Platinol

Indicated For

Lung cancer, testicular cancer, ovarian cancer

About This Medication

# Bristol Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation (BMSPAF) Patient Guide: How to Get Platinol (cisplatin) at Low or No Cost Platinol (cisplatin) 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 meeting income guidelines.[1][6][8] This guide explains eligibility, application steps, and support options in simple terms to help you access treatment without high costs. ## About Platinol (cisplatin) **Platinol**, known generically as **cisplatin**, is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug that works by damaging cancer cell DNA to stop their growth.[1] It's commonly prescribed for cancers like testicular, ovarian, bladder, lung, and head/neck cancers. Administered intravenously in a hospital or clinic, it requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects such as nausea, kidney issues, hearing loss, and low blood counts. Always follow your doctor's instructions and report side effects promptly. BMSPAF assistance ensures eligible patients receive this critical medication without financial barriers.[1][2] ## Who Qualifies for BMSPAF? BMSPAF is an independent charity helping U.S. patients (including Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) aged 18+ who lack adequate insurance coverage for BMS medications like Platinol.[1][6][8] Key requirements include: - **No or limited prescription coverage** for the medication (uninsured or underinsured).[6][8] - **Household income** at or below specific thresholds, often 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or $75,000 annually, varying by program and household size.[6] - Residency in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or U.S. territories.[6][8] - A valid prescription from a U.S. doctor. Medicare Part D enrollees may qualify via case-by-case appeals if there's significant financial/medical need, but Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) recipients typically do not.[6] Government-insured patients (Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE) are ineligible for BMS co-pay programs but may access BMSPAF.[3][7] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Income limits are needs-based and adjust yearly. For BMSPAF, eligibility often caps at **300% FPL** or **$75,000 household income**, but confirm exacts for Platinol by calling.[6] Use this 2026 FPL table (approximate; verify current guidelines): | Household Size | 100% FPL | 300% FPL (Approx. Max for Eligibility) | |---------------|----------|---------------------------------------| | 1 | $15,060 | $45,180 | | 2 | $20,440 | $61,320 | | 3 | $25,820 | $77,460 | | 4 | $31,200 | $93,600 | | +1 person | +$5,380 | +$16,140 | *Note: Adjusted gross income considered; some programs have per-medication rules.[6][8] Contact 1-800-721-5072 for Platinol-specific thresholds.[2]* ## Insurance Requirements - **Uninsured**: Fully eligible if income-qualified.[6][8] - **Underinsured**: Eligible if insurance doesn't cover Platinol fully.[8] - **Commercial/Private Insurance**: May use separate BMS Co-Pay Program (not BMSPAF) for out-of-pocket help, up to $25,000/year per medication, but not for government insurance.[3][4][5] - **Medicare/Medicaid/TRICARE**: Ineligible for co-pay aid; pursue BMSPAF or independent foundations.[3][6][7] BMS offers benefits investigation to check coverage first.[2][9] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Confirm Eligibility**: Call **1-800-721-5072** (toll-free, U.S. only) or visit www.bmspaf.org to speak with a representative in your language.[1][2] 2. **Gather Documents**: Prepare proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs), prescription, doctor's info, and insurance details (if any).[6][8] 3. **Request Forms**: Call for faxed applications or download from the site; complete two forms (patient assistance + benefits investigation).[6] 4. **Submit**: Fax, mail, or upload as instructed. Physician may need to sign.[6] 5. **Follow Up**: Note confirmation number; expect contact for questions.[1] Applications are free and processed by independent BMSPAF staff.[1] ## Timeline and Delivery Processing takes 2-4 weeks typically, though urgent cases may expedite.[8] Once approved, medication ships free in **90-day supplies** to your doctor's office or home.[8] Coverage lasts up to **12 months**; Medicare patients reapply every January.[8] Track status by calling 1-800-721-5072.[2] ## Alternatives if Denied or Ineligible - **Appeal**: Request review with additional financial/medical proof.[6] - **BMS Co-Pay Card**: For commercial insurance (activate online).[4][5] - **Other Foundations**: BMS connects to independents for government-insured.[3][7] - **State Programs**: Check Medicaid extra help or cancer-specific aid. - **Generic Options**: Discuss cisplatin alternatives with your doctor. - **RxHope or ACCC Guide**: Search broader PAP databases.[5][6] ## Refills and Reauthorization Reapply annually or as coverage expires; approval needed each time.[8] Set reminders to avoid gaps. ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available data as of 2026 and is not official advice.[1][2][6] Eligibility, terms, and availability can change; **always contact BMSPAF at 1-800-721-5072 or your healthcare provider** for personalized, current details. BMSPAF is independent; BMS cannot guarantee aid. Consult your doctor before starting/stopping Platinol. Not legal/financial advice.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026