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Yervoy Discount Program: Eligibility, Application, and Benefits
What is Yervoy?
Yervoy, also known as ipilimumab, is a prescription medication used to treat certain types of skin cancer, including melanoma. It is a monoclonal antibody that works by boosting the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. Yervoy is a brand-name medication developed by Bristol Myers Squibb, and it has been approved by the FDA for use in patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
Yervoy Discount Program: Overview
The Yervoy discount program is a patient assistance program offered by Bristol Myers Squibb to help eligible patients access this expensive medication at a reduced cost. The program is designed to provide financial assistance to patients who are struggling to afford Yervoy due to high out-of-pocket costs.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Yervoy discount program, patients must meet certain requirements. These include:
* Diagnosis: Patients must have been diagnosed with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
* Insurance: Patients must have private insurance that covers Yervoy, but they may still be eligible for the discount program if they have high out-of-pocket costs.
* Income: Patients must have a household income that is at or below 500% of the federal poverty level.
* Residency: Patients must be residents of the United States.
Application Process
To apply for the Yervoy discount program, patients can follow these steps:
1. Visit the Bristol Myers Squibb website: Patients can visit the Bristol Myers Squibb website and click on the "Patient Assistance" link to access the application form.
2. Gather required documents: Patients will need to gather required documents, including proof of diagnosis, insurance information, and proof of income.
3. Submit the application: Patients can submit the application form and supporting documents online or by mail.
4. Wait for approval: Patients will receive a decision on their application within 1-2 weeks.
Benefits of the Yervoy Discount Program
The Yervoy discount program offers several benefits to eligible patients, including:
* Reduced copay: Patients may be eligible for a reduced copay of $0 per prescription.
* Free medication: Patients may be eligible for free medication for up to 12 months.
* No prior authorization: Patients do not need to obtain prior authorization from their insurance company to access the discount program.
Alternative Options
Patients who are not eligible for the Yervoy discount program may want to consider alternative options, such as:
* Generic or biosimilar medications: Patients may be able to access generic or biosimilar versions of Yervoy at a lower cost.
* Patient assistance programs: Patients may be eligible for other patient assistance programs that offer financial assistance for Yervoy.
* Clinical trials: Patients may be eligible to participate in clinical trials for Yervoy or other cancer medications.
Conclusion
The Yervoy discount program is a valuable resource for patients who are struggling to afford this expensive medication. By meeting the eligibility requirements and following the application process, patients can access Yervoy at a reduced cost and improve their chances of successful treatment.
Key Takeaways
* The Yervoy discount program is a patient assistance program offered by Bristol Myers Squibb.
* Patients must meet certain requirements to be eligible for the program, including diagnosis, insurance, income, and residency.
* The application process involves submitting an application form and supporting documents online or by mail.
* The program offers several benefits, including reduced copay, free medication, and no prior authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q: What is the Yervoy discount program?
A: The Yervoy discount program is a patient assistance program offered by Bristol Myers Squibb to help eligible patients access Yervoy at a reduced cost.
2. Q: Who is eligible for the Yervoy discount program?
A: Patients must have been diagnosed with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, have private insurance that covers Yervoy, have a household income at or below 500% of the federal poverty level, and be residents of the United States.
3. Q: How do I apply for the Yervoy discount program?
A: Patients can visit the Bristol Myers Squibb website and click on the "Patient Assistance" link to access the application form.
4. Q: What are the benefits of the Yervoy discount program?
A: Patients may be eligible for a reduced copay of $0 per prescription, free medication for up to 12 months, and no prior authorization.
5. Q: Are there alternative options for patients who are not eligible for the Yervoy discount program?
A: Yes, patients may be able to access generic or biosimilar versions of Yervoy at a lower cost, participate in clinical trials, or access other patient assistance programs.
Sources
1. Bristol Myers Squibb. (2022). Yervoy (ipilimumab) Prescribing Information.
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Yervoy (ipilimumab) Patent Expiration.
3. National Cancer Institute. (2022). Ipilimumab.
4. American Cancer Society. (2022). Melanoma.
5. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2022). Federal Poverty Guidelines.