Abecma

Indicated For

relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma

About This Medication

# Cell Therapy 360 Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel) at Low or No Cost Abecma (idecabtagene vicleucel) is a specialized CAR T cell therapy used to treat adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least four prior lines of therapy. The **Cell Therapy 360 Patient Assistance Program** from **Bristol Myers Squibb** helps eligible patients—those who are uninsured or have insurance that excludes coverage for CAR T cell therapy—access Abecma at low or no cost based on financial need.[1][5] ## About Abecma and CAR T Cell Therapy Abecma is a groundbreaking **chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy**. It works by collecting your T cells (a type of immune cell), genetically modifying them in a lab to target cancer cells, and infusing them back into your body to fight multiple myeloma—a blood cancer that affects plasma cells.[5] This one-time treatment is administered at a certified treatment center after a process involving cell collection (leukapheresis), manufacturing, and infusion, followed by close monitoring. **Why assistance matters**: Abecma can be very expensive, often exceeding $400,000 before insurance. The Cell Therapy 360 program provides **personalized support**, including financial help for those without coverage, plus logistical aid like transportation, lodging, and meals for eligible patients and caregivers.[1][5] ## Who Qualifies? Eligibility focuses on **financial need** and **insurance status**, not strict income limits. You may qualify if: - You are **uninsured** or **underinsured** (your insurance denies or excludes coverage for the CAR T cell therapy product itself). - You demonstrate **financial need** (program is needs-based; contact them for assessment).[program details] **Key exclusions for financial support**: The copay program is **not available** for patients on Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA, or other federal/state programs. It covers only out-of-pocket costs for the Abecma product, not provider fees or other treatments.[1][5] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown This program does **not use fixed income thresholds** like Federal Poverty Level (FPL) percentages. Instead, it's **needs-based**: Bristol Myers Squibb evaluates your financial situation individually. No specific limits for individuals, couples, or families are published—call **(888) 805-4555** to discuss your circumstances.[program details][1] For reference, here's a general table of common patient assistance structures (this program differs as needs-based): | Household Size | Typical FPL % (Other Programs) | Cell Therapy 360 | |----------------|--------------------------------|-------------------| | Individual | 400-500% | Needs-based; no fixed limit | | Couple | 400-500% | Needs-based; no fixed limit | | Family of 3 | 400-500% | Needs-based; no fixed limit | | Family of 4 | 400-500% | Needs-based; no fixed limit | **Notes**: Provide proof of income, expenses, and insurance denial. Program reserves right to change terms.[1] ## Insurance Requirements - **Uninsured**: Fully eligible if financial need is shown.[program details] - **Underinsured**: Insurance must **exclude coverage for the CAR T product** (e.g., denial for Abecma specifically). Commercial insurance may qualify for copay help, but government programs do not.[1][5][program details] - **Process**: Your certified treatment center or doctor verifies coverage/denial before enrollment.[1] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Get Prescribed**: Talk to a doctor at a **certified CAR T treatment center**. They determine if Abecma is right and start enrollment in Cell Therapy 360.[1][5] 2. **Contact Program**: Call **(888) 805-4555** (press 1 for patient support, available 24/7). You'll be assigned a **Patient Support Navigator** for personalized guidance.[1][5] 3. **Submit Documents**: Complete the **enrollment form**. Additional items may include proof of income, insurance denial letter, and financial details. Upload via https://celltherapy360uploads.iassist.com or fax to 1-866-588-6829.[1] 4. **Assessment**: Program reviews financial need and insurance status (multiple application methods available).[program details] 5. **Approval**: If approved, Abecma ships **directly to your authorized treatment center**.[program details] **Tip**: Enrollment often begins via your healthcare provider. Act quickly—manufacturing takes weeks.[1] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing Time**: Varies; not specified—call for estimates. Cell collection to infusion typically takes 4-6 weeks, plus monitoring.[5] - **Delivery**: Product ships to your **certified treatment center** for infusion. No direct home delivery.[program details] - **Full Journey Support**: Navigator helps with logistics (transport, lodging, meals) from collection to post-infusion.[1][5] ## Alternatives if Denied - **Appeal**: Contact your navigator to discuss reasons and resubmit info.[1] - **Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF)**: Independent charity for temporary help with BMS meds if eligible (uninsured/low-income).[9] - **Other Resources**: Program lists nationwide organizations for additional aid (independent, not endorsed).[1] - **State/Local Programs**: Check regional assistance; certified centers can guide on payer appeals.[7] - **No Biosimilars**: Abecma has **no biosimilar alternatives**.[program details] ## Additional Support Beyond finances, Cell Therapy 360 offers: - **24/7 Navigator**: Answers questions via phone/text.[5] - **Logistics**: Travel, housing, meals for eligible patients/caregivers.[1][5] **Word count: ~950** ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on available program details as of latest info. Eligibility, terms, and availability can change; Bristol Myers Squibb may amend/revoke without notice. Always contact **(888) 805-4555** for personalized advice. Not medical/financial advice—consult your doctor and advisor. Program not for government-insured patients.[1][5][program details]

Program information last verified: March 25, 2026