Opdualag (nivolumab/relatlimab)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF)
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $90,360 for a single person
Insurance
Must be uninsured or underinsured (e.g., Medicare Part B without supplemental coverage, or patients whose commercial insurance has denied coverage).
Residency
U.S. resident with valid address (including Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands)
Income Limits (600% FPL)
Calculated at 600% FPL, which is the standard threshold for BMS oncology products.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# A Patient Guide to Getting Opdualag (nivolumab/relatlimab) Through the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation
---
Who Qualifies for the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF)?
If you have been prescribed Opdualag for unresectable or metastatic melanoma and cannot afford it, you may be able to get it at no cost through the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF). This program is designed specifically for patients who are uninsured or whose insurance does not adequately cover their treatment. For a single-person household, the income limit is $90,360 per year. To qualify on the insurance side, you must be either uninsured or underinsured — meaning your current coverage leaves you with costs you cannot reasonably manage. If you meet both the income and insurance requirements, BMSPAF may be able to supply your Opdualag at no charge.
---
About Opdualag (nivolumab/relatlimab)
Opdualag is a prescription medication made by Bristol Myers Squibb that combines two monoclonal antibodies — nivolumab and relatlimab — in a single intravenous infusion. It belongs to a class of drugs known as PD-1 and LAG-3 inhibitors, which work by targeting proteins involved in the immune system's response to cancer cells. Opdualag is FDA-approved for adults and children 12 years of age and older with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Because it is a specialty biologic drug administered in a clinical setting, the list price can reach tens of thousands of dollars per treatment cycle, making out-of-pocket costs unmanageable for many patients without financial assistance. No FDA-approved biosimilar version of Opdualag is currently available.
---
Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
BMSPAF sets its income limits at 600% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is the standard threshold the foundation uses for oncology products. The table below shows the maximum annual income allowed based on household size:
| Household Size | Max Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $90,360 |
| 2 persons | $122,640 |
| 3 persons | $154,920 |
| 4 persons | $187,200 |
Your household size includes everyone who lives with you and shares financial resources, including a spouse or dependents. Income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040 or W-2) or three months of recent pay stubs if your income has changed since last year.
If your income is above these limits, you will not qualify for the foundation program. However, you are not out of options. The "Alternatives" section below covers other resources that may help, including a manufacturer savings card if you have commercial insurance.
---
Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays an important role in determining whether you qualify for BMSPAF. Here is how each situation is handled:
---
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm you meet the basic requirements.
Review the income table and insurance criteria above before you begin. Gathering documents before starting your application will save time.
Step 2: Collect your required documents.
You will need:
Step 3: Complete the application.
You can apply in one of three ways:
Step 4: Have your prescriber complete their section.
Your doctor's office must sign and submit their portion of the application. If you are applying online, let your care team know so they can complete this promptly.
Step 5: Submit and wait for confirmation.
Once the full application is received, processing typically takes 2 to 3 business days. A program representative will notify you or your doctor's office of the decision.
---
What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
After your completed application is submitted, BMSPAF typically processes it within 2 to 3 business days. You or your prescriber's office will receive confirmation of approval. If approved, Opdualag will be shipped directly to your prescriber's office — not to your home. Your care team will coordinate with you on scheduling your infusion appointment. You do not need to pick up or transport the medication yourself.
Approval through BMSPAF is not permanent. You will need to reapply annually to continue receiving the medication at no cost. Your care team or the BMSPAF program staff will typically notify you when renewal is due. Keep your income documents current so the reauthorization process goes smoothly.
---
Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not qualify for BMSPAF, consider these options:
Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar versions of Opdualag (nivolumab/relatlimab). This option is not available at this time.
Manufacturer savings card (for insured patients): If you have commercial insurance, Bristol Myers Squibb offers a savings card program for Opdualag that may reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Visit https://www.opdualag.com/patient/support/financial-support to learn more and check your eligibility.
State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states offer programs that help residents pay for prescription drugs, especially for cancer treatment. Eligibility and benefits vary by state. Contact your state's health department or insurance commissioner's office for details.
NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database at https://www.needymeds.org lists hundreds of assistance programs by drug name, condition, and state. It is a helpful starting point if you are exploring all available options.
---
*This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Eligibility determinations are made solely by Bristol Myers Squibb. Program terms may change — verify current requirements at [https://www.bms.com/patient-and-caregiver-support/patient-assistance-foundation.html](https://www.bms.com/patient-and-caregiver-support/patient-assistance-foundation.html) before applying.*
---
Documents You'll Need
If You Don't Qualify for the Assistance Program
Manufacturer Savings Card (for insured patients)
Bristol Myers Squibb offers a savings card that may reduce your out-of-pocket cost if you have commercial insurance. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist for current savings card details.
Common Questions
Once Bristol Myers Squibb receives your completed application — including both the patient and prescriber sections along with your income documents — processing typically takes 2 to 3 business days. Applying online at https://www.bmspaf.org is usually the fastest method.
No. If your application is approved, Opdualag will be shipped directly to your prescriber's office. Your care team will contact you to schedule your infusion appointment. You do not need to arrange pickup or transport of the medication.
Your household income is based on the total income of everyone in your household, not just your individual earnings. If you filed jointly, the combined income on your tax return will be used to determine eligibility. A two-person household may qualify with a combined annual income of up to $122,640.
If your income exceeds the BMSPAF threshold, you will not qualify for the foundation program. However, if you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible for the Opdualag savings card at https://www.opdualag.com/patient/support/financial-support. You can also search for additional assistance through NeedyMeds.org or your state's pharmaceutical assistance program.
Approval through BMSPAF must be renewed annually. Each year, you will need to submit an updated application with current income documentation. Your prescriber's office will also need to reauthorize their portion. It is a good idea to start the renewal process before your current approval period ends to avoid any gap in receiving your medication.
Ready to Apply for Opdualag Assistance?
RX Advantages handles the entire Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF) application on your behalf — paperwork, physician coordination, and refill tracking. It takes about 15 minutes to get started.
No SSN required on the web form · From $49.95/month