Opdivo

Indicated For

Melanoma, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Renal Cell Carcinoma, Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck, Urothelial Carcinoma, MSI-H or dMMR Colorectal Cancer, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Esophageal Cancer, Gastric Cancer

About This Medication

# Opdivo (Nivolumab) Patient Assistance Guide: Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF) --- ## Who Qualifies for the Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF)? If you have been prescribed Opdivo (nivolumab) and are struggling to afford it, you may qualify to receive it at no cost through the **Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF)**. This program provides free medication directly to eligible patients who meet income and insurance requirements. For a single-person household, the maximum annual income limit is **$90,360**. If your household is larger, the limit is higher — more on that below. To qualify, you must be either uninsured or underinsured, meaning your current coverage does not adequately pay for Opdivo. Patients with Medicare Part D who have been denied coverage or face significant out-of-pocket costs may also be eligible. If you meet these criteria, BMSPAF may be able to help you access this medication at no charge. --- ## About Opdivo (Nivolumab) Opdivo (nivolumab) is a prescription immunotherapy medication made by Bristol Myers Squibb. It belongs to a class of drugs called PD-1 inhibitors. The FDA has approved Opdivo to treat several serious cancers, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, urothelial carcinoma, MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, esophageal cancer, and gastric cancer. Opdivo is administered by infusion, typically in a clinical setting. Without insurance or financial assistance, the annual cost of Opdivo can reach tens of thousands of dollars, placing it out of reach for many patients. The BMSPAF program exists specifically to bridge this gap for those who qualify. --- ## Income Eligibility: Full Breakdown BMSPAF uses an income threshold based on **600% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)** for its oncology medications, including Opdivo. Here is how that breaks down by household size: | Household Size | Max Annual Income | |---|---| | 1 person | $90,360 | | 2 persons | $122,640 | | 3 persons | $154,920 | | 4 persons | $187,200 | If your household has more than four people, the income limit is typically higher — contact BMSPAF directly at **(800) 736-0003** to confirm the threshold for your household size. Income is generally verified using your **most recent federal tax return**, a **W-2 form**, or **three months of recent pay stubs**. The program uses prior-year income as its primary reference point, so if your income has changed significantly this year — for example, due to job loss or a reduction in hours — it is worth speaking with a program representative about how that may affect your application. If your income is above the listed limits, you may not qualify for the free medication program. However, other options may still be available to you. See the "Alternatives If You Don't Qualify" section at the end of this guide. --- ## Insurance Requirements Explained Your current insurance situation plays a major role in determining your eligibility. Here is how different coverage scenarios are handled: - **If you are uninsured:** You may qualify directly for free Opdivo through BMSPAF. Being uninsured is one of the clearest paths to eligibility, provided you also meet the income requirements. - **If you have Medicare Part D:** You may still qualify. BMSPAF accepts patients with Medicare Part D who have been denied coverage for Opdivo or who face significant out-of-pocket costs that make the medication unaffordable. Medicare alone does not disqualify you. - **If you have private insurance that covers less than 50% of the cost:** You may qualify as "underinsured." If your plan leaves you with large copays or does not cover Opdivo adequately, BMSPAF may consider you eligible. Bring documentation of your denial or cost-sharing details when you apply. - **If you have Medicaid:** Patients with full Medicaid coverage are generally not eligible for BMSPAF assistance, since Medicaid is expected to cover the medication. If your Medicaid plan has denied coverage, contact BMSPAF to discuss your specific situation. --- ## Step-by-Step: How to Apply Follow these steps to apply for free Opdivo through BMSPAF: 1. **Gather your documents.** You will need: a completed application form (with both patient and prescriber signatures), proof of income (most recent tax return, W-2, or three months of pay stubs), your insurance card(s) if you have coverage, and proof of residency such as a utility bill or government-issued ID. 2. **Get your prescriber involved.** Your doctor or their office staff must sign the application. Many oncology practices are familiar with BMSPAF and can help initiate the process. Ask your care team to assist. 3. **Choose your application method.** You can apply: - **Online** at [https://www.bmspaf.org/](https://www.bmspaf.org/) - **By phone** at **(800) 736-0003** - **By fax** at **(888) 776-2370** 4. **Submit all required documents** along with the completed application. Incomplete applications will delay processing, so double-check that all fields are filled and all signatures are included. 5. **Wait for a decision.** BMSPAF typically processes applications within **2 to 3 business days** of receiving a complete application. 6. **Receive confirmation.** Once approved, you and your prescriber's office will be notified. Your prescriber's office will coordinate receipt of the medication. --- ## What to Expect: Timeline and Delivery Once BMSPAF receives your completed application, expect a decision within **2 to 3 business days**. Approval notification is typically sent to both the patient and the prescriber's office. Opdivo will be **shipped directly to your prescriber's office** — not to your home. Your care team will contact you to schedule your infusion appointment when the medication arrives. You do not need to pick up or handle the medication yourself. Your approval is valid for **one year**. Before that period ends, you will need to **reauthorize your enrollment** by submitting updated income documentation and a renewed application. Your prescriber's office may help coordinate this. Plan ahead so there is no gap in your medication supply when renewal time approaches. --- ## Alternatives If You Don't Qualify If you do not meet BMSPAF's eligibility requirements, here are other options worth exploring: **Biosimilars:** As of the time this guide was written, there are **no FDA-approved biosimilar versions of Opdivo** available in the United States. This means there is currently no lower-cost biosimilar alternative to consider. **Manufacturer savings card (for insured patients):** If you have commercial insurance and do not qualify for the free medication program, Bristol Myers Squibb offers a **co-pay support program** for Opdivo. You can learn more and enroll at [https://www.opdivo.com/patient/financial-support/co-pay-support](https://www.opdivo.com/patient/financial-support/co-pay-support). This option is not available to patients with government insurance such as Medicare or Medicaid. **State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs):** Many states offer their own programs that help residents pay for prescription drugs. Eligibility and benefits vary by state. Contact your state health department or ask your social worker for details. **NeedyMeds.org:** This free, independent database at [https://www.needymeds.org](https://www.needymeds.org) lists hundreds of patient assistance programs, disease-specific funds, and co-pay assistance options. It is a helpful resource if you are looking for additional support. --- > *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.* ---

Program information last verified: February 27, 2026