Current Yervoy Savings Programs
Yervoy (ipilimumab), made by Bristol Myers Squibb, has patient assistance options like the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation. This program offers free medication to eligible uninsured or underinsured patients meeting income limits (up to 500% of federal poverty level). No fixed expiration date is listed for the program itself—it's ongoing as long as funding lasts.1
Commercial discounts through platforms like GoodRx or SingleCare provide copay cards or coupons reducing out-of-pocket costs to as low as $0 for some insured patients. These are perpetually available but tied to manufacturer coupons that can change; the current BMS copay card has no public end date.2
When Do Copay Cards Expire for Individuals?
Individual Yervoy copay assistance cards typically last 12 months from activation or have annual enrollment renewals. Patients must reapply yearly, and eligibility depends on insurance status and income. Cards don't auto-expire mid-year but stop working if coverage changes.4
Upcoming Changes from Patent Expiry
Yervoy's key U.S. composition of matter patent (US 7,785,586) expires December 28, 2027, per DrugPatentWatch, potentially allowing generics or biosimilars to enter and lower prices naturally.5 This could end or reduce the need for discounts by 2028, though litigation might delay it. Exclusivity from FDA approvals ends earlier, with pediatric exclusivity wrapping up in 2024.5
Alternatives if Discounts End
- Manufacturer Bridge Programs: BMS offers short-term free meds during insurance gaps, no expiration announced.
- State Programs: Vary by location; e.g., California's patient assistance covers Yervoy with rolling eligibility.
- Competitor Discounts: Drugs like Keytruda have similar perpetual copay cards from Merck.6
Check eligibility directly via BMS Access Support (1-800-861-0048) as terms update frequently.