Can You Get Discounts or Refunds for Past Yervoy Purchases?
No, manufacturers like Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), which makes Yervoy (ipilimumab), do not offer retroactive discounts or rebates for previous purchases. Patient assistance programs and copay cards apply only to current or future fills, not historical ones.1
How Yervoy Savings Programs Work
BMS runs the Yervoy Copay Assistance Program, providing up to $25,000 per year in copay support for eligible commercially insured patients. It covers out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy but requires enrollment before filling a prescription. Unpaid past copays cannot be reimbursed.1 Eligibility typically includes U.S. residency, commercial insurance, and household income limits.
What If You're Uninsured or Underinsured?
Options like the BMS Patient Assistance Foundation offer free Yervoy for qualifying uninsured or low-income patients (income up to 500% of federal poverty level). Apply online or by phone; approval covers ongoing treatment, not prior costs. No retroactive coverage applies.1
Alternatives for Reducing Yervoy Costs Overall
- Manufacturer Copay Cards: Activate via yervoy.com/savings for instant pharmacy savings on new prescriptions.
- Third-Party Cards: GoodRx or SingleCare coupons can cut cash prices by 10-20%, but only for future buys—check yervoy.com for interactions.
- 340B Program: Hospitals discount Yervoy for eligible patients; inquire with your provider.
- Biosimilar Outlook: No Yervoy biosimilars yet; patents expire around 2028-2031, potentially lowering prices later.3
Patient advocates note high immunotherapy costs ($150,000+ per course) drive demand for upfront planning—contact BMS at 1-877-937-8680 for personalized help.2