Revlimid (lenalidomide)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $90,360 for a single person
Insurance
Must be uninsured, underinsured, or have Medicare Part D and be ineligible for the Low Income Subsidy (LIS). Commercial insurance patients are generally directed to co-pay assistance.
Residency
Must reside in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or U.S. Virgin Islands
Income Limits (600% FPL)
Calculations based on 600% FPL, which is the standard threshold for BMS oncology products; some exceptions may apply based on total household medical expenses.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# A Patient Guide to Getting Revlimid (Lenalidomide) Through the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation
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Who Qualifies for the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation?
If you need Revlimid (lenalidomide) but cannot afford it, you may be able to get it at no cost through the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMS PAF). This program is designed for patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in Medicare Part D without access to the Low Income Subsidy (LIS). For a single-person household, the income limit is $90,360 per year. In general, you must not have commercial insurance that adequately covers Revlimid — patients with private insurance that covers most of the cost are typically directed to a separate co-pay card program instead. If you meet the income and insurance requirements, you may qualify to receive Revlimid shipped directly to your home at no charge.
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About Revlimid (Lenalidomide)
Revlimid (lenalidomide) is an immunomodulatory agent (IMiD) manufactured by Bristol Myers Squibb. It is FDA-approved to treat several blood-related cancers, including multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and marginal zone lymphoma. Because of its complex manufacturing process, specialized distribution requirements, and required safety monitoring program (called REMS), Revlimid carries a very high list price — often exceeding $20,000 per month — placing it out of reach for many patients without insurance or financial help. The BMS Patient Assistance Foundation exists specifically to help eligible patients access this medication without paying that full cost.
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Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The BMS Patient Assistance Foundation uses 600% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) as its standard income threshold for Revlimid. Your household size determines the maximum income allowed:
| Household Size | Max Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $90,360 |
| 2 persons | $122,640 |
| 3 persons | $154,920 |
| 4 persons | $187,200 |
Income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040) or, if your income has changed recently, three months of recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, or 1099 statements.
If your income is above these limits, you may not automatically be disqualified. BMS may consider total household medical expenses when reviewing borderline cases, so it is still worth applying or calling the program directly at (800) 736-0003 to ask about exceptions.
If your household size is larger than four people, the income limit increases with each additional person. Contact the program directly to confirm the threshold for your specific situation.
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Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a major role in whether you qualify for this program. Here is how each situation is handled:
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply
1. Gather your documents before you start.
You will need: your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040), proof of income (W-2, 1099, or recent pay stubs), a signed physician attestation, your prescription details for Revlimid, and confirmation of your REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) enrollment. Your doctor's office can help with the physician attestation and REMS confirmation.
2. Choose your application method.
You can apply in one of three ways:
3. Have your prescriber complete their section.
Your physician must sign an attestation confirming your diagnosis, your prescription, and your medical need. Many patients find it easiest to have their oncologist's office coordinate this step.
4. Submit all documents together.
Incomplete applications cause delays. Make sure every required item is included before submitting.
5. Wait for a decision.
Processing typically takes 2 to 3 business days once all documents are received.
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What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
After submitting a complete application, most patients receive a decision within 2 to 3 business days. If approved, BMS will notify you and your prescriber. Revlimid is shipped directly to your home — you do not need to pick it up from a pharmacy or your doctor's office. Make sure someone is available to receive the shipment, as Revlimid requires special handling.
Approval through the BMS PAF lasts for one year. Before your approval period ends, you will need to reauthorize your enrollment. This means resubmitting updated income documentation and a renewed physician attestation. Your care team or a patient advocate can help you track this deadline so your medication supply is not interrupted.
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Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not qualify for the BMS PAF program, you still have options:
1. Generic lenalidomide (biosimilar alternative): A generic version of lenalidomide is available and may be significantly less expensive than brand-name Revlimid. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether the generic is appropriate for your treatment plan.
2. Revlimid Co-Pay Card (insured patients): If you have commercial insurance, you may qualify for the Revlimid savings card, which helps reduce your out-of-pocket co-pay costs. Apply at https://www.revlimid.com/commercial-copay-card.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAP): Many states run their own drug assistance programs, especially for seniors. Search your state's health department website or ask your social worker for local options.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free, independent database lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, co-pay help funds, and disease-specific foundations. Visit https://www.needymeds.org to search by drug name or condition.
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*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.*
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Documents You'll Need
If You Don't Qualify for the Assistance Program
Biosimilar / Generic Alternatives
FDA-approved alternatives to Revlimid: lenalidomide generic. Ask your prescriber if one of these is clinically appropriate for your condition.
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 complete application with all required documents, the processing time is typically 2 to 3 business days. Missing documents are the most common cause of delays, so make sure your income proof, tax return, physician attestation, prescription details, and REMS confirmation are all included before you submit.
It may. Medicare Part D patients can qualify for the BMS Patient Assistance Foundation as long as they are not receiving the Low Income Subsidy (LIS), also known as 'Extra Help.' If you do receive LIS, the program may not be available to you, since LIS is designed to reduce drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries. Call (800) 736-0003 to discuss your specific Medicare situation.
REMS stands for Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy. Because of known risks associated with lenalidomide, the FDA requires that all patients taking Revlimid be enrolled in a safety monitoring program before receiving the medication. Your prescribing doctor will handle REMS enrollment. You will need proof of this enrollment as part of your BMS PAF application. Your oncologist's office can provide this documentation.
Yes. Approval through the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation is valid for one year. Before that period ends, you will need to reauthorize your enrollment by submitting updated income documents and a renewed physician attestation. It is a good idea to start the reauthorization process at least 30 days before your approval expires to avoid any gap in your medication supply.
Yes, it may be worth applying or calling the program. The BMS Patient Assistance Foundation may consider total household medical expenses when reviewing applications from patients who are close to the income limit. There is no cost to apply, and a program representative at (800) 736-0003 can help you understand whether an exception might apply to your situation.
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