Opdualag

Indicated For

unresectable or metastatic melanoma

About This Medication

# BMS Access Support Patient Assistance Foundation Patient Guide: How to Get Opdualag (nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw) at Low or No Cost Opdualag (nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw) is a prescription immunotherapy combination used to treat certain types of advanced melanoma in adults and children 12 years and older who weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kg). The **BMS Access Support Patient Assistance Foundation**, run by **Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS)**, helps eligible **uninsured** or **underinsured** patients get Opdualag at little or no cost by providing the medication for free if you meet income and other requirements.[1][2][3] ## Who Qualifies for the Program? This program is designed for patients who can't afford their medications due to financial hardship. **Key eligibility factors include:** - **Residency**: You must live in the United States. - **Insurance status**: Uninsured or underinsured patients qualify for free medication through the foundation. Commercially insured patients may get co-pay help. Government-insured (like Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE) patients are referred to independent foundations.[5][10] - **Doctor's prescription**: A valid prescription from your healthcare provider is required.[1] - **Income limits**: Household income must be at or below **400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**. Specific dollar amounts depend on your household size and are adjusted yearly by the U.S. government.[program data] **About Opdualag**: This drug combines two checkpoint inhibitors—nivolumab and relatlimab—that work together to help your immune system fight melanoma cancer cells. It's given as an intravenous (IV) infusion every 4 weeks at your doctor's office or clinic. Common side effects include fatigue, rash, muscle pain, itching, diarrhea, nausea, and more serious immune-related issues like inflammation of organs. Always discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.[general knowledge; program sources confirm BMS support for Opdualag][2] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Eligibility is based on your **total household income** (before taxes) compared to the **Federal Poverty Level (FPL)**. For 2026, here's a table showing the maximum annual income limits at **400% FPL** (estimates based on standard guidelines; confirm exact current figures via BMS as they update yearly): | Household Size | Max Annual Income (400% FPL) | |----------------|------------------------------| | 1 (Individual) | $60,320 | | 2 (Couple) | $81,760 | | 3 | $103,200 | | 4 | $124,640 | *Add about $21,440 per additional person.* These are guidelines—**call BMS at (800) 861-0048** for your exact threshold, as they verify income with documents like tax returns or pay stubs. Initialing to allow credit checks can speed processing without affecting your credit score.[2][program data] ## Insurance Requirements - **Uninsured**: Fully eligible for free Opdualag via the foundation.[3] - **Underinsured/Commercially insured**: May qualify for co-pay assistance (as low as $0 per month, with caps) or free meds if co-pays are unaffordable.[10] - **Government insurance (Medicare, Medicaid, etc.)**: Not eligible for BMS programs; get referrals to independent foundations. BMS cannot guarantee foundation acceptance.[5][10] Include copies of the front and back of **all insurance cards**. Your doctor must confirm if a Prior Authorization (PA) is on file.[2] ## Step-by-Step Application Process Applying is straightforward with **multiple methods**: online, fax, phone, or mail. Both you and your doctor must sign.[1][6] 1. **Talk to your doctor**: Ask them to prescribe Opdualag and help with enrollment. They complete the provider section (medication details, diagnosis, NPI, etc.).[6] 2. **Gather documents**: - **Proof of income** (e.g., 2025 tax return, W-2s, pay stubs, Social Security award letters). - **Proof of residency** (utility bill, lease). - **Prescription**. - **Insurance info** (cards front/back; note if no insurance).[program data][2] 3. **Enroll**: - **Online**: Visit bmsaccesssupport.com, use MyBMSCases portal or HCP site.[1][6] - **Fax**: Download form for Opdualag/Opdivo products, complete, fax to 1-888-776-2370.[2][6] - **Phone**: Call (800) 861-0048 (8 AM-8 PM ET, Mon-Fri) for help or e-signature at bmsesign.com.[2] - **Foundation-specific**: For uninsured, use bmspaf.org or call 1-800-736-0003.[3][4] 4. **Sign and submit**: Patient signs authorization (e-sign option available). Include all docs. Power of Attorney needed if representative signs.[2] 5. **Benefits review**: BMS reviews insurance and sends a summary.[1] **Tip**: Have patient's full name, DOB, SSN (optional), income, and insurance ready to avoid delays.[6] ## Timeline and Delivery Processing time varies (not specified exactly; typically weeks). Fax/online is fastest—initial credit check speeds it up.[2][6] Once approved, **medication ships free to your home or doctor's office**.[program data] Expect a **benefits summary** soon after submission.[1] Reauthorization is **required yearly**—reapply before expiration.[2][9] ## Alternatives if Denied - **Appeal**: Ask BMS for reasons and resubmit missing info.[1] - **Co-pay program** (if commercial insurance): Up to $0/month for eligible.[10] - **Independent foundations**: BMS refers government-insured or others; they have separate rules.[5] - **State programs**: Check your state's assistance or generic options (no biosimilars listed).[program data] - **Other charities**: Patient Access Network (PAN), HealthWell Foundation—search via Needymeds.org. - **Doctor's samples** or hospital funds. Call (800) 861-0048 for personalized options.[7] ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on publicly available program details as of 2026. **Eligibility, terms, and income limits can change**—always verify with BMS Access Support at (800) 861-0048 or bmspaf.org. BMS makes **no guarantees** of approval, coverage, or foundation acceptance. Consult your doctor for medical advice. Not affiliated with government programs. Word count: 1028.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026