Tagrisso

AstraZeneca Patient Assistance Program: How to Get Tagrisso (Osimertinib) at Low or No Cost

About This Guide

Tagrisso (osimertinib) is a targeted therapy medication used to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer. If you've been prescribed Tagrisso but are concerned about the cost, AstraZeneca offers a patient assistance program to help eligible patients access this medication at reduced or no cost.

What is Tagrisso?

Tagrisso is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) designed to target specific mutations in lung cancer cells. It's used as a first-line treatment for patients with EGFR-mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer and as a maintenance therapy after chemotherapy. Because Tagrisso is a specialty medication, it can be expensive, which is why manufacturer assistance programs are crucial for many patients.

Who Qualifies for Assistance?

While specific income thresholds for AstraZeneca's program are not currently available in our database, most pharmaceutical patient assistance programs consider factors including:

• Your household income
• Family size
• Current insurance status
• Employment situation
• Other financial obligations

Generally, these programs serve uninsured and underinsured patients, though some programs extend to insured patients with high out-of-pocket costs. The best way to determine your eligibility is to contact AstraZeneca directly or work with your healthcare provider's patient advocate.

Income Eligibility Overview

While exact thresholds are pending, most manufacturer programs use federal poverty level (FPL) guidelines as a reference. Here's a general framework:

Note: These are estimates. Contact AstraZeneca for precise eligibility criteria.

Insurance Requirements

AstraZeneca's patient assistance program typically serves:

• Uninsured patients: Those without any health insurance coverage
• Underinsured patients: Those with insurance but facing high copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles
• Medicare patients: May be eligible depending on coverage gaps
• Medicaid patients: Eligibility varies by state

If you have insurance, the program may require that your insurance be billed first, with AstraZeneca assistance covering remaining costs.

How to Apply

To apply for AstraZeneca's patient assistance program for Tagrisso:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Prepare documentation that may include:

• Proof of income (recent tax returns, pay stubs, or benefit statements)
• Proof of citizenship or residency
• Proof of insurance status (or lack thereof)
• Prescription from your oncologist
• Photo identification

Step 2: Contact the Program

Reach out to AstraZeneca through their patient assistance program. Your oncologist's office, hospital social worker, or patient advocate can often help facilitate this process.

Step 3: Complete the Application

You'll complete an application form providing demographic and financial information. This can typically be done by phone, mail, or online, depending on the program's current processes.

Step 4: Submit Documentation

Provide the required supporting documents to verify your eligibility.

Step 5: Await Approval

AstraZeneca will review your application and notify you of approval status.

Step 6: Receive Your Medication

Once approved, Tagrisso will be shipped directly to you or your pharmacy, typically at no cost or significantly reduced cost.

Timeline and Delivery

Processing times for patient assistance applications typically range from several business days to a few weeks, depending on:

• Completeness of your application
• Verification of documents
• Current program volume

Once approved, medication is usually delivered within 1-2 weeks. Many programs offer direct-to-patient shipping or can coordinate with your pharmacy.

Reauthorization and Refills

Patient assistance programs typically require periodic reauthorization to ensure continued eligibility. You may need to:

• Resubmit financial documentation annually
• Confirm your continued need for the medication
• Update any changes in insurance or income

Your healthcare provider or the program coordinator will notify you when reauthorization is needed.

What If Your Application Is Denied?

If you're denied assistance, consider:

1. Appeal the decision: Ask why you were denied and whether you can provide additional information
2. Explore other resources: Look into state pharmaceutical assistance programs, nonprofit organizations, or disease-specific foundations
3. Discuss with your oncologist: They may have additional resources or alternative treatment options
4. Contact a patient advocate: Hospital social workers can help identify other funding sources

Biosimilar and Alternative Options

If Tagrisso is not accessible through patient assistance, discuss with your oncologist whether other EGFR-targeted therapies might be appropriate and potentially more affordable.

Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about patient assistance programs. Specific eligibility criteria, income thresholds, required documents, and program details change periodically. Always verify current program requirements directly with AstraZeneca or your healthcare provider. This information is not a guarantee of eligibility or assistance. Consult with your healthcare team and a financial counselor for personalized guidance.

Getting Help

Don't navigate this alone. Your oncology team, hospital social workers, and patient advocacy organizations specializing in lung cancer can provide invaluable support in accessing Tagrisso through patient assistance programs.