Opdivo

Indicated For

melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, urothelial carcinoma, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, MSI-H/dMMR cancers

About This Medication

# Bristol Myers Squibb Access Support Patient Guide: How to Get Opdivo (nivolumab) at Low or No Cost Opdivo (nivolumab) is a prescription immunotherapy medication used to treat certain types of cancer, such as melanoma, lung cancer, and kidney cancer. The **Bristol Myers Squibb Access Support** program helps eligible U.S. patients aged 18 and older access Opdivo through options like co-pay assistance for those with commercial insurance or free medication via the independent Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF) for uninsured or underinsured patients meeting financial criteria.[1][2][4][5] ## About Opdivo (nivolumab) **Opdivo** is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that helps your immune system fight cancer cells. It's administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion in a doctor's office or clinic, typically every 2, 3, or 4 weeks depending on your treatment plan. Common side effects include fatigue, rash, itching, diarrhea, and nausea, but it can also cause serious immune-related issues like inflammation of the lungs, intestines, or thyroid—always discuss risks with your doctor.[1] Accessing Opdivo can be expensive without help, with list prices often exceeding $10,000 per dose. That's where **Bristol Myers Squibb Access Support** comes in, offering tailored support based on your insurance and income.[1][3] ## Who Qualifies for the Program? The program has two main paths: 1. **Co-Pay Assistance** (for commercially insured patients): Helps cover deductibles, co-pays, or co-insurance. Can reduce costs to **$0 per dose** (subject to maximum benefits and restrictions). Not available for government insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE.[3][4][7] 2. **Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF)** (for uninsured, underinsured, or those struggling financially): Provides **free medication** for up to 1 year if you meet income and other requirements. Residency in the U.S. is required.[4][5] **Key Eligibility Notes**: - U.S. residents 18+.[1] - Varies by insurance status—no government insurance for co-pay help.[4] - Financial need for free meds via BMSPAF.[4][5] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Specific income thresholds (e.g., Federal Poverty Level or FPL percentages) are **not publicly listed** and determined case-by-case by calling the program. For BMSPAF free medication, proof of income is required, and eligibility is typically for those with household income below certain limits (often 400-500% FPL, but confirm via phone).[4][5] Here's a general guide based on program structure: | Household Size | Estimated Max Income for BMSPAF (Example, Verify by Phone) | Co-Pay Program | |---------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|---------------| | Individual | Case-by-case; often < $50,000/year | Commercial insurance only | | Couple | Case-by-case; often < $65,000/year | Commercial insurance only | | Family of 3 | Case-by-case; often < $80,000/year | Commercial insurance only | | Family of 4+ | Case-by-case; scales with size | Commercial insurance only | *Notes: These are illustrative; exact limits require application review. No fixed FPL% disclosed.[4][5]* ## Insurance Requirements - **Commercial/Private Insurance**: Eligible for co-pay help ($0 co-pay per dose, max benefit applies).[3][4] - **Medicare/Medicaid/TRICARE**: **Not eligible** for co-pay program. Use BMSPAF for free meds if income-qualified.[4] - **Uninsured**: BMSPAF for free supply.[5] - Program offers **benefits investigation** to check coverage, prior auth support, and appeals help.[1][6] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Contact BMS Access Support**: Call **(800) 861-0048** (Mon-Fri, 8 AM-8 PM ET). Have your prescription, insurance details, and income info ready. Spanish/other languages available.[1][6][7] 2. **Choose Your Path**: - Co-Pay: Enroll online at bmscopay.com or fax form (provider signs).[3][4] - Free Meds (BMSPAF): Download form from bmspaf.org, complete with doctor, attach income proof (e.g., tax return, pay stubs), fax to 888-776-2370.[4][5] 3. **Submit Documents**: Income proof for BMSPAF; insurance card for co-pay.[4] 4. **Benefits Review**: Program verifies coverage (often within 24 hours).[6] 5. **Approval**: Notified by phone/mail. Free meds shipped to doctor.[5] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Benefits Review**: Median 24 hours.[6] - **Processing**: Varies; co-pay instant upon approval, BMSPAF 1-2 weeks.[4][5] - **Delivery**: Co-pay card mailed/emailed; free meds to provider's office (not home).[5] - **Duration**: Co-pay per fill (terms apply); BMSPAF 1 year, reapply annually.[4] ## Alternatives if Denied - **Appeal Insurance Denial**: Program helps with prior auth/appeals.[1][6] - **Other Foundations**: Check NeedyMeds, PAN Foundation, or CancerCare for Opdivo grants. - **Patient Access Network (PAN)**: Income-based grants for co-pays. - **Manufacturer Samples**: Ask your doctor. - **Generic/Biosimilars**: None available for Opdivo yet.[ ] - Call program for personalized options.[1] ## Reauthorization and Refills - **Co-Pay**: Automatic per fill while eligible.[3] - **BMSPAF**: Re-enroll yearly; doctor resubmits.[4] ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on publicly available data as of 2026. Eligibility, terms, and benefits can change—**always verify directly with Bristol Myers Squibb Access Support at (800) 861-0048**. Not medical/financial advice. Consult your doctor for treatment decisions. Program intended for U.S. residents 18+; restrictions apply.[1][4][5] *Word count: ~950*

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026