Are Prior Yervoy Treatments Eligible for Discounts?
Yervoy (ipilimumab), Bristol Myers Squibb's immunotherapy for melanoma and other cancers, offers patient assistance through the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Access Support Foundation for uninsured or underinsured patients. Eligibility for discounts or free medication typically requires current financial need, current prescription, and no prior coverage denial—past treatments alone do not qualify.[1]
What Discounts Are Available for Yervoy?
BMS provides:
- Copay assistance up to $25,000/year for commercially insured patients via Access Support Copay Assistance.
- Free drug for uninsured patients meeting income limits (e.g., ≤500% federal poverty level) through the patient foundation.
Prior Yervoy use is not a factor; applications assess current situation.[1][2]
Does Previous Yervoy Treatment Affect Copay Cards?
No. The Yervoy Copay Program resets annually and bases eligibility on current insurance and income, not treatment history. Patients with prior treatments can reapply if they now face high out-of-pocket costs.[2]
Who Qualifies for Yervoy Free Drug Programs?
Requirements include:
- U.S. residency.
- Valid prescription.
- Household income verification.
- Medicare patients often ineligible for copay help but may qualify for low-income subsidies (LIS) via Extra Help.
Past treatments do not disqualify; programs focus on present barriers.[1][3]
How Do Cancer Patients with Prior Yervoy Access Cheaper Options?
| Scenario | Option | Eligibility Notes |
|----------|--------|-------------------|
| Commercially insured, high copays | Copay card | Current deductible/hardship; no prior tx restriction |
| Uninsured/underinsured | BMS Foundation | Income-based; reapplies allowed post-prior tx |
| Medicare | Patient Assistance Foundation or LIS | Medicare limits copay aid; prior tx irrelevant |
| 340B hospitals | Discounted pricing | Facility-based, not patient history-dependent |
When Do Yervoy Patents Expire, Impacting Prices?
Yervoy's key composition-of-matter patent (US 7,785,586) expires in 2028 in the U.S., with pediatric exclusivity to 2028. Method-of-use patents extend some protection to 2035, but generics/biosimilars could enter post-2028, potentially lowering costs independent of assistance programs.[4]
What If Insurance Denied Yervoy Coverage Before?
A recent denial letter strengthens applications for BMS free drug programs. Prior treatments with denials can support claims of ongoing need.[1]
[1]: Bristol Myers Squibb Access Support
[2]: Yervoy Copay Program
[3]: Needymeds.org - Yervoy Assistance
[4]: DrugPatentWatch.com - Yervoy Patents