Does Yervoy Have Patient Assistance Programs?
Yes, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), the maker of Yervoy (ipilimumab), offers patient assistance programs to help eligible uninsured or underinsured U.S. patients afford the drug. The main program is the Bristol Myers Squibb Access Support, which provides Yervoy at no cost for those who qualify based on income, insurance status, and residency.[1]
How to Qualify for BMS Access Support
Eligibility typically requires:
- Household income at or below 500% of the federal poverty level (e.g., $75,300 for a single person in 2024).
- U.S. residency and valid prescription.
- Lack of private insurance coverage or denial from government programs like Medicare Part D.
Patients apply online, by phone (1-888-757-2814), or through a doctor. Approval often happens within days, with free medication shipped to the provider's office.[1][2]
What If You Have Insurance?
BMS provides copay assistance via the Access Support Copay Program:
- Reduces out-of-pocket costs to $0 for eligible commercially insured patients, up to $25,000 annually.
- No income requirements, but excludes government insurance like Medicare.
- Enroll at the BMS Access Support website or app.[1]
Medicare patients can use the BMS Patient Assistance Foundation for free meds if income-qualified, separate from commercial programs.[2]
Other Options for Yervoy Affordability
- Patient Advocate Foundation: Offers co-pay relief and case management for cancer patients on Yervoy through their Copay Relief Program (up to $15,000/year).[3]
- CancerCare: Provides limited financial aid for treatment-related costs, including copays.[4]
- NeedyMeds: Lists Yervoy-specific savings cards and state programs; check for 340B discounts at eligible pharmacies.[5]
Common Patient Questions on Yervoy Costs
Yervoy lists around $24,000 per vial (2024 pricing), with a full melanoma course exceeding $150,000. Assistance covers most cases, but re-enrollment is yearly. Delays can occur if paperwork is incomplete—doctors often handle this.[2][6]
[1]: BMS Access Support
[2]: Yervoy Patient Assistance on Needymeds
[3]: Patient Advocate Foundation Copay Relief
[4]: CancerCare Financial Assistance
[5]: NeedyMeds Yervoy Page
[6]: Drugs.com Yervoy Pricing