Abraxane

Indicated For

breast cancer, NSCLC, pancreatic cancer

About This Medication

# Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Programs Guide: How to Get Abraxane (nab-paclitaxel albumin-bound) at Low or No Cost Abraxane (nab-paclitaxel albumin-bound) is a prescription chemotherapy medication used to treat certain types of cancer, including metastatic breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and in combination with gemcitabine for metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), the manufacturer, offers multiple patient assistance options through **BMS Access Support** to help reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients. These programs primarily include the **BMS Access Support Oncology Co-Pay Assistance Program** for commercially insured patients and referrals to the independent **Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF)** for uninsured or underinsured patients needing temporary help.[1][2][6][8] ## About Abraxane Abraxane is an albumin-bound form of paclitaxel, a taxane chemotherapy drug. Unlike traditional paclitaxel, Abraxane uses nanoparticle albumin-bound technology, which may improve delivery to cancer cells and reduce the need for certain solvents that can cause allergic reactions. It is administered intravenously by a healthcare professional, typically every 3 weeks or weekly depending on the cancer type and treatment plan. Common side effects include low blood cell counts, fatigue, neuropathy, hair loss, nausea, and infections—discuss these with your doctor.[7] BMS is committed to helping patients access Abraxane during their treatment journey, offering support for insurance navigation, co-pay help, and more.[2][4][5] ## Who Qualifies for Assistance? BMS provides **two main pathways** for financial help with Abraxane: 1. **BMS Access Support Oncology Co-Pay Assistance Program** (for **commercially insured** patients): - Must have private/commercial insurance (not government insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE) that covers Abraxane but leaves out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, co-pays, or co-insurance).[3][6][8] - U.S. residents (including Puerto Rico). - For Abraxane, patients pay the first **$25** of the co-pay per dose; BMS covers the rest up to **$25,000 per year per patient per product** (some sources note up to $10,000—confirm current limits by calling).[6][8] - Restrictions apply; eligibility determined after application review.[7][8] 2. **Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF)** (independent charity for uninsured/underinsured): - Helps eligible patients who are uninsured or whose insurance doesn't cover the full cost and need temporary assistance.[1] - Specific income or other eligibility details not publicly detailed online; call for qualification assessment.[1][3] **Government-insured patients** (Medicare, Medicaid, etc.) are **not eligible** for BMS-sponsored co-pay programs but may get referrals to independent foundations via BMS Access Support.[3] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Detailed **federal poverty level (FPL)** thresholds are not specified in program materials for BMSPAF. The co-pay program focuses on insurance type rather than income. Contact BMS at (800) 861-0048 for personalized eligibility, as criteria may include household income verification for foundation assistance.[1][3] | Household Size | Estimated FPL Threshold (Example, Confirm with BMS) | Notes | |---------------|-----------------------------------------------------|-------| | Individual | Not specified; typically 400-500% FPL for similar programs | Call for exacts[1] | | Couple | Not specified | Income-based for BMSPAF[1] | | Family of 3 | Not specified | Temporary help only[1] | | Family of 4 | Not specified | U.S. residents only[6] | Always verify current thresholds, as they adjust annually. ## Insurance Requirements - **Commercial/Private Insurance**: Required for co-pay program; must cover Abraxane partially.[6][8] - **Government Insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE)**: Ineligible for co-pay assistance; BMS can refer to independent charities.[3] - **Uninsured**: Eligible for BMSPAF temporary help.[1] BMS Access Support offers **free benefits reviews** (typically within 24 hours) to check your coverage.[6] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Contact BMS Access Support**: Call **(800) 861-0048** (8 AM-8 PM ET, Mon-Fri) or visit bmsaccesssupport.com. Speak to a Patient Access Specialist for your situation.[2][3][6] 2. **For Co-Pay Assistance**: - Download/print enrollment form for Abraxane from the website (select medication). - Complete and sign with your healthcare provider. - **Fax to 800-822-2496** for Abraxane.[8] - BMS reviews insurance, verifies benefits, and determines eligibility.[8] 3. **For BMSPAF or Other Help**: - Request application via phone; provide proof of income, residency, no insurance or coverage gaps. - Doctor may need to confirm prescription.[1] 4. **Additional Support**: BMS helps with prior authorizations, appeals (if denied coverage), and finding local resources.[5][6] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Benefits Review**: Median 24 hours.[6] - **Co-Pay Approval**: Varies; often quick after faxed application review.[8] - **Medication Delivery**: Abraxane is administered in a clinic/ hospital—assistance covers co-pays at point of service. No direct home delivery mentioned.[2] - Processing times for BMSPAF not specified; expect weeks—call for updates.[1] ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **Appeal Insurance Denial**: BMS assists with appeals process and letters.[6] - **Independent Foundations**: BMS refers to charities for government-insured or other patients.[3] - **Patient Support Groups**: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) PALS for one-on-one help; general resources for treatment prep.[4] - **Other Options**: Check ACCC Cancer Patient Assistance guide or local programs.[6] - Reapply if circumstances change or contact for reverification.[6] ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on publicly available data as of 2026. Programs can change; **always call (800) 861-0048** for the latest details, eligibility, and terms. Not medical advice—consult your doctor. BMS cannot guarantee assistance; independent foundations have separate processes. Restrictions apply to co-pay program.[1][2][3][7][8]

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026