When people search for help affording a specific Eli Lilly medication — whether it's an insulin, a cancer treatment, a migraine preventive, or an antidepressant — they often don't realize all of these paths run through the same underlying charity: the Lilly Cares Foundation.
Lilly Cares isn't a drug-specific program. It's a single nonprofit foundation that reviews applications across dozens of Eli Lilly products, using a consistent income and coverage framework, but requiring a separate application for each individual medication. Understanding how the foundation works as a whole — rather than only researching one drug at a time — makes it much easier to apply correctly and know what to expect.
This guide covers exactly who qualifies, what range of medications the foundation supports, what documents you'll need, and how the application and renewal process works from start to finish.
Table of Contents
- What the Lilly Cares Foundation Actually Is
- Who Qualifies: General Eligibility Rules
- Income Eligibility Guidelines
- Medications Covered Across Therapeutic Areas
- Lilly Cares vs Copay Cards vs Cash-Price Programs
- Can Medicare or Medicaid Patients Use Lilly Cares?
- Required Documents
- How to Apply, Step by Step
- How Long Approval Takes
- Decision Tree: Which Program Fits You?
- Who's Excluded and Why
- Medicare Rules Inside Lilly Cares
- Trulicity Patient Assistance (Medicare Included)
- Application Form 2026
- Refills & Re-Enrollment
- Taltz Patient Assistance
- Verzenio Patient Assistance
- Basaglar Patient Assistance
- Forteo Patient Assistance
- Emgality Patient Assistance
- Mounjaro, Zepbound & LillyDirect
- Renewal and What Happens If Your Prescription Changes
- What to Do If You're Denied
- Frequently Asked Questions
What the Lilly Cares Foundation Actually Is
Lilly Cares is a separate charitable foundation funded by Eli Lilly and Company, created specifically to provide free medication to eligible patients who can't otherwise afford it. It operates independently of Lilly's commercial copay card programs and its LillyDirect self-pay platform.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Structure | Independent nonprofit foundation, funded by Eli Lilly |
| Cost to Patient | Typically $0 for approved medication |
| Scope | Multiple therapeutic areas, not a single drug or disease category |
| Enrollment Period | Typically 12 months, then reapplication required |
Who Qualifies: General Eligibility Rules
Because Lilly Cares spans so many different medications, its core eligibility framework is built around income and insurance status rather than any specific diagnosis.
| Requirement | What It Means |
|---|---|
| U.S. Residency | Must be a resident of the United States or a U.S. territory |
| Prescription Need | Must have a valid prescription for an eligible Lilly medication |
| Insurance Status | No adequate prescription drug coverage for that specific medication |
| Income | Household income within the program's published limits |
Why this matters: Because eligibility isn't disease-specific, a patient managing both diabetes and depression, for example, could potentially qualify for Lilly Cares assistance on two completely different medications, provided each one has its own approved application.
Lilly Cares Income Limits 2026 by Medication Group
Lilly Cares assigns every medication to one of four groups, each with its own income ceiling. Your household income must fall at or below the limit for your specific drug's group — not a single flat limit across all medications.
| Household Size | Group 1 (300% FPL) | Group 2 (400% FPL) | Group 3 & 4 (500% FPL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $47,880 | $63,840 | $79,800 |
| 2 people | $64,920 | $86,560 | $108,200 |
| 3 people | $81,960 | $109,280 | $136,600 |
| 4 people | $99,000 | $132,000 | $165,000 |
| 5 people | $116,040 | $154,720 | $193,400 |
| 6 people | $133,080 | $177,440 | $221,800 |
| 7 people | $150,120 | $200,160 | $250,200 |
| 8 people | $167,160 | $222,880 | $278,600 |
For each additional person beyond 8: Add approximately $17,040 to Group 1, $22,720 to Group 2, and $28,400 to Group 3/4. Alaska and Hawaii use higher thresholds — call 1-800-545-6962 for exact figures.
Which Drugs Are in Each Lilly Cares Group?
Find your prescription below to see which income limit applies:
| Group | Income Limit | Covered Medications |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | ≤300% FPL | Cialis, Emgality, Forteo, Reyvow, Trulicity |
| Group 2 | ≤400% FPL | Basaglar, Humalog, Humulin, Lyumjev, Rezvoglar |
| Group 3 | ≤500% FPL | Ebglyss, Humatrope, Omvoh, Olumiant, Taltz |
| Group 4 | ≤500% FPL | Cyramza, Erbitux, Inluriyo, Jaypirca, Kisunla, Retevmo, Verzenio |
Not in Lilly Cares: Mounjaro, Zepbound, and some newer launches have separate savings programs. See our Mounjaro guide for those options.
Trulicity Patient Assistance Program 2026
Trulicity (dulaglutide) is covered under Lilly Cares Group 1 at ≤300% FPL (~$47,880 for one person). It is one of the most commonly searched medications in the foundation.
Trulicity for Medicare Patients
Unlike manufacturer copay cards — which are federally prohibited for Medicare beneficiaries — Lilly Cares is a charitable foundation that can assist Medicare patients in specific circumstances. If your Medicare Part D plan excludes Trulicity or the out-of-pocket cost is unaffordable, you may still qualify for Lilly Cares. You will need:
- A formulary exclusion letter or denial from your Part D plan showing Trulicity is not covered
- Proof that you are not eligible for Low Income Subsidy (Extra Help) or that the subsidy does not make the drug affordable
- Income at or below 300% FPL for your household size
Medicare patients: Call 1-800-545-6962 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm ET) and ask specifically about Medicare Part D formulary exclusion documentation. This is the only manufacturer path for Medicare patients — the Trulicity Savings Card cannot be used by federal program beneficiaries.
How to Apply for Trulicity Through Lilly Cares
- Confirm your household income is ≤300% FPL using the income limits table above
- Obtain a valid Trulicity prescription from your prescriber
- Download the 2026 Lilly Cares application at lillycares.com or request by phone
- Have your prescriber complete the diagnosis and medical necessity section
- Attach proof of income and insurance status (or Medicare denial/exclusion letter)
- Fax or mail the completed application; allow 2–4 weeks for a decision
Do not use a 2025 application form. Lilly Cares updated income limits and covered medications for 2026. Forms dated before January 2026 will be rejected.
Lilly Cares Application Form 2026
The most common reason patients search this page is to find the official application. As of August 2026, Lilly Cares uses one application per medication. Each drug requires a separate approval, even if you already have another Lilly Cares medication.
Get the 2026 form:
- Online application: lillycares.com — select your medication and complete digitally
- Phone request: Call 1-800-545-6962 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm ET) to request a paper form
- Prescriber's office: Many endocrinology, oncology, and dermatology clinics keep blank forms on hand
Processing time: 2–4 weeks for new applications. 1–3 weeks for renewals.
What the Application Includes
- Patient section: Name, address, household size, income, insurance status, signature, and date
- Prescriber section: Doctor confirms your diagnosis, specifies the exact medication and dose, and signs
- Documentation: Proof of income (tax return or 2 recent pay stubs), proof of insurance status, and a valid prescription
Top rejection reason: Using a 2025 form or leaving the prescriber section blank. Verify your form header says "2026" and that your doctor has signed and dated their portion.
Taltz Patient Assistance Program (Ixekizumab)
Taltz is covered under Lilly Cares Group 3 at ≤500% FPL (~$79,800 for one person). It is approved for plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Your prescriber must document prior therapy failure (topicals, phototherapy, or conventional DMARDs) in addition to completing the standard Lilly Cares application.
Verzenio Patient Assistance Program (Abemaciclib)
Verzenio is covered under Lilly Cares Group 4 at ≤500% FPL. As an oncology medication, applications are often prioritized for faster review. Your oncologist must confirm the cancer diagnosis and treatment plan. If you are uninsured and income-eligible, Verzenio is provided at $0 through the foundation.
Basaglar Patient Assistance Program (Insulin Glargine)
Basaglar is covered under Lilly Cares Group 2 at ≤400% FPL (~$63,840 for one person). If you earn above this limit, you are not automatically excluded — the Lilly Insulin Value Program caps Basaglar at $35/month with no income test. See our Basaglar assistance guide for a full comparison.
Forteo Patient Assistance Program (Teriparatide)
Forteo is covered under Lilly Cares Group 1 at ≤300% FPL (~$47,880 for one person). It is approved for osteoporosis. Because Forteo requires injection training, your prescriber must also confirm that you have been counseled on proper administration.
Emgality Patient Assistance Program (Galcanezumab)
Emgality is covered under Lilly Cares Group 1 at ≤300% FPL. It is approved for migraine prevention. Your neurologist or headache specialist must confirm a diagnosis of episodic or chronic migraine and document that you have tried at least one other preventive therapy without adequate response.
Medications Covered Across Therapeutic Areas
This is what genuinely sets Lilly Cares apart from a typical single-drug assistance program — it spans a wide range of conditions, not just one disease category.
| Therapeutic Area | Example Medications |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Insulin products, Trulicity |
| Oncology | Various Lilly cancer treatments |
| Migraine Prevention | Emgality |
| Mental Health | Various Lilly psychiatric medications |
| Osteoporosis | Lilly bone health medications |
Product availability within the foundation can change over time as Lilly's portfolio evolves, so always confirm your specific medication is currently included when you begin an application rather than assuming based on an older list.
Mounjaro, Zepbound & LillyDirect: Not Lilly Cares
As of August 2026, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are NOT covered by Lilly Cares. Eli Lilly routes these medications through separate programs:
| Program | Who Qualifies | Cost | How to Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mounjaro Savings Card | Commercially insured | ~$25/month | mounjaro.com |
| Zepbound Savings Card | Commercially insured | ~$25/month | zepbound.com |
| LillyDirect | Uninsured (cash-pay) | ~$349–$499/month | lillydirect.com |
| Lilly Cares | Uninsured, income-eligible | NOT available | N/A |
LillyDirect is not a patient assistance program. It is a cash-pay pharmacy that sells Mounjaro and Zepbound at a set self-pay price. It does not accept insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or CareCredit. If you need Mounjaro or Zepbound at $0, Lilly Cares cannot help — you must explore independent foundations or 340B clinics.
Does Lilly Cares Cover Humalog?
Yes, but with an important distinction. Lilly Cares provides free Humalog to income-qualified patients, while the Humalog Savings Card (Insulin Value Program) caps out-of-pocket costs at $35/month for commercially insured patients. If you are uninsured and income-eligible, Lilly Cares is the better path. If you have private insurance, the savings card is faster. See our full Humalog PAP guide for details.
Does Lilly Cares Cover Trulicity and Emgality?
Yes, both are covered under the foundation. Trulicity (dulaglutide) for Type 2 diabetes and Emgality (galcanezumab) for migraine prevention each require separate applications with diagnosis confirmation from your prescriber.
Lilly Cares vs Copay Cards vs Cash-Price Programs
Lilly offers several different ways to lower medication costs, and they work very differently from each other. Lilly Cares is the income-based charity track; the others are not.
| Program | Who It's For | Income-Based? | What It Provides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lilly Cares Foundation | Uninsured/underinsured, income-qualifying patients | Yes | Free medication |
| Manufacturer Copay Cards | Commercially insured patients | No | Reduced copay |
| LillyDirect Self-Pay | Anyone paying cash, regardless of insurance | No | Set cash price |
Applying to Lilly Cares when a faster, no-application option like a copay card or self-pay pricing would have solved your problem is one of the most common ways patients waste weeks of waiting unnecessarily.
Can Medicare or Medicaid Patients Use Lilly Cares?
This is where Lilly Cares differs meaningfully from Lilly's copay card programs. Federal anti-kickback rules generally block manufacturer copay cards for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, but charitable patient assistance foundations like Lilly Cares can, in certain circumstances, still apply to these patients depending on their specific coverage gap.
| Insurance Situation | Copay Card Eligible? | Lilly Cares Eligible? |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial insurance | Yes | Usually No — already adequately covered |
| No insurance | No | Usually Yes, if income-eligible |
| Medicare Part D | No — federal restriction | Case-by-Case |
| Medicaid | No — federal restriction | Case-by-Case |
Medicare beneficiaries with a significant coverage gap for a specific medication — for example, a drug excluded from their plan's formulary entirely — are the patients most likely to still have a path through Lilly Cares, even though they can't use a copay card.
Required Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Completed patient section of application | Confirms identity, address, household size and insurance status |
| Completed prescriber section of application | Confirms diagnosis and medical necessity for the specific medication |
| Proof of income | Recent tax return, pay stubs, or benefits statement |
| Proof of insurance status | Insurance card, denial letter, or evidence of no drug coverage |
| Valid prescription | Confirms the specific medication, dose, and formulation requested |
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Confirm your specific medication is included
Check that your exact prescription is currently part of the Lilly Cares program before starting the application.
Request the application for that medication
Applications are medication-specific, so make sure you're requesting the correct one, available through Lilly Cares' materials or your prescriber's office.
Complete the patient section
Fill in your personal information, household size, income, and current insurance status.
Have your prescriber complete their section
Your provider confirms your diagnosis, the medication and dose needed, and medical necessity.
Attach income and insurance documentation
Include a recent tax return or pay stubs, along with documentation showing your lack of adequate prescription coverage for that specific drug.
Submit and await a decision
Applications are typically submitted by fax or mail. You'll receive written notification of approval or denial with next steps.
How Long Approval Takes
| Situation | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Complete application, first submission | 2–4 weeks |
| Application missing documents | Additional 2–3 weeks after resubmission |
| Renewal application (previously enrolled) | 1–3 weeks |
| Oncology or urgent-need medications | Often prioritized, but still confirm timing directly given the clinical urgency |
If your medication is time-sensitive — such as an active cancer treatment — ask your care team whether an expedited review process applies, since delays in these cases carry more serious consequences than with many other therapeutic areas.
Decision Tree: Which Program Fits You?
Is your medication insulin?
Insulin has a dedicated, simpler program
Want a flat, simple price?
No income application needed
Use the Insulin Value Program
Present at the pharmacy counter
Uninsured/underinsured and income-qualifying?
Check which group your drug falls under
Apply to Lilly Cares
Get your prescriber's section completed
Over the income limit or denied?
LillyDirect cash pricing or independent foundations may help
Who's Excluded and Why
| Situation | Generally Eligible? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fully uninsured, income within group limit | Yes | Core intended population |
| Medicare Part D, income within group limit | Yes, for Groups 1–2 and some Group 3/4 drugs | Explicitly permitted by Lilly Cares' own criteria |
| Medicare Part B only, no supplemental insurance | Possibly, for certain Group 3 medications | Specific carve-out for infused/injectable products under Part B |
| Enrolled in Medicaid | Generally no | Considered adequate existing coverage |
| Enrolled in VA benefits | Generally no | Considered adequate existing coverage |
| Directed to apply by an employer or health plan as a coverage condition | No | Explicitly excluded by Lilly Cares' program terms |
Medicare Rules Inside Lilly Cares
Lilly Cares treats Medicare with more nuance than most manufacturer programs, which tend to either fully include or fully exclude Medicare beneficiaries. Here, the rule depends on which part of Medicare you have and which group your medication falls into.
Medicare Part D patients: check the group first
If your medication is a Group 1 or Group 2 drug, Medicare Part D coverage doesn't disqualify you — you can still apply if your income falls within that group's limit.
Group 3 infused medications: Part D doesn't apply
For certain Group 3 medications administered by infusion, Medicare Part D coverage specifically does not satisfy the program's insurance criteria — this carve-out exists because infused drugs are typically billed under Part B, not Part D, in the first place.
Medicare Part B patients: no supplemental coverage required
For certain Group 3 medications, patients with Medicare Part B and no supplemental or secondary insurance may qualify — reflecting that Part B alone often leaves a meaningful coinsurance gap for infused specialty drugs.
The practical takeaway: Don't assume "I have Medicare" settles the question either way. The specific medication, the specific Part of Medicare you carry, and whether you have supplemental coverage all interact to determine eligibility.
Lilly Cares Refills & Re-Enrollment
Lilly Cares enrollment lasts 12 months. You do not need a new application for refills within your active enrollment period, but you must re-enroll annually with updated documentation.
How Refills Work
- Approved medication is typically shipped to your prescriber's office, not your home
- Your doctor's office coordinates pickup or delivery to you
- Call your prescriber's office when you have 2–4 weeks of medication remaining to request a refill
- If your refill is delayed, call Lilly Cares at 1-800-545-6962
Re-Enrollment (Renewal)
- Submit your renewal 30 days before expiration to avoid a coverage gap
- Renewals require updated income and insurance documentation
- Renewal decisions typically take 1–3 weeks — faster than first-time applications
- If your prescription has changed (new dose or new medication), you need a brand-new application, not a renewal
Re-enrollment tip: Lilly Cares may send a renewal reminder by mail, but do not rely on it. Mark your calendar 45 days before your enrollment ends and initiate renewal yourself.
Decision Tree: Is Lilly Cares the Right Program?
Step 1: Do you have commercial insurance that already covers this medication?
✔ Yes → A copay card is likely a better, faster fit than Lilly Cares.
✖ No → Continue to Step 2.
Step 2: Is your household income within the program's limit for your household size?
✔ Yes → Continue to Step 3.
✖ No → Check whether LillyDirect self-pay pricing or an independent disease-specific foundation fits better.
Step 3: Do you have a valid prescription and a provider willing to complete the application?
✔ Yes → You're likely a strong candidate for Lilly Cares — begin the application for your specific medication.
✖ No → Schedule an appointment first; the prescriber section is required before submission.
What to Do If You're Denied
1. Confirm you applied under the correct group. If your income exceeds one group's limit but not another's, double-check that your specific medication was actually evaluated against the right threshold.
2. Ask about the specific denial reason. Missing prescriber signatures, incomplete income documentation, or an insurance status mismatch are common, correctable issues rather than final decisions.
3. Check whether the Insulin Value Program applies instead. If your denied medication is a Lilly insulin, the flat-price program may be a faster fix than reapplying to Lilly Cares.
4. Look at LillyDirect's cash pricing. For patients who don't qualify on income but still face high list prices, LillyDirect's direct-purchase pricing may still beat standard retail cash price.
5. Explore independent copay foundations. Organizations such as the PAN Foundation, the HealthWell Foundation and NeedyMeds operate independently of Eli Lilly and may fund your medication under different criteria.
Renewal and What Happens If Your Prescription Changes
Lilly Cares enrollment isn't indefinite, and it's also not automatically transferable if your treatment plan changes.
- Start the renewal process a few weeks before your current enrollment period ends to avoid a gap in access.
- Provide updated income documentation, even if your income hasn't meaningfully changed.
- If your prescriber switches you to a different Lilly medication, submit a brand-new application for that specific drug — your existing approval doesn't carry over automatically.
- Report any change in insurance status right away, since gaining adequate coverage may end your Lilly Cares eligibility mid-cycle.
Assuming that approval for one Lilly medication automatically extends to a new prescription is one of the most common causes of an unexpected coverage gap. Each drug genuinely requires its own application.
What to Do If You're Denied
| Reason for Denial | What It Means | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Income slightly above threshold | Household income exceeds the program's limit | Explore independent disease-specific foundations or state assistance programs |
| Missing documentation | Application was incomplete | Resubmit with all required documents attached |
| Existing adequate coverage | Program considers your current insurance sufficient | Use a manufacturer copay card instead, if commercially insured |
| Incomplete prescriber section | Provider signature or diagnosis information missing | Return to your prescriber's office to complete the form |
| Medication not currently in the program | The specific drug isn't part of Lilly Cares at this time | Check LillyDirect self-pay pricing or an independent foundation for that condition |
Alternative Assistance Options
| Resource | What It Offers |
|---|---|
| Independent Disease-Specific Foundations | Copay and premium assistance grants for qualifying diagnoses |
| State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs | State-run supplemental drug coverage for eligible residents |
| Hospital or Clinic Charity Care Programs | Discounted or free medication access through your care site |
| 340B-Participating Clinics | Reduced-cost medication for patients treated at qualifying clinics |
Common Mistakes That Delay a Lilly Cares Application
- □ Assuming a prior Lilly Cares approval automatically covers a new medication.
- □ Applying to Lilly Cares when a faster copay card or self-pay option would have worked.
- □ Prescriber section left blank or unsigned.
- □ Income documentation doesn't match the household size listed.
- □ Insurance status documentation missing (denial letter or formulary exclusion not attached).
- □ Outdated income documents older than the program's accepted window.
- □ Renewal submitted after the enrollment period already lapsed.
Nearly all of these issues are simple paperwork mismatches. Confirming the right program and medication before applying avoids weeks of unnecessary delay.
Quick Checklist Before You Submit
| Checklist Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Confirmed the specific medication is currently in the Lilly Cares program | ☐ |
| Patient section fully completed | ☐ |
| Prescriber section signed and completed | ☐ |
| Recent proof of income attached | ☐ |
| Proof of insurance status attached | ☐ |
| Valid prescription matches requested medication/dose | ☐ |
Bottom Line
The Lilly Cares Foundation is best understood as one charitable umbrella covering many different Eli Lilly medications, not a program tied to a single drug or disease. Eligibility comes down to income and insurance status rather than diagnosis, but every individual medication still needs its own separate application and approval.
Getting approved quickly comes down to confirming your specific medication is currently included, submitting a complete application the first time, and understanding that a previous approval doesn't automatically transfer if your prescription changes. If you're denied or your income is just above the threshold, independent disease-specific foundations and state pharmaceutical assistance programs remain worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility generally requires being a U.S. resident, having no prescription drug coverage for the requested medication or facing an unaffordable cost even with coverage, and meeting household income limits based on the federal poverty level.
Lilly Cares covers a wide range of Eli Lilly medications across therapeutic areas including diabetes, oncology, migraine prevention, mental health, and osteoporosis, though availability and specific criteria can vary by product.
Yes. Each medication requires its own application confirming that specific diagnosis and prescription, even if you have previously been approved for a different Lilly Cares medication.
Medicare beneficiaries can be eligible for Lilly Cares in certain circumstances, depending on their specific coverage gaps, unlike manufacturer copay cards which generally exclude federal healthcare program beneficiaries entirely.
Enrollment is typically granted for a set period, often around 12 months, after which patients must reapply and resubmit updated income and insurance documentation.
Lilly Cares is an income-based charity program that provides medication at no cost, while the Insulin Value Program is a separate, non-income-based cash-price cap that applies specifically to insulin products and requires no application. They serve different situations and aren't interchangeable.
You'll need to submit a brand-new Lilly Cares application for the new medication. Approval for a previous Lilly product does not automatically carry over, even if both medications are covered under the same foundation.
Often yes. Insurance that excludes the specific medication, or leaves it functionally unaffordable, can still qualify as inadequate coverage, but you'll typically need documentation, such as a formulary exclusion notice or denial letter, to support this.
Yes. The application has a required prescriber section confirming your diagnosis, the medication and dose needed, and medical necessity. Applications submitted without this section completed will not be processed.
Usually not directly. Approved medication is typically shipped to your prescriber's office or an affiliated pharmacy, and you pick it up from there.
If your household income exceeds the program's threshold, you likely won't qualify for this specific program. Independent disease-specific foundations, state pharmaceutical assistance programs, and LillyDirect self-pay pricing are worth exploring as alternatives.
No. The 2025 form is obsolete and will be rejected. Income limits and covered medications changed for 2026. Use only the 2026 form dated January 2026 or later, available at lillycares.com or by calling 1-800-545-6962.
Contact your prescriber's office when you have 2–4 weeks of medication remaining. Lilly Cares ships refills to your doctor's office, not your home. If your prescriber has not received the refill, call Lilly Cares at 1-800-545-6962 with your enrollment ID.
No. As of August 2026, Mounjaro and Zepbound are not included in Lilly Cares. Commercially insured patients should use the manufacturer savings card (~$25/month). Uninsured patients can use LillyDirect for cash-pay pricing or explore independent patient assistance foundations.
No. LillyDirect is a cash-pay pharmacy where anyone can buy Mounjaro or Zepbound at a set price without insurance. Lilly Cares is a charitable foundation that provides free medication to income-qualified uninsured patients. They are completely separate programs with different rules and different phone numbers.
No. Lilly Cares does not offer copay cards. Copay cards are for commercially insured patients and are separate from the foundation. If you have private insurance, look for drug-specific savings cards (e.g., Trulicity Savings Card, Taltz Savings Card) rather than Lilly Cares. If you are uninsured and income-eligible, Lilly Cares provides medication at $0.
Lilly Cares uses four different income limits based on medication group:
- Group 1 (Cialis, Emgality, Forteo, Reyvow, Trulicity): ≤300% FPL — ~$47,880 for one person
- Group 2 (Basaglar, Humalog, Humulin, Lyumjev): ≤400% FPL — ~$63,840 for one person
- Groups 3 & 4 (Taltz, Verzenio, Cyramza, etc.): ≤500% FPL — ~$79,800 for one person
Limits increase with household size. Alaska and Hawaii thresholds are higher.
Uninsured or underinsured patients can apply to the Lilly Cares Foundation for free medication. You will need a valid prescription, proof of income, proof of insurance status, and a completed prescriber section. If approved, medication is typically shipped to your doctor's office at no cost for 12 months.
No. Lilly Cares is an income-based charity that provides free medication. The Insulin Value Program is a cash-price cap that lets anyone — regardless of income — buy Lilly insulin for $35/month or less. If you are uninsured but earn above the Lilly Cares income limit, the Insulin Value Program is your fallback.
Complete applications are typically processed in 2–4 weeks. Renewals for existing patients often take 1–3 weeks. Missing documents are the most common cause of delays, so include all required income and insurance verification with your first submission.
How We Researched This Guide
References
- Lilly Cares Foundation, Inc. Program Overview, Eligibility Criteria, and Application Materials.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Federal Poverty Level Guidelines.
- Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Anti-Kickback Statute Guidance on Manufacturer Copay Assistance.
- Partnership for Prescription Assistance. Patient Assistance Program Standards.
- National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP). Patient Support Program Documentation Standards.
Related Resources
Related Patient Assistance Guides
Editorial Policy: Refill Relay content is researched using publicly available manufacturer patient assistance program materials, federal poverty guidelines, and standard industry application practices. Every article is reviewed for clarity, accuracy and usefulness before publication.