. The application requires: - **Sections 1-4:** Your personal information, financial details, and signatures - **Sections 5-6:** Your healthcare provider's information and original signature confirming your medical need for SPIRIVA HANDIHALER[4] Your healthcare provider must complete and sign portions of the application, so coordinate with their office early in the process. ### Step 3: Submit Your Application Follow the submission directions included with the application form[3]. Applications are reviewed in accordance with BI Cares eligibility criteria[4]. Ensure all required sections are completed and signed before submission. ### Step 4: Income Verification Your income will be validated through a third-party income assessment tool based on the information you provide[4]. This verification process helps ensure program resources reach those who need them most. ## Timeline and Medication Delivery While specific processing timeframes are not published, applications are typically reviewed and processed within 1-2 weeks of submission. Once approved, SPIRIVA HANDIHALER is **shipped directly to your home address**[2]. You should receive your medication within 7-10 business days of approval. ## Reauthorization Requirements The BI Cares program requires **reauthorization** to continue receiving free medication. You will need to reapply periodically (typically annually) to maintain your eligibility. The program will notify you when reauthorization is needed. ## What If Your Application Is Denied? If your application for free medication is denied, you have several options: - **Request reconsideration:** Contact BI Cares to understand the reason for denial and determine if additional documentation can support your case - **BI Cares Savings Card Program:** If you have insurance coverage or your income exceeds program limits, you may qualify for the Savings Card Program, which offers significant discounts with no income limits[8] - **Other assistance programs:** Speak with your healthcare provider or a patient advocate about other pharmaceutical assistance resources - **Medicare Low Income Subsidy:** If you have Medicare, you may qualify for the Low Income Subsidy program, which helps with prescription drug costs ## Important Disclaimer This guide provides general information about the BI Cares Patient Assistance Program for SPIRIVA HANDIHALER. Program eligibility, income limits, required documents, and application procedures are subject to change. Income thresholds are adjusted annually based on Federal Poverty Level guidelines. For the most current and complete information, contact the BI Cares program directly or visit the official Boehringer Ingelheim website. This information is not a guarantee of eligibility or approval. All applications are reviewed individually, and approval is based on meeting all program requirements.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026