Tysabri

Indicated For

Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), moderately to severely active Crohn's disease

About This Medication

# Getting Tysabri at Low or No Cost: A Guide to Biogen Support Services --- ## Who Qualifies for the Biogen Support Services? If you need Tysabri (natalizumab) and are struggling to afford it, the **Biogen Support Services** patient assistance program may be able to provide it at little or no cost. Single-person households with an annual income at or below **$90,360** may meet the basic income threshold to qualify. From an insurance standpoint, the program is designed for patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or have commercial insurance that does not adequately cover Tysabri. Some Medicare patients may also qualify depending on their financial situation and whether other coverage options are available to them. Meeting these criteria does not guarantee approval, but many patients who apply do receive meaningful assistance. --- ## About Tysabri (natalizumab) Tysabri (natalizumab) is an FDA-approved prescription medication manufactured by Biogen. It is approved to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and moderately to severely active Crohn's disease. Tysabri belongs to a class of drugs called integrin receptor antagonists and is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion. Because it is a biologic monoclonal antibody, it requires specialized manufacturing processes that make it significantly more expensive than traditional small-molecule drugs. Without insurance or assistance, the out-of-pocket cost of Tysabri can reach tens of thousands of dollars per year, placing it out of reach for many patients who rely on it for ongoing treatment. --- ## Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown Biogen Support Services uses income thresholds set at approximately **600% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**. The table below shows the maximum annual household income allowed by household size: | Household Size | Maximum Annual Income | |---|---| | 1 person | $90,360 | | 2 persons | $122,640 | | 3 persons | $154,920 | | 4 persons | $187,200 | If your household is larger than four people, income limits typically continue to increase at a similar rate per additional person — contact Biogen Support Services directly at **(800) 456-2255** to ask about your specific household size. Income is generally 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 — due to job loss, reduced hours, or other circumstances — you may be able to document your current income using pay stubs rather than a prior-year return. If your income falls above these limits, you are not necessarily out of options. See the **Alternatives** section below for other programs that may still be able to help. --- ## Insurance Requirements Explained Your insurance situation plays an important role in determining eligibility. Here is how the program typically applies to different coverage types: - **If you are uninsured:** You are a strong candidate for the full patient assistance program, which may provide Tysabri at no cost, provided you meet income requirements. - **If you have Medicare Part D:** Most standard patient assistance programs exclude Medicare beneficiaries. However, Biogen Support Services may make exceptions for Medicare patients who meet specific financial criteria and have no other viable coverage options. Call **(800) 456-2255** to discuss your situation directly with a program specialist. - **If you have private insurance that covers Tysabri only partially or not at all:** You may still qualify for the patient assistance program. Underinsured patients — including those whose plan excludes Tysabri or imposes very high cost-sharing — are explicitly included in this program's eligibility criteria. - **If you have Medicaid:** Medicaid typically covers Tysabri for eligible patients. If Medicaid is covering your medication, you would not generally qualify for the patient assistance program, though you may want to confirm your specific plan's coverage with your state Medicaid office. --- ## Step-by-Step: How to Apply Follow these steps to apply for Tysabri through Biogen Support Services: 1. **Confirm basic eligibility.** Review the income table and insurance requirements above to see if you are likely to qualify before beginning your application. 2. **Gather your documents.** You will need: - A completed Biogen Support Services Enrollment Form - Proof of household income (prior-year tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs) - A valid Tysabri prescription from your healthcare provider - Copies of any insurance cards, if you have coverage 3. **Get your prescriber involved.** Your doctor or their office staff will typically need to sign the enrollment form. Many prescriber offices are familiar with this process and can assist you. 4. **Choose your application method.** You can apply in one of three ways: - **Online:** Visit [https://www.tysabri.com/en_us/home/support-services.html](https://www.tysabri.com/en_us/home/support-services.html) to start an electronic application. - **By phone:** Call **(800) 456-2255** to speak with a program representative who can walk you through the process. - **By fax:** Submit your completed paperwork to **(866) 304-4555**. 5. **Follow up after submission.** Processing typically takes **2 to 5 business days**. Keep a copy of everything you submit. 6. **Await confirmation.** Once approved, Biogen will notify you and your prescriber. If you have questions during this period, call the support line. --- ## What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery After you submit a complete application, Biogen Support Services typically processes it within **2 to 5 business days**. You will receive confirmation of your approval status, as will your prescribing physician's office. Approved medication is **shipped directly to your prescriber or infusion center**, not to your home — this is standard for IV-infused biologics that require clinical administration. You do not need to pick up or handle the medication yourself. Your prescriber's office will schedule your infusion appointment once the medication has been received. Your enrollment must be **renewed annually**. Biogen will typically prompt you and your prescriber before your authorization expires, but it is a good idea to track your renewal date and initiate the reauthorization process early to avoid a gap in therapy. --- ## Alternatives If You Don't Qualify If you do not meet the requirements for the Biogen Support Services patient assistance program, several other options are worth exploring: 1. **Biosimilar alternatives:** Tyruko is an FDA-approved biosimilar to Tysabri and may be available at a lower cost. Ask your doctor whether it may be appropriate for your treatment plan. 2. **Manufacturer savings card:** If you have commercial insurance, Biogen offers a savings card program that can reduce your out-of-pocket costs for Tysabri. Visit [https://www.tysabri.com/en_us/home/support-services/financial-support.html](https://www.tysabri.com/en_us/home/support-services/financial-support.html) for current details. 3. **State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs):** Many states offer their own drug assistance programs, some of which cover biologics. Eligibility and benefits vary by state. Contact your state health department or insurance commissioner's office to learn what is available where you live. 4. **NeedyMeds.org:** This free, independent database lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, disease-based funds, and co-pay assistance options. It is a useful starting point if you need to explore multiple avenues at once. --- > *This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Eligibility determinations are made solely by Biogen. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.tysabri.com/financial-support](https://www.tysabri.com/financial-support) before applying.* ---

Program information last verified: February 27, 2026