Posted on 01/05/2026 2:48:50 PM PST by jmaroneps37
A friend is in a financial bind to pay for her Chemo drugs Nivolumad and Ioilimamab any suggestions can be helpful. Her and her Marine veteran husband are in a tough spot. They/ we will pray for you in thanksgiving for any help finding funding. They live in Florida.
1. Drug Manufacturer Financial Assistance
Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) Access Support
• Opdivo and Yervoy co-pay assistance: Helps eligible commercially insured patients pay co-pays or co-insurance, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs to $0 per dose up to certain annual limits. 
• Even if they have Medicare or limited coverage, contacting BMS Access Support and asking about eligibility is worth trying — they offer benefit investigation and help with prior authorizations. 
• Phone (general): 800-861-0048 (often used for co-pay programs) 
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🩺 2. National Nonprofit Assistance Programs
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) – Co-Pay Relief
• Offers direct financial help for co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance for many cancer medications, including nivolumab and ipilimumab if insured and eligible. 
• Phone: 866-512-3861 
CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation
• May provide grants to help pay co-pays/coinsurance for chemotherapy or targeted therapies. 
Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation
• Provides disease-specific financial support for out-of-pocket costs. They also have a Fund Finder tool to check if funding is open for specific needs. 
HealthWell Foundation
• May help with copays, premiums, and deductibles for cancer treatments and related costs. 
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💊 3. Prescription Assistance Programs
Prescription Hope (Florida-based)
• Offers access to certain medications (including nivolumab and ipilimumab) at a set price (~$70/month) as part of their access service — this isn’t insurance, but can dramatically lower drug costs. 
Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT)
• A national search engine that helps match patients to assistance programs based on their medications and financial situation. 
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🏥 4. Local and State Support in Florida
Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation
• Offers financial help for living expenses during cancer treatment (rent, utilities, etc.) so patients can focus on treatment. Help is not direct payment for medical bills but can ease the overall financial burden. 
• The application period is currently open from Dec 23, 2025 to Oct 1, 2026. 
Florida Health Resources
• The Florida Dept. of Health lists tools like the Florida Discount Prescription Drug Card and Medications Assistance Tool to help reduce costs. 
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📋 5. Other Helpful Options
Hospital/Oncology Center Financial Counselors
• Most cancer centers (especially larger ones) have financial navigators or social workers who can help identify:
• charity care
• appeals with insurance
• additional grants
• emergency funding
• This is often the most productive first step because they know programs specific to the hospital and patient’s diagnosis.
Medicaid/Medicare Review
• If she’s uninsured or underinsured, Medicaid eligibility or supplemental Medicare plans can significantly reduce drug costs. A social worker or Patient Advocate can help with this too.
Fundraisers
• Many families find GoFundMe, local community fundraisers, or veteran support groups helpful for immediate needs.
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📞 Action Plan You Can Start Today
1. Call BMS Access Support (for nivolumab/ipilimumab co-pay & benefit help)
2. Contact Patient Advocate Foundation — ask about co-pay relief
3. Apply to PAN Foundation & HealthWell Foundation
4. Register on the Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT)
5. Speak with their oncology clinic’s financial counselor/social worker
6. For living expense help, check Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation now
Have you googled?
And of course please pray for my friends Beth and John.
Yes I have googled - just trying to cover all bases.
Great response and good looking out for your fellow Freepers!
“Yes I have googled - just trying to cover all bases.”
List your finds.
Have they checked with their doctors and medical center?
👍🏻
You are better off if you ignore Texas ‘Tater at all times.
My VA here in AZ really has
Been Great in covering some
Price Meds——your Marines VA?
Ditto.
Contact the drug manufacturer.
I get bouts of pancreaticice Body produces so much bile , it fills your stomach and you will puke a couple of gallons of it. Probably from abusing myself. Now I just smoke alot of weed.
Thank God I don’t need expensive drugs, but I r commend your very helpful research. That’s an incredible list and I’m copying it just in case.
If she is on Medicare please be aware she will not qualify for financial assistance from the drug manufacturer. If not the companies usually have a program to make the drugs more readily available because of financial hardship.
Depending on where she lives there maybe a teaching hospital nearby that does offer financial assistance (again there may be restrictions or outright refusal if she is on Medicare)
She should also consult her oncologist about a less expensive alternative.
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