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Financial Assistance Programs for Yervoy: A Guide for Patients

Yervoy, also known as ipilimumab, is a medication used to treat certain types of skin cancer, including melanoma. While it is a life-saving treatment, it can be expensive, making it challenging for patients to afford. Fortunately, there are financial assistance programs available to help patients cover the cost of Yervoy. In this article, we will explore these programs and provide guidance on how to access them.

What is Yervoy?

Yervoy is a monoclonal antibody that works by boosting the immune system's ability to fight cancer cells. It is used to treat patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, a type of skin cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

The Cost of Yervoy

Yervoy is a costly medication, with a single dose costing around $12,000. The average monthly cost of Yervoy is around $36,000. This can be a significant burden for patients, especially those who are uninsured or underinsured.

Financial Assistance Programs for Yervoy

Fortunately, there are several financial assistance programs available to help patients cover the cost of Yervoy. Here are some of the most common programs:

Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)

PAPs are programs offered by pharmaceutical companies to provide free or low-cost medication to eligible patients. Bristol-Myers Squibb, the manufacturer of Yervoy, offers a PAP called the Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation. This program provides free Yervoy to eligible patients who are uninsured or underinsured.

Co-Pay Assistance Programs

Co-pay assistance programs are designed to help patients cover the out-of-pocket costs of their medication. The Bristol-Myers Squibb Co-Pay Program offers financial assistance to patients who are taking Yervoy and have a high co-pay or deductible.

Charitable Organizations

There are several charitable organizations that provide financial assistance to patients taking Yervoy. The Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition (CFAC) is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to patients with cancer, including those taking Yervoy.

Government Assistance Programs

Government assistance programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare, can also help patients cover the cost of Yervoy. Patients who are eligible for these programs may be able to receive free or low-cost Yervoy.

How to Access Financial Assistance Programs

Accessing financial assistance programs can be a complex and time-consuming process. Here are some steps patients can take to access these programs:

Check Eligibility

The first step is to check eligibility for financial assistance programs. Patients should review the eligibility criteria for each program and ensure they meet the requirements.

Apply for Programs

Once patients have checked their eligibility, they can apply for financial assistance programs. This typically involves filling out an application and providing documentation, such as proof of income and insurance information.

Work with a Patient Advocate

Patients who are having trouble accessing financial assistance programs may want to consider working with a patient advocate. Patient advocates can help patients navigate the application process and ensure they receive the assistance they need.

Conclusion

Yervoy is a life-saving medication that can be expensive, making it challenging for patients to afford. However, there are several financial assistance programs available to help patients cover the cost of Yervoy. By understanding these programs and how to access them, patients can receive the assistance they need to continue their treatment.

FAQs

1. What is the cost of Yervoy?

The cost of Yervoy varies depending on the dose and frequency of treatment. On average, the monthly cost of Yervoy is around $36,000.

2. What financial assistance programs are available for Yervoy?

There are several financial assistance programs available for Yervoy, including patient assistance programs, co-pay assistance programs, charitable organizations, and government assistance programs.

3. How do I access financial assistance programs?

To access financial assistance programs, patients should check their eligibility, apply for programs, and work with a patient advocate if needed.

4. Can I get financial assistance if I am uninsured or underinsured?

Yes, there are financial assistance programs available for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Patients should check the eligibility criteria for each program to see if they qualify.

5. What is the Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation?

The Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation is a patient assistance program offered by the manufacturer of Yervoy. This program provides free Yervoy to eligible patients who are uninsured or underinsured.

Cited Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Ipilimumab (Yervoy) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-8,630,634>
2. Bristol-Myers Squibb. (n.d.). Patient Assistance Programs. Retrieved from <https://www.bms.com/our-company/patient-assistance-programs.html>
3. Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition. (n.d.). Financial Assistance. Retrieved from <https://www.cancerfac.org/financial-assistance/>