TECARTUS

Indicated For

Mantle cell lymphoma, Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

About This Medication

# Kite Konnect Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get TECARTUS (brexucabtagene autoleucel) at Low or No Cost TECARTUS (brexucabtagene autoleucel) is a CAR T-cell therapy used to treat certain types of blood cancers, and the **Kite Konnect Patient Assistance Program** helps eligible uninsured or underinsured patients receive it at no cost.[4][5] This guide explains eligibility, the application process, and support options in simple terms to help you access this life-saving treatment. ## About TECARTUS **TECARTUS** is an innovative cell therapy approved by the FDA for adults with relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and certain pediatric or young adult patients with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).[5] It works by modifying your own T-cells (a type of immune cell) in a lab to target and attack cancer cells. The process involves collecting your cells (leukapheresis), engineering them, and infusing them back after conditioning chemotherapy. Treatment happens at an **Authorized Treatment Center (ATC)**, and Kite Konnect helps connect you to these centers.[3][4] This therapy can be expensive—often hundreds of thousands of dollars—but the Patient Assistance Program aims to remove financial barriers for those who qualify.[4][5] Always discuss with your doctor if TECARTUS is right for you, as it has serious risks like cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurological toxicities. See the full Prescribing Information for details.[6] ## Who Qualifies for the Program? The **Kite Konnect Patient Assistance Program** is for **eligible prescribed patients** who are **uninsured or underinsured**.[4][5] Key requirements include: - U.S. citizen or legal resident (including Puerto Rico).[5] - Limited or no insurance coverage.[5] - Household income meeting program guidelines (specific thresholds not publicly detailed; case-by-case review applies).[5] - Valid prescription for TECARTUS from a licensed U.S. healthcare provider for an FDA-approved use.[5] - Treatment at an Authorized Treatment Center.[3][4] The program covers **Medicare, Medicaid, underinsured, and uninsured** patients, making it accessible for those with government insurance or high out-of-pocket costs.[5] It's needs-based, so financial hardship is key—no coverage is required.[5] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Exact income thresholds are not publicly listed and depend on household size, medical expenses, and insurance status—Kite evaluates applications individually.[5] Here's a general overview based on similar programs and available info: | Household Size | Estimated Max Income (300% FPL)* | Notes | |---------------|--------------------------------|-------| | 1 person | ~$43,740 | Adjusts for medical costs; call for exacts.[5] | | 2 people | ~$59,160 | Uninsured/underinsured focus.[4] | | 3 people | ~$74,580 | Needs-based review.[5] | | 4 people | ~$90,000 | Larger families may qualify higher.[5] | | 5+ people | Add ~$15,000 per person | Contact Kite for personalized assessment.[3] | *Federal Poverty Level (FPL) estimates for 2026; program may use 400-500% FPL or flexible criteria. Confirm via phone.[5] If your income is above typical limits but you have high medical debts, you may still qualify. ## Insurance Requirements - **Uninsured**: Fully eligible if other criteria met—receive TECARTUS at **no cost**.[4][5] - **Underinsured**: High copays/deductibles? Program helps cover gaps.[4] - **Medicare/Medicaid**: Eligible; Kite offers reimbursement support, benefits investigations, and appeals help.[3][4][5] - **Commercial/Private Insurance**: May qualify if underinsured; not for well-insured patients.[5] Kite Konnect provides **free benefits investigations** to check coverage and copay options before applying for assistance.[4][6] No insurance? No problem—the program bridges the gap.[5] ## Step-by-Step Application Process Applying is straightforward with **multiple methods**—start by calling or having your doctor refer you.[3][5] 1. **Talk to Your Doctor**: Get a TECARTUS prescription and discuss ATC options. Your doctor submits a referral via Kite Konnect.[3] 2. **Contact Kite Konnect**: Call **1-844-454-KITE (5483)**, Monday–Friday, 5 AM–6 PM PT. A **Case Manager** or **Patient Navigator** guides you.[3][4][5] 3. **Enroll**: Provide patient info, prescription, proof of residency, income docs (e.g., tax returns, pay stubs), and insurance details (if any).[5] 4. **Benefits Check**: Kite investigates insurance and confirms eligibility (free service).[4] 5. **Approval**: If approved, Kite coordinates cell collection, manufacturing, and infusion at an ATC.[3] 6. **Logistics Help**: Free transportation/lodging for eligible patients/caregivers.[4] Visit KiteKonnect.com for providers to start.[2] Spanish speakers? Support available. ## Timeline and Delivery - **Referral to Enrollment**: Days, depending on doctor submission.[3] - **Eligibility Review**: Typically 5-10 business days; Kite acknowledges expanded access requests in 5 days.[9] - **Cell Collection to Infusion**: 3-5 weeks (leukapheresis, manufacturing, shipping to ATC).[3] - **Delivery**: TECARTUS cells shipped directly to your ATC for infusion. Track via Kite Konnect portal.[3] Your Case Manager provides updates. Total from referral to treatment: 4-8 weeks, but varies.[3] ## Alternatives if Denied - **Appeal**: Request review with more docs.[4] - **Third-Party Nonprofits**: Kite connects to independent orgs for financial aid (eligibility varies).[6] - **Other Foundations**: Check ACCC Patient Assistance Guide or similar for CAR T support.[7] - **Clinical Trials/Expanded Access**: Ask about Kite trials or compassionate use.[9] - **Payer Coverage**: Use Kite's map for insurance-specific help.[6] Denied? Your Case Manager explores options like logistics or reimbursement appeals.[4] ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available data as of 2026 and is not medical/financial advice.[1][5] Eligibility, terms, and availability can change—**always verify with Kite Konnect at 1-844-454-5483**.[3] Program may no longer be available per some sources; confirm status.[5] Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Kite makes no guarantees on reimbursement.[6] See TECARTUS Prescribing Info for risks/benefits.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026