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Can Patients with Medicare Receive Yervoy Discounts?

Understanding Yervoy and Its High Cost

Yervoy, also known as ipilimumab, is a medication used to treat advanced melanoma, a type of skin cancer. It is a type of immunotherapy that works by boosting the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. While Yervoy has been shown to be effective in treating melanoma, it comes with a hefty price tag. The average monthly cost of Yervoy is around $12,000, making it one of the most expensive cancer treatments on the market.

The Challenge of Affordability for Medicare Patients

For patients with Medicare, the high cost of Yervoy can be particularly challenging. Medicare is a government-funded health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities. While Medicare covers many medical expenses, it does not always cover the full cost of expensive medications like Yervoy.

Discount Options for Medicare Patients

So, can patients with Medicare receive Yervoy discounts? The answer is yes, but it may require some effort and research. Here are some options to consider:

Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)

Many pharmaceutical companies, including Bristol-Myers Squibb, the manufacturer of Yervoy, offer patient assistance programs (PAPs) to help eligible patients access their medications at a reduced cost. PAPs typically have income and asset limits, and patients must meet certain eligibility criteria to participate.

Manufacturer Discounts

Bristol-Myers Squibb offers a discount program for Yervoy, which can provide significant savings for eligible patients. The program is called the Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMS PAF), and it provides free or reduced-cost Yervoy to patients who are uninsured or underinsured.

Non-Profit Organizations

Several non-profit organizations, such as the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) and the Cancer Support Community (CSC), offer financial assistance programs for patients taking Yervoy. These programs can help with copays, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket expenses.

Discount Cards and Coupons

Discount cards and coupons can also be a helpful option for Medicare patients. These programs offer discounts on Yervoy and other medications, often in the form of a discount card or coupon. Some popular options include the Blink Health discount card and the GoodRx coupon.

How to Access Yervoy Discounts

To access Yervoy discounts, Medicare patients can start by speaking with their healthcare provider or a patient advocate. They can also visit the manufacturer's website or contact the Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation directly to learn more about the discount programs available.

Additional Tips and Resources

* Patients can also search online for Yervoy discount programs and patient assistance programs using search engines like Google or websites like DrugPatentWatch.com.
* The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers a wealth of information on Yervoy and other cancer treatments, including information on patient assistance programs and financial assistance resources.
* The Medicare website also provides information on patient assistance programs and financial assistance resources for Medicare patients.

Conclusion

While Yervoy is a highly effective treatment for advanced melanoma, its high cost can be a significant burden for Medicare patients. However, there are several options available to help patients access Yervoy at a reduced cost. By exploring patient assistance programs, manufacturer discounts, non-profit organizations, discount cards, and coupons, Medicare patients can find ways to make Yervoy more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the average monthly cost of Yervoy?
The average monthly cost of Yervoy is around $12,000.
2. Does Medicare cover Yervoy?
Medicare may cover some or all of the cost of Yervoy, but it does not always cover the full cost.
3. Are there any patient assistance programs available for Yervoy?
Yes, the manufacturer of Yervoy, Bristol-Myers Squibb, offers a patient assistance program, and there are also several non-profit organizations that offer financial assistance programs for patients taking Yervoy.
4. Can I use a discount card or coupon to get a discount on Yervoy?
Yes, there are several discount cards and coupons available that can help patients save money on Yervoy.
5. How can I access Yervoy discounts?
You can start by speaking with your healthcare provider or a patient advocate, or by visiting the manufacturer's website or contacting the Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation directly.

Cited Sources:

1. Bristol-Myers Squibb. (n.d.). Yervoy (Ipilimumab) Injection. Retrieved from <https://www.bms.com/our-story/our-products/yervoy.html>
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Ipilimumab (Yervoy) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration-date/ipilimumab-yervoy>
3. National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Ipilimumab. Retrieved from <https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy/ipilimumab>
4. Medicare. (n.d.). Patient Assistance Programs. Retrieved from <https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/medicare-basics/patient-assistance-programs>