How do i enroll in yervoy patient assistance?

How to Enroll in Yervoy Patient Assistance Programs

Yervoy (ipilimumab), made by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), offers patient assistance through BMS Access Support. This program provides free or low-cost Yervoy for eligible U.S. patients without insurance or facing high out-of-pocket costs. Enrollment requires income verification and a prescription.

Basic Eligibility for BMS Access Support

• U.S. resident with a valid prescription for Yervoy.
  
• Household income at or below 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (e.g., $75,300 for a single person in 2024).
  
• No or limited prescription coverage; Medicare patients may qualify for copay help up to $15,000/year.
  
• Not available if enrolled in government programs like Medicaid (exceptions for copay assistance). [1][2]
  
  

Step-by-Step Enrollment Process

1. Get a prescription: Ask your doctor to complete the enrollment form, available on the BMS Access website.
   
2. Check eligibility online: Visit bmsaccesssupport.com or call 1-888-757-2814 (Monday-Friday, 8 AM-8 PM ET) for a quick pre-screen.
   
3. Submit application: Provide proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs), insurance details, and doctor info. Fax, mail, or upload digitally.
   
4. Approval and delivery: Decisions in 1-2 business days; approved patients get Yervoy shipped to your doctor's office or pharmacy.
   
5. Reapply annually or as coverage changes. [1][3]
   
   

What If You Have Insurance? Copay and Bridge Options

BMS Access also covers copays:
- Copay Assistance Program: Up to $25,000/year for commercial insurance; apply via the same portal.
- Patient Assistance Foundation: Free meds for uninsured/underinsured; separate app for Medicare Part D "Extra Help" bridge.
Use the program's eligibility tool to match your situation. [2]

Common Reasons Applications Get Denied and Fixes

• Incomplete income docs: Submit last two pay stubs or 2023 taxes.
  
• Over-income: Explore state programs or generic alternatives.
  
• Medicare restrictions: Switch to copay card if eligible.
  Appeal denials by calling the helpline. Processing delays average 5-7 days during peak times. [3]
  
  

Alternatives If You Don't Qualify

• Manufacturer competitors: No direct Yervoy generics; biosimilars pending (patents expire ~2030 per DrugPatentWatch.com).[4]
  
• Other nonprofits: NeedyMeds.org or PAN Foundation for cancer grants; RxAssist.org lists 50+ immunotherapy programs.
  
• State aid: Check your state's pharmaceutical assistance (e.g., California's CA APP).
  Compare costs: Yervoy lists ~$170,000/course without aid. [4]
  
  Sources
  [1] BMS Access Support - HCP Portal
  [2] BMS Access Support - Patient Portal
  [3] NeedyMeds Yervoy Page
  [4] DrugPatentWatch.com - Yervoy Patents