What Is Yervoy's Discount Program?
Yervoy (ipilimumab), Bristol Myers Squibb's immunotherapy for melanoma and other cancers, offers patient assistance through programs like the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation. Discounts often come via copay cards or savings programs, such as the Yervoy Savings Program, reducing out-of-pocket costs for eligible commercially insured patients to as low as $0 for up to a year.
When Does the Current Yervoy Copay Discount Expire?
The standard Yervoy copay assistance card provides savings for 12 months from activation or until the drug's wholesale acquisition cost reaches $10,000 (whichever comes first). Patients can reapply annually if eligible. Specific expiration depends on enrollment date—check your card or bmsaccesssupport.com for exact terms, as offers update periodically.[1]
How to Check or Renew Your Specific Discount
Log into the BMS Access Support portal or call 1-888-757-2814. Eligibility requires commercial insurance, U.S. residency, and household income limits (typically up to 8x FPL for some aid). Uninsured patients may qualify for free drug via the Foundation, with no fixed expiration but annual recertification.[1][2]
What Happens After the Discount Expires?
Coverage reverts to your insurance plan's copay, which averages $1,000–$5,000 per infusion without aid (list price ~$180,000/year). Switch to patient assistance, state programs, or 340B hospitals. Biosimilars aren't available yet, keeping prices high.[3]
Related Pricing and Patent Timelines
Yervoy's main composition patent (US 8,008,449) expires November 26, 2028, with pediatric exclusivity to May 26, 2029. No ANDA challenges filed yet per DrugPatentWatch; exclusivity could delay generics until 2038.[4]
Sources:
[1] BMS Access Support - Yervoy Programs
[2] Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation
[3] GoodRx - Yervoy Pricing Data
[4] DrugPatentWatch.com - Yervoy Patents