Paraplatin

Indicated For

ovarian cancer, lung cancer

About This Medication

# Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF) Patient Guide: How to Get Paraplatin (carboplatin) at Low or No Cost Paraplatin (carboplatin) is a chemotherapy medication used to treat various cancers, and the **Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF)** provides it free to eligible uninsured or underinsured patients in the US who meet financial criteria.[1][5][6] This independent charitable program offers temporary help with BMS medicines like Paraplatin for those struggling financially.[1][2] ## About Paraplatin (carboplatin) **Paraplatin**, the brand name for **carboplatin**, is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug administered intravenously in a hospital or clinic setting to treat cancers such as ovarian, lung, head and neck cancers.[8] It works by interfering with cancer cell DNA to stop their growth and division. As a generic drug, it's widely used, but costs can be high without insurance—often thousands per treatment cycle. BMSPAF helps by supplying it free to qualified patients, shipped to your doctor's office.[6][8] ## Who Qualifies? BMSPAF is for **US residents 18+** (including Puerto Rico) who are **uninsured, underinsured, or have Medicare/Medicaid** but face high costs, and meet **income guidelines**.[1][5][6][8] You must have a valid prescription from a US-licensed doctor. The program targets those 'struggling to make ends meet' without prescription coverage for BMS meds.[2] Government insurance patients can't use co-pay programs but may qualify for BMSPAF free meds.[3] **Key eligibility:** - No full insurance coverage for the med. - Financial need based on household income. - Not for commercially insured with co-pay help eligibility (use BMS Access Support instead).[4] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Specific thresholds aren't publicly listed per drug and vary; BMSPAF requires financial docs to verify.[6][8] Generally, it's needs-based, often up to 400-500% Federal Poverty Level (FPL), but confirm via application as rules change.[6] Here's a general example table based on typical PAPs (exact BMSPAF limits need doctor/program verification): | Household Size | Max Annual Income (est. 400% FPL) | |----------------|----------------------------------| | 1 (Individual) | $60,240 | | 2 (Couple) | $81,760 | | 3 | $103,280 | | 4 | $124,800 | *Add ~$21,520 per extra person. Notes: Income includes all sources; assets may be reviewed. Medicare patients reapply yearly.[6][8] Contact program for Paraplatin-specific limits.[1]* ## Insurance Requirements - **Uninsured/underinsured**: Primary candidates—no insurance or insufficient coverage.[1][8] - **Medicare/Medicaid/TRICARE**: Eligible for free meds via BMSPAF (not co-pay programs).[3][8] - **Commercial insurance**: Use BMS Access Support co-pay first ($0 co-pay possible, max $15K/year); if ineligible, try BMSPAF.[2][4][7] BMS helps check coverage via benefits investigation.[2] Program ships to doctor's office, not pharmacy.[6] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Get prescription**: Ask your doctor for Paraplatin Rx on official letterhead with diagnosis/dosage.[6] 2. **Download/check form**: Visit **bmspaf.org** or call **1-800-736-0003** for application and med list (confirm Paraplatin availability).[1][5][6] 3. **Fill completely**: Patient info, doctor details, finances. Doctor signs; patient signs consent.[6] 4. **Gather docs**: Proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs, W-2s), residency, no insurance proof. More if requested.[6][8] 5. **Submit**: Mail/fax to BMSPAF or as instructed. Incomplete apps delay.[6] 6. **Wait for approval**: If ok, 90-day supply ships to doctor's office.[6] **Phone support**: 1-800-736-0003 (refills too).[6] Spanish/other languages available.[2] ## Timeline and Delivery Processing: Varies, but complete apps process faster—expect 2-4 weeks typically for PAPs.[6] Once approved, **90-day supply** ships to **healthcare provider's office** (not home/PO Box usually).[6][8] Initial approval covers up to 1 year; refills easy by phone after 60 days (up to 3x 90-day).[6] Reapply yearly, or Jan for Medicare.[8] ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **BMS Access Support**: Co-pay card for commercial insurance ($0/month possible).[4][7] - **RxHope/panfoundation.org**: Search other foundations.[6] - **State programs/340B clinics**: Ask doctor. - **Generics/biosimilars**: Carboplatin is generic; no listed biosimilars.[8] - **NeedyMeds/Partnership for Prescription Assistance**: Free search tools. If income slightly over, appeal with updated docs or try independent charities BMS lists.[3] ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on public sources as of 2026; **program details change—always verify with BMSPAF**.[1][6] Not medical/financial advice. Eligibility not guaranteed; BMS can't ensure aid.[3] Consult doctor/pharmacist. Rules subject to change without notice.[6] Word count: ~950.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026