Does Yervoy's Patient Assistance Program Have Time Limits?
Bristol Myers Squibb's Yervoy Co-Pay Program, which covers copays, coinsurance, and deductibles for eligible commercially insured patients, has no fixed time restriction on enrollment duration. Patients can remain enrolled as long as they meet ongoing eligibility criteria, such as household income at or below 800% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and no government insurance coverage.[1][2]
How Long Can You Stay Enrolled in Yervoy Copay Assistance?
Coverage lasts for the duration of treatment without a calendar-year cap, but benefits are capped at $25,000 per 12-month period for copay support. Once the annual maximum is reached, patients pay full out-of-pocket costs until the next 12-month cycle resets. Re-enrollment is automatic if eligibility persists.[1][3]
What Happens If You Hit the Copay Cap?
After exhausting the $25,000 annual limit, assistance stops for that period. Patients may qualify for the Bristol Myers Squibb Oncology Patient Assistance Foundation for free medication if income is ≤500% FPL and they lack insurance— this program has no time limit but requires annual re-certification.[2][4]
Who Qualifies and What Are the Income Limits?
Eligibility requires commercial insurance, U.S. residency, and income ≤800% FPL ($124,800 for a single person in 2024). No minimum age; applies to Yervoy alone or with Opdivo. Government-insured patients (Medicare, Medicaid) are ineligible for copay help but may access free drug programs.[1][2]
Are There Restrictions for Medicare Patients?
Medicare patients cannot use the copay program due to federal anti-kickback laws. They can apply to the Patient Assistance Foundation for free Yervoy if uninsured or income-qualified, with no time limits beyond annual reviews.[3][4]
How to Apply or Check Status
Enroll online at yervoycopay.com or call 1-877-258-4925. Approval is typically immediate; track benefits via the patient portal. Program details can change, so verify current terms.[1]
[1]: Bristol Myers Squibb Yervoy Copay Program
[2]: BMS Access Support
[3]: BMS Patient Assistance Foundation
[4]: Needymeds.org - Yervoy Assistance