Ziagen

Indicated For

HIV-1

About This Medication

# ViiVConnect Patient Guide: How to Get Ziagen (Abacavir) at Low or No Cost ## About This Program ViiVConnect is ViiV Healthcare's patient assistance program designed to help eligible patients access their HIV medications, including Ziagen (abacavir), at reduced or no cost. ViiV Healthcare operates two main assistance options: the ViiVConnect Patient Savings Program for commercially insured patients and the ViiV Healthcare Patient Assistance Program for uninsured patients. This guide focuses on both pathways to help you understand your options. ## What Is Ziagen (Abacavir)? Ziagen is an antiretroviral medication used as part of combination therapy to treat HIV infection. It belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Ziagen is typically prescribed as part of a complete HIV treatment regimen and helps reduce the viral load in your body. ## Who Qualifies for ViiVConnect Assistance? Eligibility depends on which program pathway you pursue: ### ViiVConnect Patient Savings Program (For Commercially Insured Patients) You may qualify if you: - Have active commercial insurance that covers Ziagen - Reside in one of the 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C., or Puerto Rico - Are not enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs, or TRICARE - Are not enrolled in AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) or other state/federal government-funded health plans This program helps reduce your out-of-pocket costs, potentially bringing your copay down to $0 per fill. ### ViiV Healthcare Patient Assistance Program (For Uninsured Patients) You may qualify if you: - Are uninsured or have no prescription drug coverage - Reside in one of the 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C., or Puerto Rico - Meet financial income eligibility criteria (see income table below) - Are not enrolled in Medicaid, ADAP, or other federal/state government-funded health plans (with limited Medicare exceptions) - Have a medically appropriate HIV diagnosis This program offers medications at no cost to qualifying patients. ## Income Eligibility Requirements If you're applying for the ViiV Healthcare Patient Assistance Program (uninsured pathway), your household income must not exceed the following thresholds for the 48 states and Washington D.C.: | Household Size | Maximum Annual Gross Income | |---|---| | 1 person | $78,250 | | 2 people | $105,750 | | 3 people | $133,250 | | 4 people | $160,750 | | Each additional person | Add $27,500 | Income limits are higher for Puerto Rico and Alaska. If your income exceeds these thresholds, you may still qualify by demonstrating significant medical expenses. Contact the program directly for details about your specific situation. ## Insurance Requirements **For the ViiVConnect Patient Savings Program:** You must have commercial insurance that actively covers Ziagen. This program is not available if your commercial insurance does not cover the medication. **For the ViiV Healthcare Patient Assistance Program:** You must be uninsured or have no prescription drug coverage. However, patients with Medicare Part A, B, D, or Medicare Advantage may be eligible if they meet other program requirements. **Important:** If you receive insurance through ADAP (AIDS Drug Assistance Program) or PrEP DAP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Drug Assistance Program), you may be eligible for the ViiVConnect Patient Savings Program if that insurance covers your medication. ## How to Apply: Step-by-Step ### Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility Path Decide whether you're applying through the commercially insured pathway or the uninsured pathway based on your insurance status. ### Step 2: Gather Required Documents Prepare the following: - A valid prescription for Ziagen from your healthcare provider - Proof of income (recent tax return, pay stubs, or benefit statements) - Proof of residency (utility bill or lease agreement) - Insurance card (if commercially insured) or documentation of uninsured status ### Step 3: Contact the Program Call the ViiV Healthcare Patient Assistance Program at **(844) 588-3288** (toll-free). Representatives are available Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET. Language interpretation services are available. You can request an application by phone, or visit **viivpap.org** to download an application online. ### Step 4: Complete and Submit Your Application Fill out the application form completely and attach all required documentation. You can submit your application by: - Fax: (844) 208-7676 - Mail: Contact the program for the mailing address - Online: Through viivpap.org if available ### Step 5: Await Approval The program will review your application and contact you with a decision. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days, though this may vary. ### Step 6: Receive Your Medication Once approved, you'll receive instructions on how to access your medication. For the Patient Savings Program, you'll receive a ViiVConnect card to use at your pharmacy. For the Patient Assistance Program, medications are typically sent directly to you or your pharmacy. ## Timeline and Delivery **Application Processing:** Most applications are reviewed within 5–10 business days. Some applications may require additional documentation, which could extend the timeline. **Medication Delivery:** Once approved, medications are typically available within 1–2 weeks. The exact timeline depends on your pharmacy and delivery method. **Retroactive Coverage:** The ViiVConnect Patient Savings Program may apply to eligible out-of-pocket costs you incurred within 180 calendar days before your enrollment date, subject to annual program maximums. ## Annual Savings Limits The ViiVConnect Patient Savings Program provides a maximum of **$7,500 in annual savings** per patient. Once you reach this limit, you'll be responsible for any additional out-of-pocket costs for the remainder of that calendar year. ## What If Your Application Is Denied? If your application is denied, you have several options: 1. **Request clarification:** Contact the program to understand why you were denied and whether you can provide additional information. 2. **Appeal:** Ask if you can submit an appeal with additional documentation. 3. **Explore alternatives:** Inquire about other ViiV Healthcare assistance programs or patient resources. 4. **Contact your healthcare provider:** Your doctor may have information about other assistance programs or resources. 5. **Seek community resources:** Local HIV/AIDS organizations often have information about additional financial assistance programs. ## Reauthorization and Ongoing Coverage Once enrolled in the ViiVConnect Patient Savings Program, your coverage continues unless: - You opt out of the program - Your insurance coverage changes such that you no longer meet eligibility requirements - Your prescription for Ziagen is discontinued For the ViiV Healthcare Patient Assistance Program, you may need to reauthorize annually or if your financial circumstances change significantly. The program will notify you of any reauthorization requirements. ## Important Disclaimers - ViiVConnect programs are not health insurance and do not replace your health coverage. - All programs are subject to eligibility requirements and terms and conditions. - The ViiV Healthcare Patient Assistance Program is operated by the GSK Patient Access Programs Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization separate from ViiV Healthcare. - Always maintain communication with your healthcare provider about your treatment plan and any changes to your medication access. - If you experience side effects or have concerns about Ziagen, contact your healthcare provider immediately. ## Additional Resources - **ViiVConnect Website:** viivconnect.com - **ViiV Patient Assistance Program:** viivpap.org - **Phone Support:** (844) 588-3288 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET) - **To Report Side Effects:** Contact ViiV Healthcare at 1-877-844-8872 or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 ## Next Steps If you believe you qualify for ViiVConnect assistance, take action today: 1. Call **(844) 588-3288** to speak with a representative 2. Ask questions about your specific situation 3. Request an application 4. Gather your required documents 5. Submit your application Don't delay—assistance is available to help you access the medication you need.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026