Yervoy (ipilimumab)
Patient Assistance Program Guide — Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF)
Do You Qualify?
Income
Up to $90,360 for a single person
Insurance
Uninsured, underinsured, or Medicare Part D patients who meet specific criteria for lack of coverage.
Residency
Resident of the U.S., Puerto Rico, or U.S. Virgin Islands
Income Limits (600% FPL)
Calculated based on 600% FPL which is typical for BMS oncology patient assistance programs.
Based on 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines.
# A Patient Guide to Getting Yervoy (ipilimumab) Through the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation
---
Who Qualifies for the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF)?
If you have been prescribed Yervoy (ipilimumab) and cannot afford it, the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF) may be able to provide it to you at no cost. For a single-person household, your annual income must be at or below $90,360 to potentially qualify. On the insurance side, the program is designed for patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in Medicare Part D and lack adequate coverage for Yervoy. If you meet the income and insurance criteria, you may be able to receive your medication free of charge, shipped directly to your prescriber's office.
---
About Yervoy (ipilimumab)
Yervoy (ipilimumab) is an immunotherapy medication made by Bristol Myers Squibb. It belongs to a class of drugs called CTLA-4 inhibitors, which work with the immune system. The FDA has approved Yervoy to treat several serious cancers, including melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and pleural mesothelioma. Because Yervoy is a specialty biologic drug administered in a clinical setting, its list price is extremely high — often tens of thousands of dollars per infusion cycle. Without insurance coverage or financial assistance, most patients would not be able to afford it on their own.
---
Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown
The BMSPAF sets income limits based on your household size. The table below shows the maximum annual income allowed to qualify:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $90,360 |
| 2 persons | $122,640 |
| 3 persons | $154,920 |
| 4 persons | $187,200 |
These thresholds are calculated at approximately 600% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is a common standard for Bristol Myers Squibb's oncology assistance programs.
Your income is typically verified using your most recent federal tax return, your last two to three W-2 forms, or three months of recent pay stubs. Bristol Myers Squibb will review whichever documents reflect your current household income most accurately.
If your income is above the limit for your household size, you may not qualify for the free medication program. However, you are not without options. See the "Alternatives If You Don't Qualify" section below for other resources that may still help reduce your costs. It is also worth noting that household size definitions can sometimes include dependents or others who share your home and finances, so it is worth discussing your specific situation when you call the program.
---
Insurance Requirements Explained
Your insurance status plays a major role in whether you qualify. Here is how the program handles different situations:
---
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for free Yervoy through the BMSPAF:
1. Gather your documents before you start. You will need a completed application form signed by both you and your prescribing doctor, proof of household income (most recent tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs), and a valid prescription for Yervoy.
2. Choose your application method. You can apply online, by phone, or by fax.
- Online: Visit the BMS Access Support portal at https://www.bmsaccesssupport.bmscustomerconnect.com/ to submit your application digitally.
- By phone: Call (800) 861-0048 to speak with a program representative who can walk you through the process.
- By fax: Send your completed application and supporting documents to (888) 776-2370.
3. Your prescriber must sign the application. Do not submit the form without both signatures, as incomplete applications will cause delays.
4. Submit your income documentation alongside your application, regardless of which method you choose.
5. Wait for confirmation. Processing typically takes one to two business days once your complete application is received.
6. Follow up if needed. If you applied online, you can check your status through the portal. By phone, you can call (800) 861-0048 to ask about your application status.
---
What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery
Once Bristol Myers Squibb receives your complete application, a decision is typically made within one to two business days. You and your prescriber will be notified of the approval. If approved, Yervoy will be shipped directly to your prescriber's office — not to your home. This is because Yervoy is administered by a healthcare provider, not self-injected. You do not need to do anything special at pickup; your care team will coordinate administration as part of your scheduled appointment.
Keep in mind that approval lasts for one year. You will need to reapply annually to continue receiving assistance. Your prescriber's office or a patient navigator can often help you track when your reauthorization is due.
---
Alternatives If You Don't Qualify
If you do not meet the BMSPAF income or insurance requirements, these options may still help:
1. Biosimilars: There are currently no FDA-approved biosimilar alternatives to Yervoy (ipilimumab). This option is not available at this time.
2. Manufacturer savings card (insured patients): If you have commercial insurance, Bristol Myers Squibb offers a savings card program for Yervoy. Eligible insured patients may be able to reduce their out-of-pocket costs. Visit https://www.yervoy.com/savings-support to learn more and enroll.
3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs): Many states run their own drug assistance programs, especially for Medicare beneficiaries. Eligibility and benefits vary by state. Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor to ask about options in your area.
4. NeedyMeds.org: This free online database at https://www.needymeds.org can help you search for additional patient assistance programs, disease-specific foundations, and other financial resources based on your diagnosis and location.
---
*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 complete application — including the signed form from both you and your doctor, your income documents, and your prescription — a decision is typically made within one to two business days.
Yes, in many cases. Unlike some patient assistance programs that exclude Medicare beneficiaries entirely, the BMSPAF does allow certain Medicare Part D patients to apply if they lack adequate coverage for Yervoy and meet the income requirements. You will need to document your coverage situation when you apply.
No. Because Yervoy is administered by a healthcare provider rather than taken at home, approved medication is shipped directly to your prescriber's office. Your care team will coordinate the infusion as part of your regular treatment schedule.
Yes. The BMSPAF requires annual reauthorization. Your approval is valid for one year, after which you will need to submit a new application with updated income documentation and a current prescription. Your prescriber's office or a patient navigator can help you track your renewal date.
You may not qualify for the free medication program, but you still have options. If you have commercial insurance, a BMS savings card may lower your out-of-pocket costs. You can also search NeedyMeds.org for disease-specific foundations or state assistance programs that might help bridge the gap.
Ready to Apply for Yervoy 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