Check Patient Assistance Programs
Bristol Myers Squibb, the maker of Yervoy (ipilimumab), offers the Bristol Myers Squibb Access Support program. Eligible patients—typically those with household income up to 5 times the federal poverty level (around $75,000 for a single person in 2024)—can get Yervoy free or at low cost through copay assistance or free medication. Apply online at bmsaccesssupport.com or call 1-888-757-2827. Provide proof of income, insurance details, and a prescription.[1]
Use Copay Cards and Savings Programs
Yervoy has a manufacturer copay card via the Access Support site, reducing out-of-pocket costs to as low as $0 for eligible commercially insured patients (up to $15,000 annually per product). Check eligibility instantly online. For Medicare patients, bridge programs cover gaps until assistance kicks in. GoodRx or SingleCare discount cards can drop cash prices at pharmacies to $20,000-$30,000 per dose (list price ~$38,000), versus full price over $150,000 for a full course.[2][3]
Compare Pharmacy Prices and Discounts
Shop cash-pay options without insurance:
- Use GoodRx.com or SingleCare.com for coupons—search "Yervoy" to compare local pharmacies (e.g., Walmart, CVS).
- Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs lists infused cancer drugs but not Yervoy yet; check for updates.
- Infusion centers like ChemoExperts or specialty pharmacies (e.g., Accredo) often bundle with lower rates for uninsured patients.
| Option | Potential Savings | Notes |
|--------|------------------|-------|
| GoodRx Coupon | 20-50% off cash price | Varies by location; no insurance needed |
| SingleCare | Up to 80% off list | Free card, printable |
| Manufacturer Copay | $0 for eligible | Insurance required |
Prices fluctuate; verify current quotes.[4]
Explore Biosimilars or Generics
No FDA-approved Yervoy biosimilars exist as of 2024—it's under patent until at least 2035 (U.S. Patent No. 9,993,550 expires 2032, with extensions). Challenges from Amgen and others are ongoing, but no generics yet. Monitor FDA approvals for price drops.[5]
When Insurance Falls Short
Appeal denials with prior authorization letters citing NCCN guidelines (Yervoy is category 1 for melanoma). Non-profits like Patient Access Network (panfoundation.org) or CancerCare offer up to $13,000 grants for copays if income is 400-700% FPL. For uninsured, state ADAP programs in some areas cover cancer drugs.[6]
[1]: bmsaccesssupport.com
[2]: GoodRx Yervoy
[3]: DrugPatentWatch Yervoy
[4]: SingleCare Yervoy
[5]: FDA Purple Book
[6]: PAN Foundation