What Is the BI Cares Patient Assistance Program?
Boehringer Ingelheim manufactures some of the most widely prescribed medications in the United States, including Jardiance, Ofev, and Spiriva. For patients without adequate insurance coverage, the retail cost of these drugs can exceed $500 per month. The BI Cares Patient Assistance Program was created to bridge that gap, providing eligible patients with their medications at no cost.
Since its launch, the program has helped hundreds of thousands of Americans maintain access to critical therapies. Unlike manufacturer coupons that simply reduce a copay, the BI Cares Patient Assistance Program supplies the actual medication directly, making it one of the most generous patient assistance programs in the pharmaceutical industry. If you are struggling to pay for a Boehringer Ingelheim product, this guide walks you through every step of the process.
Medications Covered Under BI Cares
The program covers a broad portfolio of Boehringer Ingelheim brand-name drugs. Some of the most commonly requested medications include:
- Jardiance (empagliflozin) — used for type 2 diabetes and heart failure, with a retail price around $570 for a 30-day supply
- Ofev (nintedanib) — prescribed for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, costing upward of $9,000 per month
- Spiriva (tiotropium) — a long-acting inhaler for COPD, typically priced between $400 and $500
- Tradjenta (linagliptin) — a DPP-4 inhibitor for type 2 diabetes
- Stiolto Respimat — a combination inhaler for COPD maintenance
Coverage extends to most products in the Boehringer Ingelheim U.S. portfolio. Because the formulary can change, you should confirm your specific medication is included when you apply. The full list is available on the official BI Cares website at boehringer-ingelheim.com.
Eligibility Requirements
The BI Cares Patient Assistance Program is designed for patients who lack prescription drug coverage and meet certain income thresholds. To qualify, you generally need to satisfy the following criteria:
- You must be a legal U.S. resident.
- You must not have prescription drug insurance, including Medicare Part D, Medicaid, or VA benefits. Some exceptions exist for Medicare Part D enrollees who fall into the coverage gap.
- Your annual household income must fall at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For a single individual in 2026, that threshold is approximately $62,400. For a family of four, it is roughly $129,000.
Patients enrolled in Medicare Part D who have reached the donut hole may qualify for a separate Boehringer Ingelheim assistance track. If you are unsure whether your coverage situation makes you eligible, the program’s support line can walk you through the details at 1-800-556-8317.
How to Apply for the BI Cares Program
The application process is straightforward but does require involvement from your prescribing physician. Here is how it works step by step.
Step 1: Download the Application
Visit the Boehringer Ingelheim patient assistance page or call 1-800-556-8317 to request an application. The form is also available through third-party resources like NeedyMeds.org and RxAssist.org.
Step 2: Complete Patient and Income Sections
Fill in your personal information, insurance status, and household income. You will need to provide proof of income, which can include a recent tax return, Social Security benefits statement, or pay stubs covering the most recent 30 days.
Step 3: Physician Certification
Your doctor must complete and sign the prescriber section of the form. This portion includes the medication name, dosage, and a statement confirming medical necessity. Many physician offices are familiar with the BI Cares Patient Assistance Program and can process this quickly.
Step 4: Submit and Wait
Mail or fax the completed application to Boehringer Ingelheim. Processing typically takes two to four weeks. Once approved, your medication is shipped directly to your physician’s office, where you pick it up at no charge.
What Happens After Approval
Approval is generally granted for a defined period, often 12 months. During that time, you receive your medication through your doctor’s office at no cost. Near the end of your enrollment period, you will need to reapply by submitting updated income verification and a renewal form.
If your circumstances change during the year, such as gaining insurance coverage or a significant income increase, you are required to notify the program. Continuing to receive free medication when you no longer qualify could jeopardize future eligibility.
Medication shipments usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days after each refill request is processed. Your physician’s office coordinates the refill schedule, so maintaining regular appointments helps prevent gaps in your supply.
BI Cares vs. Other Savings Options
The BI Cares program is not the only way to reduce costs on Boehringer Ingelheim products. Understanding how it compares to other options helps you choose the best path.
- Manufacturer copay cards: Boehringer Ingelheim offers copay savings cards for commercially insured patients. These can reduce out-of-pocket costs to as low as $10 per month but are not available to Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries.
- Pharmacy discount cards: Services like GoodRx and RxSaver negotiate lower cash prices at retail pharmacies. For Jardiance, discount card prices often land between $480 and $530, which is still expensive for most uninsured patients.
- State pharmaceutical assistance programs (SPAPs): Some states run their own programs that can be combined with other assistance. Check your state’s Medicaid office for details.
- Generic alternatives: Where available, generics offer the lowest ongoing cost. However, many Boehringer Ingelheim products remain under patent protection.
For uninsured patients who meet the income requirements, the BI Cares Patient Assistance Program almost always provides the greatest savings because the medication is entirely free.
Tips for a Successful Application
Incomplete applications are the leading cause of delays and denials. These practical tips can help you avoid common pitfalls.
First, double-check that every section of the form is filled out. Missing signatures, especially from the prescribing physician, will result in the application being returned. Second, include all required income documentation on the first submission. The program accepts W-2 forms, tax returns, Social Security award letters, and recent pay stubs.
Third, if you are transitioning between insurance plans, apply as soon as you lose coverage rather than waiting until your medication runs out. Processing takes two to four weeks, and planning ahead prevents dangerous gaps in treatment. Finally, keep copies of everything you submit. If your application is lost in transit, having duplicates lets you resubmit without starting from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Medicare Part D patients use the BI Cares Patient Assistance Program?
In most cases, patients with active Medicare Part D coverage are not eligible for the standard BI Cares program. However, Boehringer Ingelheim does offer a separate assistance track for Medicare Part D enrollees who have reached the coverage gap (donut hole). You can call 1-800-556-8317 to learn more about your specific situation. You may also benefit from Medicare Part D Extra Help, which provides federal subsidies for prescription costs.
How long does it take to get approved?
Most applications are processed within two to four weeks of receipt. If additional documentation is needed, the timeline can extend. Submitting a complete application with all income verification upfront is the best way to avoid delays.
Is there a limit on how long I can stay enrolled?
Enrollment is typically approved in 12-month increments. You can reapply at the end of each period as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. There is no lifetime cap on participation.
What if I am denied?
If your application is denied, the notification letter will explain the reason. Common causes include income above the threshold or having active prescription drug coverage. If your circumstances change, you can reapply at any time. You may also want to explore other strategies for reducing healthcare costs.
Can my pharmacist help me apply?
While pharmacists can point you toward the program and provide information, the application requires a prescribing physician’s signature. Your pharmacist cannot complete the prescriber section. However, some pharmacy staff can help you fill out the patient portions of the form.
Taking the Next Step
Prescription drug costs should never force you to choose between your health and your financial stability. The BI Cares Patient Assistance Program offers a genuine lifeline for uninsured and underinsured patients who depend on Boehringer Ingelheim medications. Start by downloading the application from boehringer-ingelheim.com or calling 1-800-556-8317. Gather your income documents, coordinate with your physician, and submit a complete application as soon as possible. If you are exploring additional ways to lower your drug spending, our healthcare costs guide covers dozens of practical strategies that work alongside patient assistance programs.